Columbus home buyers may have the impression that the highest offer is always the best offer, but this isn’t necessarily the case! Understanding the seller’s priorities and motives are often the key to making a winning offer.
Before we explain further, it should be mentioned that making an extremely low offer isn’t a wise idea either. An insulted seller is less likely to negotiate, and you may not get a second chance to buy the property.
While the sales price certainly counts, sellers put their homes on the market for a variety of reasons. Profit isn’t the only motive! Homes can be put on the market to settle an estate, or to divide assets in a divorce case. Then there’s job relocations, changing housing needs, retirements and so on.
In many cases, the seller has an emotional connection to the home, and a particular set of priorities unique to his or her situation. Sellers on a tight timetable due to relocation will view offers differently than an investor selling a rental property.
Sellers are not likely to blurt out their motives. But as Exclusive Buyer Brokers, we have ways of discerning a seller’s motive through the use of conversational questions to them or their agent. Once we discover why a home is on the market, and learn seller’s timetable, we can craft an offer in your best interests as the buyer – while making it attractive to the seller’s needs.
Even if the seller isn’t thrilled with the home price, using the right approach in the offer makes them receptive to negotiation. Especially if they have other needs in the deal – such as a delayed occupancy date, or a closing timetable that is sooner or later than the current norm.
As the buyer, it can be worthwhile to make reasonable accommodations where you can. In turn, the seller is likely to want to do business with you.
Our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro,” goes into home buying strategies in detail. Download your copy today – there’s no charge, and no obligation!
As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, CEBA-M, MCNE, CSP, PSA,e-PRO, CREM, ABRM, AHWD
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services, www.buyershome.com
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
