Negotiating for Top Dollar

Selling your home? Every seller wants to make sure they sell their home for the best possible sales price. Getting top dollar for your home is not as complicated as you might think. By using a simple negotiation strategy, you can make sure receive the best price for your home listing.

The first step in a negotiation strategy begins before you even list your home. Choosing the right real estate agent and listening to their advice regarding home value is important. Choose a realistic list price; over-pricing to “test the market” is not only a waste of time, but as the listing ages on the market, buyers are more likely to write lowball offers.

Once you receive an offer; review and respond to all reasonable offers. Never assume that a buyer isn’t serious just because the offer is lower than you’re willing to accept. Make a reasonable counter offer; if you are motivated to lower your price, you can, but if not, countering with a full price number is acceptable also. Just make sure your price is fair for the actual value of the home.

Consider compromising on terms. Often you can negotiate a higher sales price if you are flexible on other terms. Does the buyer need extra time to close/move? Would they like to have the garage shelves or patio furniture? Win-win situations do not have to involve compromising on price.

All negotiations are different, but by setting the proper stage and calmly navigating through offers, you can make sure you sell your home for the best possible sales price. Getting top dollar for your home is a simple strategy of fair pricing and unemotional negotiations.