Ashly Ivette Merced REALTOR® - INSIDER SECRETS

CHAPTER 14 Bargaining Chips

As discussed in earlier chapters, buyers often include requests for items like appliances or window treatments in their counteroffers, since these essentials can be expensive to replace and are commonly expected to stay with the home. Including them upfront in your listing or clarifying what stays, or what will not, can help streamline negotiations. As a seller, you can also use extra items as negotiating tools. Make counteroffers that include appliances or other incentives as a strategic way to justify a higher sale price and encourage buyer agreement. According to the National Association of Realtors®, nearly 50% of buyers consider major appliances essential to a home purchase, meaning their inclusion can significantly influence their decision and increase the overall appeal and perceived worth of the home.

Here are a few items you can use as leverage during negotiations:

Home Fixtures & Furnishings

• Major appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher); • Window treatments (draperies, curtains, blinds, shutters); • Custom-built furniture (e.g., bookcases or shelving designed for specific spaces).

Outdoor & Recreational Items

• Garden shed;