#6 Negotiating to Buy
Once your offer is made there may need to be some negotiating in order to reach an agreement. Keep in mind that almost everything is negotiable when you are buying a house. This can give you a great deal of leverage in the buying process, that is, if you have adequate information and you use it in an appropriate manner. Some of the things that you may have to negotiate on are:
The price Financing Closing costs Repairs that need to be done Appliances and fixtures Landscaping Painting Occupancy time frame The key to successful negotiating is keeping in mind that the end result must make both you, the buyer, and the seller happy. Otherwise, negative feelings will persist throughout the remainder of the process and someone may walk away feeling that they were not treated fairly.
Your agent can save you time and money by representing your best interests and negotiating on your behalf. Your agent should have the knowledge and expertise necessary to make sure that your offer is accepted at the best price and terms possible for you.
Your agent can save you time and money by making sure that your contract meets all the legal requirements according to local and national guidelines. Your agent will be able to expertly advise you on how to create an offer that will have the best chance of being accepted. Also, your agent will ensure your financial position as the buyer by including any necessary contingencies which would protect you if a particular requirement is not met.
10 Steps to Buying Your Home
1- Needs Analysis
2- Preapproval vs. Prequalification
3- Neighborhood Information
4- Home Search
5- Making an Offer
6- Negotiating to Buy
7- Vendor Coordination
8- Pre-Close Preparation
9- Closing
10- Post-Closing