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Negotiation Tips For Buyers
There is room to maneuver in any negotiation, and property is no exception. Arm
yourself with some basic buying strategies and you could save a tidy sum.
Do The Numbers
Know your market. Once you get a feel for property prices in your chosen area
you can bid with confidence. Check prices on line and in the local paper, but
don't stop there. Get out and see as many properties in your target area as
possible - there is often a big difference between an advertised description
and the actual bricks and mortar!
Count Your Dollars
Before you begin your property hunt establish your bottom line. Look
carefully at your borrowing capabilities and how much you can afford to repay
each month. Remember that there are lots of additional expenses on top of the
purchase price: stamp duty, legal fees and other costs all add up.
Know Your Opponent
The more information you have about a seller's motivations the better
your position to drive down the price. Is it a forced sale? Has the vendor
already bought another property? Ask the agent why the vendor is selling - this
may indicate how flexible the price is.
Start Low And Keep It Slow
Always begin with a low but realistic offer. In a buyers' market 10
per cent price reductions are not uncommon. There are also plenty of properties
for you to choose from - and the vendor knows it. Don't get pressured into
moving too quickly for comfort - keep the negotiating pace on your terms.
Money Talks
At the end of the day an agent is likely to support a bid from a buyer
who has cash available. A pre-approval will always give you the edge if you are
competing with a buyer without finance.
Don't Believe The Hype
There's nothing an agent likes more than a number of buyers trying to out-bid
each other. Remember the agent represents the seller - not you. Don't end up
bidding more than you should for fear of missing out: it is better to walk away
than pay above the market value.
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