Negotiating is a skill that can help you sell your home faster and for more money. It involves knowing your home’s value, setting a realistic price, communicating effectively with buyers, and being flexible and creative with the terms of the sale. Negotiating also requires confidence, patience, and a willingness to compromise.
By following some simple strategies, you can negotiate with buyers and get the best price for your home.
Create a bidding war
The ultimate goal for nearly every home seller is a bidding war between buyers. This can drive up the price and make your home more attractive. To create a bidding war, you need to price your home competitively, market it well, and make it appealing to potential buyers.
Invite bidders to make their highest and best offer
Another tactic sellers may choose to employ during negotiations, particularly when there are multiple bidders, is asking prospective buyers to make their “highest and best” offer. This means that they have one chance to submit their best offer, without knowing what the other offers are. This can motivate buyers to put their best foot forward and avoid losing out on the home.
Include an expiration date on counter offers
If you receive an offer that is lower than your asking price, you can counter it with a higher price and include an expiration date. This creates a sense of urgency for the buyer and prevents them from shopping around for other homes while you wait for their response. It also shows that you are serious about selling and willing to negotiate.
Reject an offer outright
Sometimes, the best way to negotiate is to say no. If you receive an offer that is too low or has unreasonable terms, you can reject it outright and send a clear message that you are not desperate to sell. This can make the buyer reconsider their offer and come back with a better one. However, be careful not to reject an offer that is close to your asking price or market value, as you may lose the buyer altogether.
Do your research on the local area
Before you set your asking price and start negotiating, you need to do a comprehensive research of the house prices in the area you are selling, paying particular attention to recently sold properties that are similar to yours. This will help you determine a realistic value for your home and avoid overpricing or underpricing it. You can also use this information to justify your price and show buyers why your home is worth it.
Don’t appear too eager
When negotiating with buyers, you want to appear confident and calm, not desperate or anxious. Don’t let the buyer know how much you want or need to sell your home, as this can weaken your bargaining position and make them think they can lowball you. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your home and why it is a great opportunity for them.
Be flexible and creative
Sometimes, negotiating is not just about the price, but also about the terms and conditions of the sale. You may be able to get a better price if you are flexible and creative with other aspects of the deal, such as closing date, contingencies, repairs, appliances, furniture, etc. For example, you may agree to a lower price if the buyer waives the inspection contingency or pays cash. Or you may offer to pay some of the closing costs or include some items in the sale if the buyer meets your price.
Negotiating is not just about making demands or accepting offers, but about finding a mutually beneficial solution that satisfies both parties. Negotiating can help you sell your home faster, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and maximize your profit. Negotiating can also help you build rapport and trust with buyers, which can make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
"The Mayora"
Krissie M
Customer Relations Manager