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For Buyers: Negotiating 101

Reblogger Ginger Harper
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team 93383

This is such a great post.  Negotiating is the KEY to the success of a sale unless you get a full  price, cash offer.  Those do not happen a lot with houses.  But I see them with Lots.

Thanks for such a great post.

Original content by Mitchell J Hall
For Buyers: Negotiating 101


Market data
Some important questions to ask your agent and why you should ask them*

Property Specific:
 
How long has the property been on the market?
Why: The length of time a property has been on the market may indicate the seller's willingness to negotiate.
 
Have there been any price reductions during the listing period?
Why: The amount of any price reduction, as it relates to the overall purchase price, may indicate the seller's desire to attract an offer.

Have there been any other offers on the property?
Why: It will be helpful to know what offers have been turned down and for what reasons.

What is the motivation of the seller?
Why: Motivation is a key element in any negotiation. As an example, if the seller has already purchased a new property, your ability to close quickly may be an attractive element of the negotiation.

What personal items are included in the sale?
Why: Anything the seller is willing to leave behind that you won't need to buy when you move in has real value. Consider those items in your offer.

Neighborhood Specific:

What is the price range of sold apartments in the area?
Why: This information is important since it will indicate the top and bottom of that specific market.

What is the average time on market for properties?
Why: Short market times may indicate a seller's market. If this is the case you may face competition from other buyers.

What is the list to sale price ratio in this market?
Why: This information will indicate seller's willingness to negotiate and by how much.

What is the average sales price per square foot of recent solds?
Why: This approach where there are similar apartments, amenities and improvements.


Final Recommendation:

If you will be financing the property, get pre-approved for a mortgage prior to making your offer. This will show the seller your commitment and ability to perform. Pre-approval can be extremely important in the sellers' market.

*Depending on the type of agency relationship you have with your agent/broker, he or she may not be able to assist you with these specific questions.

 
   

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©Mitchell Hall 2006-2012

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Mitchell Hall, Associate Broker
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MHALL@Corcoran.com

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