Charlotte's Web

Put it in Writing The Art of Negotiating

Everything is negotiable when buying a house.  For some reason, most buyers either don't believe it or don't like it. Here's a partial list of what's negotiable when you buy a home:

• Price

• Financing

• Closing Costs (except where specified by financing or law)

• Occupancy (when can you get the key and move in?)

• Painting (will the seller repaint a portion of or the entire house?)

• Repairs (will the seller repair the roof, plumbing, window, etc.,  and what kind and quality of repairs will be made?)

• Yard (will seller remove unwanted trees, bushes - put in desired landscaping?)

• Fixtures (which lights, fans, appliances, etc. stay and which go?)

• Wall coverings (do the drapes stay or go?)

• Furniture (will the seller throw in certain pieces?)

• Prepaid taxes and insurance(seller credit you with these?)

Negotiation gives the buyer incredible power in making a favorable transaction. It can also place him or her in a position of immense weakness. How you negotiate determines whether you get the home of your dreams...or whether those dreams end up being a nightmare.

Ultimately, how you fare when buying a home is going to be a direct result of your knowledge and your knowledge of your Agent.  The more you know, the better position you'll be in to negotiate.