CHAPTER 14 Bargaining Chips
Counteroffers by potential buyers sometimes include certain personal property like appliances, because these items are must- haves that are expensive to purchase new. As a seller, you can use these items as bargaining chips. You may make counteroffers that include appliances and other contents as incentives for the bidder to agree to a higher price. This is a particularly useful strategy when the demand for homes in your neighborhood is weak and prices are low. When you’re selling your home, consider what you’re willing to throw in to sweeten the deal, and what items are “off limits.” Here are some items you may want to consider using as leverage: • Major appliances: washer, dryer, fridge • Area rugs that fit a room • Stand alone barbeque • Patio furniture: planters, garden benches, and ornaments • Garden shed • Lawnmower, power washer, leaf vacuum, or other maintenance equipment • Recreational equipment, such as ping-pong and pool tables, above-ground pools, trampolines, climbers, swing sets, and hot tubs • Offer to prepay taxes or closing costs • Offer a year of landscaping, pool cleaning, or maid service The decision-making process is relatively simple if you consider 84
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