Caution: Only Use if True Want to know the single most compelling pitch a Buyer can make to a prospective home Seller, especially if negotiations are at an impasse? This one: “I’d love to buy your home for $___ . If that’s acceptable, please let me know by [time]. Otherwise, I plan to make an...Read More
Negotiating One Deal ” or Two?? [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Good agents instinctively know that “he who negotiates least, negotiates best.” Which is why they...Read More
Cost to Move > Fair Market Value Once the Buyer and Seller have resolved any inspection issues, it’s common for the two parties to discuss any personal property that the homeowner may want to sell. Like many negotiations, the party who speaks first often loses. So, at least in my experience, a Buyer who (too...Read More
The Opposite of “The Birthday Paradox” According to The Birthday Paradox, in a room of just 23 people, there’s a 50-50 chance of at least two people having the same birthday. In the world of residential real estate sales — at least in a bigger city — there seems to be something of an anti-Birthday...Read More
Negotiating is a crucial part of any deal, and lays the foundation for a clear, enforceable contract. Haggling is . . . an annoying waste of time. What’s the difference? Exactly two decimals. $10,000 vs. $100 So, a $10,000 item on a $250,000 house is the stuff of negotiation. A $100 item (or less) is haggling. (Note: accountants’...Read More
How Motivated is the Seller Really? “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” —-Zen saying “When a listed home is priced right ” and well-prepped, photographed, marketed, etc. ” the Buyer will appear.” -—Ross Kaplan One of the most common lines listing agents (representing Sellers) hear from their clients ” particularly when their...Read More