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Beware Of What You Don't Know In Negotiations

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

What They HideNegotiations between buyers and sellers can be tricky. They can be delicate to get to a hammered out contract, work through some amendments and get to the closing table. You would HOPE both sides negotiate in GOOD FAITH. Not always though, and they don't show all their cards (naturally). So as a caution,

Beware Of What You Don't Know In Negotiations.

My dramatic graphic to go with this post does not really mean they want to kill you, or stab you in the back despite their smiling face. Mainly THEY WILL DEFEND THEIR INTEREST and your interest really doesn't come first of mind to them. They may be marginally qualified and the deal falls apart at the end due to money. YOU may really want the house BAD and will even PAY MORE for it but don't want to tell them. Within the bounds of protecting confidentiality agents can learn about the other party from each agent, and what it will take to get a deal done. Look for non verbal signs like impatience, intolerance, poor communication, anger, and tie it back to some FACT. Is this a divorce or estate sale and they want to sell FAST?

Lots going on behind the smiling face mask.

Lisa Friedman
Great American Dream Realty - Essex, VT
35 Years of Real Estate Experience!

Wow Gary, that is a very powerful graphic that speaks volumes. You don't always know what you don't know.

Jul 24, 2013 05:48 AM
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Gary,

I must admit the picture is pretty telling.  Good advice especially for new home buyers.

have a great night

Rob

Jul 24, 2013 06:25 AM
Kathy Schowe
California Lifestyle Realty - La Quinta, CA
La Quinta, California 760-333-8886

Hopefully not all negotiations are ominous or have hidden agendas.  Sometimes a negotiation is just a negotiation. K

Jul 24, 2013 06:53 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I tend to back away from those I sense might be witholding anything important from me.

Jul 24, 2013 07:31 AM
Carol Culkin
Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Residential Real Estate

Yes Gary, it is also very important that agents act professional and non-emotional too. Often, buyers and sellers select an agent based on their assertive personality and having faith that they have a pit bull Realtor looking out for them. I have seen where sellers have taken lower offers in a bidding war based on the way the buyer or the agent might have rocked the boat a little too much.

Jul 24, 2013 07:53 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

There is a saying about be careful of those that smile to your face and stab you in the back when you aren't looking

Jul 24, 2013 07:55 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Gary, I take everything on Faith...when it is down in writing of course.

Jul 24, 2013 08:33 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Ask the questions to uncover what you don't know. Unfortunately sometimes we have to read between the lines and make assumptions that could be wrong if the parties aren't honest with us.

Jul 24, 2013 09:42 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Agents get paid to represent their principals and you always hope to get it done without maiming anyone in the process.

Jul 24, 2013 03:05 PM
Petra Norris
Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc. - Lakeland, FL
Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale

Gary - outstanding post with outstanding comments which are so true.  Every deal is different and I ditto Debbie's comment about reading between the lines :)

Jul 24, 2013 11:37 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Each of the negotiators in the graphic are ready to carve out their terms.  Exactly how the practice of shaking hands came about in the first place.  Hold on tight Gary! 

Jul 25, 2013 01:52 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Another great post, Gary. Good warning for home buyers and their agents.

Jul 27, 2013 02:50 AM