Suze Orman - That's my Girl!

The May 2008 Newspaper Article "This housing cloud has a silver lining for some" by Suze Orman has sent some buyers on scavenger hunts.  Just recently someone came into my office because they had read her article and wanted to buy a house at half price.  I suggested to the perspective buyer that offering 50% less from the purchase price may not get the Seller on their side.  I explained that Seller's are looking to sell their homes, not have their homes become public charity.  In this current market, yes, Buyers do have the advantage, but they still need to be realistic with the proposal they give the Seller.  The buyer still needs to take into consideration recent comparable home sales and they have to take a good look at the property condition. Today's Sellers are not making profits like they did two years ago. Some Sellers walk out from a settlement with little to no money, while other Sellers end up having to pay their way out of a home.  Buyers the better way to negotiate on a house for sale is to ask for closing costs, required repairs, carpet allowance, or a home warranty. Keep it simple!