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Keep Your Emotions in Check - How To Negotiate Your Best House Buy!

By
Real Estate Agent with Broker/Owner, Keller Williams 100000008

Keep your emotions in check and your eyes on the goal, and you’ll pay less when purchasing a home.

 

Buying a home can be emotional, but negotiating the price shouldn’t be. The key to saving money when purchasing a home is sticking to a plan during the turbulence of high-stakes negotiations. A real estate agent who represents you can guide you and offer you advice, but you are the one who must make the final decision during each round of offers and counter offers.

 

 

Here are six tips for negotiating the best price on a home.

 

1. Get prequalified for a mortgage

Getting prequalified for a mortgage proves to sellers that you’re serious about buying and capable of affording their home. That will push you to the head of the pack when sellers choose among offers; they’ll go with buyers who are a sure financial bet, not those whose financing could flop.

 

2. Ask questions - and write them down before you forget them!

Ask your agent for information to help you understand the sellers’ financial position and motivation. Are they facing foreclosure or a short sale? Have they already purchased a home or relocated, which may make them eager to accept a lower price to avoid paying two mortgages? Has the home been on the market for a long time, or was it just listed? Have there been other offers? If so, why did they fall through? The more signs that sellers are eager to sell, the lower your offer can reasonably go.

 

3. Work back from a final price to determine your initial offer

Know in advance the most you’re willing to pay, and with your agent work back from that number to determine your initial offer, which can set the tone for the entire negotiation. A too-low bid may offend sellers emotionally invested in the sales price; a too-high bid may lead you to spend more than necessary to close the sale. 

Work with your agent to evaluate the sellers’ motivation and comparable home sales to arrive at an initial offer that engages the sellers yet keeps money in your wallet.

 

4. Avoid contingencies

Sellers favor offers that leave little to chance. Keep your bid free of complicated contingencies, such as making the purchase conditional on the sale of your current home. Do keep contingencies for mortgage approval, home inspection, and environmental checks typical in your area, like radon.

 

5. Remain unemotional

Buying a home is a business transaction, and treating it that way helps you save money. Consider any movement by the sellers, however slight, a sign of interest, and keep negotiating. 

Each time you make a concession, ask for one in return. If the sellers ask you to boost your price, ask them to contribute to closing costs or pay for a home warranty. If sellers won’t budge, make it clear you’re willing to walk away; they may get nervous and accept your offer. However, be cautious if you are truly in love with the house (even though your emotions should NOT be involved). Make it clear you have made a concession, so they should as well. Also, make sure this is a great deal for you. You are NOT trying to walk all over them. They may have actually reached the point at which they cannot go any lower.

 

6. Don’t let competition change your plan

Great homes and those competitively priced can draw multiple offers in any market. Don’t let competition propel you to go beyond your predetermined price or agree to concessions—such as waiving an inspection—that aren’t in your best interest.

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Ben Blonder

Owner/Managing Broker, Kapital Real Estate Inc

Office: 970-797-2190

Cell: 970-420-6166

ben_blonder@yahoo.com

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Comments (6)

Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Ben, That is some great advice!  It is important to keep emotions out of the negotiations and remember it isn't personal!  Have a Great Thursday!

Jan 05, 2012 04:27 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Ben - Good solid advice to keep in mind when negotiating a deal. I hope you had a great Christmas and that 2012 will be a great year for you.

Jan 05, 2012 05:31 AM
Karen Hawkins, MBA - Langley & Surrey, BC
Royal Pro Real Estate Network - Langley, BC

All great points, Ben - 'suggested'!  Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

Jan 05, 2012 03:22 PM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Ben - and if you read Susan Emo's post somebody's watching me you would never discuss a property while you are viewing it as someone may be watching you

Jan 10, 2012 04:42 PM
Ben Blonder
Broker/Owner, Keller Williams - Fort Collins, CO
Buyers, Sellers, Investors!

Emotions are the hardest part of the home buying process because you have to keep them in check.

Kathy - Discussing a property can lead to some bad things, including a seller just flat out not wanting to deal with you. 

Happy New Year to All of you! 

Jan 11, 2012 02:49 AM
Eric Proulx
RealEstate.com - Kirkland, WA

Yes, emotions can so easuily get in the way! Great reminder and great tips for anyone entering the negotiating process.

Mar 07, 2012 01:23 AM