Mistakes happen when you're buying a house for the first time without a real estate agent. You might just get carried away by the intensity of the negotiation. Keep these simple rules in mind: • Be nice. No one likes rude people. Try not to offend your seller during a house visit. For example, discussing necessary renovations and the poor taste of the decorations may hurt feelings, if not the deal itself. • Be calm. Don't express too much interest! Most specialists agree that sellers won't accept your first offer when they see how much you want this house to become yours. To avoid a counteroffer, you should always play it cool, no matter how perfect this property is for you. • Think like a seller. Change your perspective. Take a different look at this situation. Imagine you must sell this house in 2, 5, or 10 years. Will it be possible, or does it lack some basic features that the housing markets consider essential? • Don't expect the price to lower after inspections. Repairs after the inspections will likely not cost the seller millions. Bid lower than you can pay and make your final offer with the most comfortable price you can afford. • Sign cautiously. Make sure you acknowledge all the terms and realize all the liabilities before you sign any documents. Once you sign the contract, there's no way to make amendments without renegotiating and signing a new one.
ARE THERE MULTIPLE OFFERS? FFERS?
In a seller's market, you'll probably have competition for the house you wish to buy. Sellers might be considering several offers at the same time. They will make their decision based on
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