• A fast closing date • A heartfelt note that says, “Please pick me, I love your kitchen backsplash” Step 4: Negotiation Tactics (a.k.a. J cs (a.k.a. Jedi Mind Tricks) A few solid tactics: • Let your agent do the talking: They’re your professional negotiator. Use them. • Take your time: Ask for “legal review” time (even if it’s just you pacing your kitchen while texting your group chat). • Be curious: Ask why they’re selling. Moving for a job? Downsizing? Divorce? Their reason = your leverage. • Focus on the goal: Don’t get hung up on who gets the washer. You want the house. Keep your eyes on the prize. What N ot to Do • Don’t gush over the house in front of the seller: Play it cool. Pretend you’re mildly interested, like it’s a decent avocado at the grocery store. • Don’t be rude: Making fun of the wallpaper might feel honest, but it can offend the seller—and kill the deal. • Don’t get greedy: If you lowball in a seller’s market, prepare to be ghosted. • Don’t sign anything you haven’t read: This isn’t a software update. Read the terms. Or have someone trustworthy (like your agent) go over them with you. When There Are Multiple Offers (Cue the Hunger Games Theme) Sometimes, it’s not just you who fell in love with that cute bungalow. It’s you… and seven other buyers. Tips to stand out:
• Be preapproved, not just prequalified • Offer a solid earnest money deposit
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