Negotiating an offer takes experience. Sure you will hear stories from friends how easy it is.  Know this; if it was easy you left something on the table. In fact,  when a deal is done there is no measure as to if it was the best that could have been done.

An experienced real estate agent knows however. Think about it, you go through this once every few years but an experienced Austin real estate agent does it every week.  What most will tell you is try to see the other side in what they would want most.

For Sellers they want a reliable and fast sale for as much as the market will bear.   Buyers trying to woo sellers should then be preapproved with the best lending program so it buys as much property for their target payment. Buyers with their finances in order and with a lending team that can fund quick will be more to sellers liking and in a multiple offer environment be the one the seller chooses over others.

For Buyers they want a deal. This could mean getting allot of features they had on their home buying wish list over other real estate in the Austin, Round Rock, Westlake, Cedar Park/Leander, Dripping Springs for that price.  It could also be a financing issue. Getting incentives for closing or fixing up the place the way they want with nothing out of pocket. Therefore, sellers  should take care with pricing your home right and include some cushion for incentives. Sellers should also make sure the buyer has the best financing for this situation. Many times buyers negotiate price when the final payment is what ultimately matter the most. Also, studies show they don’t always get the best deal on their financing rate and terms. Sellers, using an experienced real estate agent, can show buyers a more favorable lender which gets them more buying power. In some cases the seller can carry a note on part of the loan at a lower interest rate than a lender so the seller gets a higher sales price and the buyer gets the payment they need.

These are just a few things that are in the minds of an experienced Austin real estate team. They are not to be used by a novice and are just illustrations, your situation will vary. However, it should give perspective to some of the things involved when negotiating Austin real estate.

Other factors are mental control when negotiating is going on. Don’t let WHO you are negotiating with, positively or negatively affect you. In about a month you will never see them again so don’t let it have a deal fall through or lose ground because of WHO you are dealing with. Buyers, don’t focus on the color of the carpet or how it is furnished. See beyond it. Sellers, reviewing offers you might like one over another buyer more viable. Stick to the offer that is better for you. Offers usually come with a letter from the buyer about how your home is going to a great family or your house reminds them of the ol’ family home they grew up in.  Use it to remind THEM of why they need to stretch to your terms and not discounting more than you should.

Negotiation in real estate is much much more than what we described. Knowing that if you do it yourself you will never know what you didn’t get its best to have an experienced real estate agent in Austin, Round Rock, Westlake, Cedar Park/Leander, Dripping Springs.

We hope this was helpful and when you interview someone to represent you that you include us. Feel free to browse the rest of our Austin Real Estate Library items.