celebrated birthdays. Keep the conversation business-focused. If the buyer brings up a minor issue, like a leaky faucet or an outdated backsplash, don’t get defensive. Instead, acknowledge it and either offer to fix it or adjust the price accordingly. Getting emotional over small stuff can derail the whole negotiation. It’s okay to be attached to your home, but remember, it’s just a transaction at the end of the day. Keep your poker face on! The Art of the Counter-Offer The moment you receive an offer, don’t just accept or reject it outright. Think about it. What do you really want out of this deal? If the offer is too low, don’t just throw it in the trash. Make a counter-offer. You can either meet them halfway or aim for a higher price, depending on how motivated you are to sell. And don’t forget—the first offer isn’t always the final offer. Buyers will often test the waters with a lower bid, so there’s room for negotiation. You can counter-offer once, twice, or even more, but remember, the more counter-offers you make, the closer you get to your ideal deal. The Silent Treatment: When to Stop Talking It’s amazing how much power silence has in negotiations. Once you’ve made your counter-offer or presented your terms, stop talking. Let the buyer stew over it. Don’t rush in to fill the silence with justifications or explanations. Let them think. Silence gives you an advantage because it forces the buyer to process the deal and come back with a decision—either to accept your offer or raise their bid. Pro tip: The longer the silence, the more the buyer might feel compelled to move forward. It’s like they don’t want to look weak or indecisive, so they’ll make a better offer just to break the tension. It’s a power move, and it works! Be Ready to Compromise (But Not Too Much) Negotiating is all about give and take. You’ll probably need to make a few concessions along the way, but don’t give up the farm to close the deal. Maybe you’ll agree to a quicker closing, or you might offer to cover some closing costs, but don’t sacrifice
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