Sunday, March 29, 2009
Top 7 Seller Do's & Don'ts for Negotiating Brutal Buyer Offers
It's a tough market out there for sellers, so here are a few tips to help you survive the brutal offers you can expect in the current market: "DO's"; 1. Do NEGOTIATE! Be prepared for a low offer, the media is preaching to everyone to "low ball the seller"! Have you ever walked into an auction, car dealership, or insurance company and offered to pay full price, or did you try to negotiate a deal? It's simply human nature so don't be offended, press forward and be sensible. There's a very good chance this IS the person who will buy your home - don't let him slip away!
2. Do be EXCITED when you get an offer, no matter how low it may initially be! The buyer likely looked at 20-50+ houses - and the great news is THEY PICKED YOURS! There's an emotional connection to your home or they wouldn't have written an offer.
3. Do be REALISTIC. It is a buyer's market, depending upon your market there are certain things that are expected by the buyer, if you don't comply you may never sell your home. For example, in the Omaha Real Estate Market here's what I tell all of my sellers to expect; a. Do expect a "low ball" offer (to start). We're talking up to $20,000+ under asking price is the "norm" right now- but no worries, your agent's job is to bring that number up, or guess what? You can walk away!
b. Do plan to pay closing costs for the buyer for two reasons. 1) If you don't the buyer may not be able to purchase your home, they already have to bring a minimum of a 3.5% down payment to purchase, therefore, they probably don't have the closing costs too. 2) If you don't pay their closing costs, another seller will. Additionally, if the buyer doesn't ask for seller paid costs they will expect if off the price. Depending upon how quickly you get the offer some of this negotiable, but realistically just plan on it.
c. The buyer will ask for a Home Warranty Plan (about $425), refrigerator, and maybe even washer, dryer, and/or kitchen table! Your agent can use all of these as negotiating tools to help you get a higher price, so again, don't be offended it's all part of the market.
4. And finally, DO listen to your REALTOR. This is why you hired him/her - to be the "neutral" advisor. He/she is a Full-Time Professional who has sold millions of dollars worth of real estate. Your agent eats, sleeps, breathes and lives real estate 24-7 - she knows the ever changing market better than well meaning friends and family because she sells it daily. Trust her instincts so you can achieve the best possible results!
"DON'TS"; 1. DON'T react emotionally to a low offer (remember, we are EXPECTING one). Take a step "outside the box" and think of it as a business transaction. This is your biggest investment, treat it like one and please take your pride out of the picture.
2. DON'T ever counter back at full price. You could lose a great prospect, countering full price may work in a "sellers" market, but it a "buyers" market it's not worth scaring away someone who actually picked you out of 100's of competing homes. Give up something - there are many things to factor into the decision, ask your agent for the most cost effective approach, sometimes it doesn't take much! 3. DON'T think the buyers won't walk away if you make a counter offer they don't like. Most buyers have another 2-3 houses on the back burner to go after if yours doesn't work out... and they will. In summary, choose an agent who has great negotiating skills (ask them their strategy during the interview). A professional will point out all the positives and negatives of any offer. It's his/her job to advise you on what to expect so you're prepared. Once that glorious moment of an offer arrives, your agent will give you all the facts so YOU can make an informed decision and get the highest sale price for your biggest investment.
Just remember; "It never matters where you start, but rather, where you finish"!
Seller's Page to learn more about how we can help you sell your home! Labels: angela may, husker home finders, NP Dodge, Omaha Home Sales, Omaha Homes for sale, omaha realtor, Real Estate Negotiation Tips, Seller contract negotiations, Seller negotiations
# posted by Angela May @ 9:23 PM
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Open House! 12736 C St - Open House, Sunday March 29th from 1-3pm
12736 C St Omaha, NE 68144 OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH FROM 1-3PM A great find in Millard School district - over $30,000 in upgrades make this home move-in ready! Improvements include; vinyl windows, no-maintenance vinyl siding & gutters (home & garage), new sliding glass door '06, Trane a/c unit '06, refinished hardwood flooring, updated light fixtures, updated basement bath, replaced main line to street '08, nice-sized garage with new door, + more. Nice sized fenced yard & ALL appliances stay for new buyers! For more information, please visit www.HuskerHomeFinder.com or contact the Open House Exclusive Buyer's Agent - Lisa Humlicek @ 402/301-5472.
# posted by Angela May @ 1:23 PM
Open House! 7804 S 168th Ave - Sunday, March 29th from 1-3pm
7804 S 168th Ave Omaha, NE 68136 OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH FROM 1-3PM Priced below assessed value, this bright former model home boasts arched architecture, open floorplan, spacious rooms, 3 sided fireplace, security system and a huge walkout basement ready for your finishing touches. Fantastic Kitchen with maple cabinetry, planning desk niche, half moon granite island & solid-surface counters. Stainless steel Kitchen appliances & front load washer & dryer all included. Nice sized Master Bedroom Suite with walk-in closet & relaxing tub. Impressive corner lot & deck with a nice view! For more information, please visit www.HuskerHomeFinder.com or contact the Open House Exclusive Buyer's Agent - Lisa Sleddens @ 402/210-6357.
# posted by Angela May @ 1:20 PM
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New Listing! 7804 S 168th Ave
7804 S 168th Ave Omaha, NE 68136 3Bed / 2Bath / 2Car Garage Offered @ $215,000 Priced below assessed value, this bright former model home boasts arched architecture, open floorplan, spacious rooms, 3 sided fireplace, security system and a huge walkout basement ready for your finishing touches. Fantastic Kitchen with maple cabinetry, planning desk niche, half moon granite island & solid-surface counters. Stainless steel Kitchen appliances & front load washer & dryer all included. Nice sized Master Bedroom Suite with walk-in closet & relaxing Jacuzzi tub. Impressive corner lot & deck with a view! For more information, please visit www.HuskerHomeFinder.com or contact Angela May directly at 402/709-4908.
# posted by Angela May @ 11:57 AM
New Listing! 12736 C St
12736 C St Omaha, NE 68144 3Bed/2Bath/1Car Offered @ $116,000 A great find in Millard School district - over $30,000 in upgrades make this home move-in ready! Improvements include; vinyl windows, no-maintenance vinyl siding & gutters (home & garage), new sliding glass door '06, Trane a/c unit '06, refinished hardwood flooring, updated light fixtures, updated basement bath, replaced main line to street '08, nice-sized garage with new door, + more. Nice sized fenced yard & ALL appliances stay for new buyers! For more information, view a virtual tour or to schedule a private showing, please visit www.HuskerHomeFinders.com or contact Angela May directly at 402/709-4908.
# posted by Angela May @ 8:59 AM
Monday, March 16, 2009
New Listing! 19720 Chandler Rd
19720 Chandler Rd Gretna, NE 68028 MLS# 20904323 $230,000 This home will WOW you! Great location in popular Bellbrook Subdivision – across from park, clubhouse/gym & pool – all included in annual association fees. Natural light, warm colors, tile, & wood flooring are beautiful accents. Open floor plan, high ceilings, corner stone fireplace. Master Suite has deck access, trey ceiling and upgraded bath with a nice-sized walk-in closet. Gorgeous Finished walkout Lower Level is made for entertaining with a corner bar, plenty of room for a pool table & even a sports tv area! Covered deck w/a view! For more information or to schedule a private showing of this wonderful home, please visit www.HuskerHomeFinder.com or contact Angela May directly at 402/709-4908.
# posted by Angela May @ 12:14 PM
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Open House! 606 Fall Creek Rd
606 Fall Creek Rd Papillion, NE 68133 MLS#20901517 OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY MARCH 15TH FROM 1-3PM Great Price! Gorgeous Papillion 2 story definitely stands out in the crowd! Come relax on the deck with a view & enjoy over $20,000 in upgrades including; newly finished walkout lower level with wetbar & 3/4 bath, warm Amendoim wood flooring throughout Kitchen & Family Room, granite Kitchen countertops with new appliances, decorator paint colors, 2nd flor laundry, wired for security system & surround sound, new light fixtures, sprinkler & more! Other amenities include; ceramic tile, trey & cathedral ceilings, huge master suite with jacuzzi tub, dual vanities & skylite. Neighborhood park & close to Bike trails, Market Pointe, Shadow Lake & Schools! Please visit www.HuskerHomeFinders.com or contact Lisa Sleddens directly at 402/210-6357 for more information or a private showing.
# posted by Angela May @ 11:43 AM
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Price Reduced! 22004 Giles Rd
22004 Giles Rd Gretna, NE 68028 MLS# 20823025 Now offered at $800,000 Serene living with panoramic countryside views from all rooms! "1 year new" located on 5 acres with stocked fishing pond, inground pool w/solar & winter covers, 40x60 heated outbuilding w/concrete flr, horse shelter, oversized 4 car heated garage. Dream kitchen with knotty alder cabinets, granite, double ovens & 10' island with cooktop & grill. Decorator color palate throughout, travertine flooring, radiant floor heating & laundry on both levels, finished walkout with kitchen & wetbar, surround sound((inside & out), geothermal heat/cool, reverse osmosis, & so much more!
# posted by Angela May @ 11:45 AM
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