during the negotiation process. • Focus on the main goal. Remember your main goal: to get the house. Sometimes, you’ll get stuck negotiating on minor details. It can be a good tactic to wait until you come to an agreement on the main points before proceeding to the details.
HOW TO AVOID MISTAKES DURING NEGOTIATIONS
Whether you’re buying a house for the first time or just got carried away in the negotiation intensity, mistakes happen. Keep these simple rules in mind: • Be nice. No one likes rude people. Try not to offend the seller, if they are present, during a house visit. For example, discussing necessary renovations and poor taste of the decorations may hurt feelings, if not the entire deal. • Poker face. Don’t express too much of an interest! Don't let on how much you like the house even if it's perfect for you. To avoid a counteroffer, you should always play it cool, no matter how excited you are. • 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? Keep it a business decision.
• Don’t expect the price to lower after inspections. Bid what you can afford and are willing to pay. Offer the best price and terms that you are comfortable with. Repairs after the inspections will not, most likely, cost the seller millions. Be cautious of what you ask for.
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