decision. Having your finances ready and lined up is a surefire way to gain the upper hand over other buyers and offers. • Review your list of contingencies. This is helpful in ensuring your offer is the best one. The fewer clauses you have, the more attractive your offer will be to the seller. Together with your agent, think about what you can afford to give up (concede). Note: Keep “home inspection” on your contingency list. If you don’t, the seller won’t be liable for any uncovered issues with the condition of the property, and you’ll be the one paying for any necessary repairs. It’s not worth the risk. • Make a large, “good faith” deposit and down payment to demonstrate your intentions and commitment. This will show the seller that you’re serious and could tilt the balance in your favor, with the seller accepting your proposal. Do: Think like a seller. Sometimes it helps to shift your perspective. Take the point of view of the seller. Imagine that you own the target home, and you must sell this same home in two, five, or even 10 years. Will it be possible? Does the home you’re thinking of purchasing lack some basic features that the housing market would consider essential? Part of negotiating obviously involves short-term thinking (“get the house I want now, and get it for a good deal”), but you also need to think long term. Can you see yourself living there for a while? Will you be able to sell it if the time comes? Don’t: Expect the price to lower after inspections. When making your offer, bid lower than you can pay, and make your final offer with the most comfortable price that you are able to afford, both now and down the road. After the home inspections are done,
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