Greg Blake and Tim Smith - FOR SALE BY OWNER: AN EXPERT'S GUIDE FOR SUCCESS

marketed days if this deal doesn’t go through.

NEGOTIATION TECHNI N TECHNIQUE #5: UE #5: PAY THE PIPER, BUT RAISE THE PRICE

Buyers are increasingly asking sellers to pay their closing costs, which are usually around 3% of the actual price of the home. We know it makes you shudder to even think of handing out that kind of cash. However, this kind of deal could work to your benefit. We’ll explain in the next chapter.

POINTS TO REMEMB O REMEMBER:

• Accepting a low offer locks you into a contract, preventing you from accepting further offers. • By rejecting a lukewarm offer, you encourage competition and higher bidding. • Consider rejecting a low offer if your house is newly listed or you’re planning an open house soon. • Refusing to accept bids until after an open house could create a bidding war in your favor. • Setting an expiration date for your counteroffer encourages a buyer to either complete a quick sale or release you to accept more lucrative offers. • Paying closing costs for the buyer—usually 3% or so—can work in your favor.

56

Powered by