Christina Osborne - COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME

involved.

After you agree on the contract package, the agent will send the proposal to the seller’s agent. The seller’s agent will present to their client, and they will either accept it or present a counteroffer. Negotiations will go back and forth until you settle and reach an agreement or potentially lose to another buyer, depending on the market. Once acceptance is confirmed via a contract signed by all parties, then it will be sent to the Title company, and you will schedule your Home Inspection[s]. Every state is different than Texas; we have our own way of doing things, so if you are relocating to Texas, it's very important to have representation even if you have bought and sold before.

NEGOTIATING THE PRICE: WHICH TACTICS TO USE

The goal of your negotiation is to buy a house for the money you’re willing to pay, and if you get it for less than you were willing to pay, you have exceeded your goal. Decide upon the highest maximum amount that you can afford, and don’t ever offer more. If you pay more than your maximum amount, you have already lost. Depending on what kind of market you’re in, strategy and tactics will vary. In a buyer’s market (i.e., there are more houses on the market than buyers looking), you have more possibilities to succeed. You can make a less-than-reasonable offer, demand for some house improvements, a better closing date, and even closing fee payment by the owner. In a seller’s market (i.e., there are fewer houses available, with more people looking than selling), you have less leverage, as you’re not the only one in line. You’re most likely to succeed by offering a seller’s price. If they don’t get it from you, they will

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