Negotiating Like a Pro: Strategies for an Empowered Home Buyer

Welcome to the ultimate showdown – you vs. the seller. Negotiating is an art, and it’s normal to feel like you’re in a poker game bluffing for the winning hand. But this is about your future home, not a Vegas card table. Arm yourself with knowledge and compromise, not just tactics. Focus on moves that manifest win-wins.

Preparing Your Game Plan

To negotiate from clarity rather than reaction, get grounded pre-battle:

Know yourself:

• Outline must-have home features by importance

• Determine maximum budget limits for home price and repairs

• Recognize emotional hot buttons that trigger irrational decisions

check-out our detailed guide to know yourself as home buyer

Know your seller:

• Research motivations - job relocation, downsizing, divorce

• Review length of time home’s been listed already

• Assess upgrades needed to justify list price

By understanding both sides’ positions, you negotiate from education versus assumption.

Opening Offer Strategies

An artful initial offer balances aggressive and moderate components. For example: