Main Content

How to Negotiate with Sellers

When you are at that point of the home buying process where you’re ready to start negotiating the purchase price, first-time buyers tend to run into problems. As major a purchase as buying a home is, this is the last place that you want to take chances.

Here are some do’s and don’ts that will help you to understand how to negotiate with sellers.

What to Do

First of all you do need to be prepared. The seller wants to get as much money out of you for their home as possible, while you are trying to pay as little as possible. This is why having leverage is crucial when negotiating with sellers.

Asking questions, researching the area and the house, and knowing the local market trends will help you gain leverage. Take for instance a home that has been lingering on the market for an extended period of time. There are many reasons why a home languishes on the market and many of them are negative.

  • Home values in the area are falling.
  • There are a lot of foreclosures or abandoned property in the area.
  • New construction in the area is causing traffic congestion or noise pollution.
  • The house is overpriced.

Find out why the house has been on the market so long. Other questions that help you gain leverage include:

  • Why is the seller moving?
  • Are there any negatives about the neighborhood?
  • Is there a lot of turnover in this area? (i.e., lots of homeowners moving out)
  • Does the area get flooded in bad weather? (Does the basement get flooded?)

What Not to Do

The cardinal rule for buying a home is to never let the seller know just how much you want the property. That is the fastest way to lose leverage and hand it all over to the seller. Even if you are anxious to buy a house or to get out of your current one, never let on that you are desperate to buy.

Other things that put you at a disadvantage in negotiations with the seller include:

  • Telling the seller or seller’s agent your maximum for the house or down payment
  • Revealing too much about your own personal financial circumstances
  • Making it clear how anxious you are to move
  • Letting the seller rush your decision

Establish your own timeline and stick to it. If the seller is in a hurry to close the deal, you may end up paying for it later after inspection. Take your time and do not let yourself be pressured into a rushed deal.

Where an Agent Matters Most

Very few people attempt to buy their first home without the aid of a qualified agent. Those who do take on the task themselves often believe that they will save on costs. However, where an agent matters most is during negotiations. They are in the best position of all to negotiate on your behalf.

In fact, buyers who do not work with an agent tend to spend upwards of $10,000 more for a home than those who can call on the skillful negotiation prowess of a top real estate agent. If you do enough research, you could find the home that you want.

But to get it at the price that is best for you, you need an expert. Contact Premiere Properties today to help you get the best deal!