Real Estate Agency Los Angeles - Home Sale California

Negotiating to Win on Real Estate World

To buy a home, you always have to do some negotiating. Even if the seller doesn't haggle over the offering price, you still need to negotiate whether to include appliances and other household items in the sale, and what contingencies to include in the sales agreement.

When negotiating:

Keep the sale in perspective: Remember nothing is final until you have the key in hand, so you don't set yourself up for greater disappointment if the deal falls through.

Even if you're in a hot (seller's) market and houses are moving fast, try not to get caught up in the frenzy. You may not get a house you want, but there will always be other houses.

Stay objective: Maintain some emotional distance so you can negotiate well, and refer to your comparative market analysis (CMA) often so you don't overpay.

Don't let time pressure get to you: You may have to act more quickly in a hot (seller's) market, but consider your decision carefully, weigh the inflated price against the home's true market value and make sure you're aware of any defects before you buy.

Prioritize your tasks so you don't get overwhelmed. You have to meet certain deadlines imposed by the sales contract, but many other things--like planning a remodel--can be put off until after you move in.

Be prepared for unexpected problems: Every transaction hits a few snags, but most of them are solvable problems. Think through some common problems, and how you can resolve them.

Don't be afraid to walk away: Remember that ultimately you have the power in negotiations because you don't have to buy the house if you don't get the terms you want.