REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-How to Take Full Advantage of a Buyer's Market

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Search REALTORMag...

OR FOCUS YOUR SEARCH

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Inside For Brokers

Connect

Social Networking

Follow, fan, or friend us online.

Your Magazine

Magnifying your voice and celebrating your accomplishments

CURRENT ISSUE

PAST ISSUES

Daily Real Estate News | May 8, 2006 | How to Take Full Advantage of a Buyer's Market Home buyers are getting the big breaks in an increasing number of U.S. markets, says Tom Early, president of the National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents. But even as the market shifts to favor buyers, to get the best deal, buyers must take the right approach. Some advice from Early:

Stifle the guilt. Some buyers feel guilty about pressing their advantage. Remind them, if the shoe were on the other foot, the seller would show no mercy.

Be patient. In slow-moving markets, it is sometimes a good bet to simply wait until a stubborn seller sees the light and drops his price.

A price drop may be just the beginning. When a seller drops the price, it may be a signal that he is facing a deadline and will negotiate still more.

Take full advantage of a buyer’s right to a home inspection. The buyer may find an issue that can be used to his advantage in gaining concessions.

Insults don’t work. Wounding the sellers’ pride in their home is never a good tactic. Also making a ridiculously below-market bid may shock the owners into refusing to talk anymore. Source: The Miami Herald, Ellen James Martin (05/07/2006)