Everyone has their own way of negotiating in real estate. Sometimes buyers will give their best offer and say, “Take it or leave it,” while others like to come in low, expecting to go back and forth a bit.
You can negotiate on price, closing times, deposits, inspection times, and so on.
I find that few people in South Florida real estate, seem to remember one of the best negotiating techniques- be kind.
I can’t tell you how often I have had sellers refuse to counter buyers, simply because the buyers were rude, mean, or said horrible things about the house, in an attempt to get the price down.
My sellers were hurt or insulted, and wanted nothing to do with those buyers. Sure, they wanted to sell, but they didn’t want to sell to them. And that is their right. A seller can sell to whoever they want. Real estate is an emotional transaction, and it is something people have to recognize more often in real estate negotiations.
On the other side, I have had buyers beat out other offers in multiple offer settings, simply because they wrote a nice note about how much they loved the house.
People like working with nice people, and you have a better chance of getting what you want, if you treat them with respect and consideration.
Try it, you might be surprised.