sale transaction, buyers have a price in mind, even if it is a lawn mower at a yard sale. They might be willing to pay $200 for the mower, but when they ask, you say $125. Do not lose the advantage of being able to counteroffer. Let the buyer speak first. That’s why it’s called an offer. It will either be an offer you can accept, or you will at least have more knowledge about what price the buyer has in mind.
DON'T “MEET IN THE MID T IN THE MIDDLE
Even in the simplest of sales transactions, agreeing on a price often includes “meeting in the middle.” For instance, a buyer speaks first and offers to buy an item for $150, when the seller is expecting to sell for $200. Most sellers will split the difference and counteroffer $175. The seller should instead
counteroffer with $220, which keeps the midpoint at $200. The buyer may take the offer or agree to $205, which is slightly more than what the seller planned to ask for. Maximize your negotiating by counter-offering in small increments. Avoid following human nature by “meeting in the middle.”
DON’T ACCEPT LOW-BALL OFFERS
Homebuyers look for deals. Think how quickly you would jump at a home selling below market value and in perfect condition that meets your every need. That situation rarely happens, but that doesn’t mean
buyers won’t make low-ball offers. If they see your house as the perfect home, they may switch their priority to getting a lower- than-market-value price in negotiations. If buyers truly like your
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