Real Estate Negotiation Tips for Success

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, buying a new home can be both exciting and stressful. One of the most important—and often most difficult—parts of the process is negotiating with the seller to get the best possible price. Here are a few tips to help you succeed.

1. Know your financial limits
It’s crucial to have a firm idea of how much you’re willing to spend on a new home before you start negotiating. A good rule of thumb is that the house should cost no more than five times your annual household income. Then, once you’ve determined your budget, stick to it no matter what. This will prevent you from getting emotionally attached to a property and overspending.

2. Do your research
Before entering into negotiations, take some time to research the fair market value of the property and the neighborhood. Your real estate agent can perform a comparable property analysis to determine this value. In addition, hire professionals to inspect and appraise the home – this will give you an idea of the home’s condition and what repairs are needed. Use this information to formulate your initial offer. Knowing as much about the property and the surrounding area will give you a better idea of where to stand when making an offer.

3. Be prepared to walk away
If the seller isn’t budging on price or other important factors such as needed repairs, be confident enough to walk away from the deal. There are plenty of other homes out there, and it’s not worth overpaying just because you’re afraid of losing out on this investment. Keep a few properties on your radar if Plan A doesn’t go your way – it can help to know you’re walking toward another opportunity.

Negotiating the purchase price of a new home can be tricky business. But by following these simple tips, you can increase your chances of success and end up with a great deal on your dream home.

If you are in the market for a new home, let the experts at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices find the perfect one for you. We have a wide variety of properties from which to choose, and our agents are dedicated to finding the right one for each individual client. Contact us today to get started on finding your dream home!