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Negotiating is a crucial component of any real estate transaction. It’s sporadic for the ideal home to pop up on the first search or get the perfect deal without going back and forth. Most people have experience negotiating business deals and buying cars, but negotiating a home to buy is slightly different. The critical difference between this deal and the others is one thing, pride of ownership. Sellers tend to be proud of their homes, and if they’ve been living in them for many years, there will be an emotional attachment.
Buyers and brokers need to understand the seller’s motivations and what mistakes to avoid. If you’re hunting for an apartment in NYC, whether a co-op, condo, or townhouse, you need to prevent the top negotiating mistakes.
Bashing the propertyBashing the property
Blatantly pointing out a home’s flaws and shortcomings might be a common negotiation tactic in other markets, but it doesn’t work well in the real estate market. As mentioned, sellers have an emotional attachment to the home and maybe very reluctant to sell. Insulting the property to get a better price is more likely to get the sellers angry and proceed instead with another buyer. If you must point out specific flaws, try to do it tactfully.
Talking too much in front of the seller’s agentTalking too much in front of the seller’s agent
The presentation is everything in negotiating, meaning you should be very careful about what you say and don’t say in front of the other party. It should be kept well in mind until you have a binding contract. When you visit an open house, be careful what you say about your current financial position or eagerness to buy. The seller’s agent will be looking for any leverage they can use in negotiations. There’s nothing wrong with asking them questions but don’t show any of your cards. Saying the inappropriate thing may give the agent reason to believe you can afford more than you initially offer, or you could disqualify yourself by underselling your qualifications.
Letting emotions get in the wayLetting emotions get in the way
It applies to all negotiating, but it’s worth stating it again; keep your feelings in check. Don’t appear either too eager or too desperate. Have your buyer’s agent conduct all the hard negotiating so you’ll have a buffer against sudden emotional outbursts that can tank a whole deal. Be completely neutral; if you look desperate, you could pay more; if too eager, they could pull on your heartstrings during price and concession negotiations.
Seeing it as a zero-sum dealSeeing it as a zero-sum deal
A problem with New York buyers, many attorneys or executives in other fields are negotiating in a zero-sum fashion. They think they have to win and the other side has to lose. When conducting real estate negotiations, you must look at it from a more collective bargaining perspective. Move slowly, stress your qualifications, and, where you can, be willing to give ground and meet somewhere in the middle.
Take the time to write a proper offer letter.Take the time to write a proper offer letter.
There’s far more to an offer letter than simply scribbling a number on paper. A well-written letter expresses sincerity and seriousness to close. It should explain the reason behind the offer, such as references to comparable market sales, and include your financial documents to prove you can complete the deal. It should be neatly typed up on a Word document with your buyer’s agent’s letterhead and add a “Love Letter” to sweeten the deal. You should include your mortgage pre-approval letter and the official REBNY financial statement if you’re financing. All-cash buyers should have proof of funds/bank statements to provide the seller with a sense of comfort.