 |
I have been told many times, "Chrissi, get me the best deal you can on a house." To some, that may mean getting it for the best price, or having closing costs paid. There are many important elements to a deal that go beyond the price tag.
I'm closing on a house next week that has been extensively remodeled. Everything major in the home is a few years old- heating, cooling, sump pumps, new kitchen and baths, and floors. It was impeccably maintained. It is in a highly desired school district and one of the few of it's kind on the market. I suggested a full price offer because after a day on the market, it was going to sell quickly and was priced competitively. For the price, the condition of the home, and the location, it was a great deal.
 |
Another time, I was able to negotiate a huge price reduction and all closing costs paid on a brand new construction. It was the last in the neighborhood, finished, and it was Thanksgiving. The builder was only too happy to sell. Knowing how a builder would think worked to my advantage and the best deal was had.
I've had clients in multiple offer situations many times, and in some cases I have been fortunate to win more than a few of them. In those instances, sometimes it meant offering a little more, giving up concessions, and tightening the moving date, but the ultimate goal of getting the house made it the best deal.
Sometimes, the best deal is the offer someone gives you. I priced a home that I believed was too high to start with, but my client wanted to try. After months with no bites, an offer did come in, significantly lower than what was wanted. At that time, the market had come to a halt and the holidays were around the corner, and they were getting ready to vacate.
 |
The thing to keep in mind when it's time for you and your Realtor to sit down and discuss an offer is to keep your eye on the prize. Sure, no one wants to overpay for a house. We know your neighbor bought their house and had all their closing costs paid, and your aunt got a new dishwasher in the deal, and we really wish we could do the same for you. However, every transaction is different and sometimes the price the seller is asking for is such a great price that I wouldn't suggest offering less. Other times, based on the comps I look up, or other homes we've seen in the neighborhood suggest a lower offer may be doable. In some cases, a house may be priced a little low, and knowing there are other offers means a higher than asking price.
The best deal is not the one where you lose the house, or insult the sellers who will refuse to work with your offer. Submitting multiple offers because they are not strong enough is very frustrating, and I have had clients take a hiatus from house-hunting until they felt ready again. That's when they were ready to go out and search for the best deal.
At all times, think "at what price will I be very upset if I don't get the house?" Don't lose out on a home you love because you don't think you got the best deal.
 |
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Re/Max Real Estate Connections
Haymarket, VA
Comments(10)