client wanted to purchase a home that had a lease. The most important thing for the seller was that the tenant could stay until the lease expired. If a house has been listed several times with a stable price, that's a sign that the homeowners are taking their time and might be waiting for the highest offer. If there was a price reduction after two or three weeks, the seller is probably keen to sell. So, there needs to be some work upfront to gather as much information as possible about the house and the seller to prepare an offer that hits the mark. In a competitive market you should submit your best offer as quickly as possible to have a chance to at least get a response and a chance to bid higher. In a buyer’s market you may wait a bit and find the best time to submit your offer, and you might also start with a lower price than you are willing to pay. But in the end, the more you want this house, the more you should try your best to get it. One thing is always important for every seller and that is that the money will be there at closing. Nothing is worse for a seller than when a deal falls through due to financial issues just days before the closing. That’s why "cash is king." However, most homebuyers get a mortgage. In that case, sellers may feel safer when an offer comes with a high earnest money deposit and/or with a high down payment. Any additional information about the buyer's financial situation can help to make the seller feel safe to accept an offer with a mortgage. Sometimes, the parties get carried away in a negotiation battle. It's vital to have in mind that both the buyer and the seller are in the same boat: one wants to sell, and one wants to buy. Keep your eyes on the ball, while at the same time, trying to get a win- win situation. The following tactics will help you to stay focused: • Your "middleman." If you work with an agent in South Carolina or Georgia, you don't talk with the seller directly. The concept of having buyer's and seller's agents
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