Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Town And Country Real Estate
Erik Pearson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Town And Country Real EstatePhone: (617) 910-8969
Email: [email protected]

Real estate tips: How to negotiate house price when selling

by Erik Pearson 03/06/2024

two people with paperwork

The home selling process can involve varied house prices, which makes it crucial to learn how to negotiate those prices. As a seller, you want to get the best deal possible, even if not in a seller's market. If a buyer offers less than the original asking price, it's time for negotiation strategy.

Working with a real estate agent, here are some tips for negotiating a selling price:

Always use market value as your starting point

The market value of your home is the actual amount a buyer is willing to pay in context of the current market. In a buyer's market, a seller may need offers below the present cost of the property in order for a house to sell. If the price is too much higher than market value, offers may be too low to be accepted.

Keep your list of upgrades handy

Buyers often raise concerns about features or details of a property in an attempt to negotiate lower prices. Therefore, it's important to counter with the positives to their negatives. One great idea is to emphasize any upgrades or improvements to the home that might outweigh a buyer's misgivings.

Know the housing market

Knowing the market value of your home is just one piece of the puzzle. Understanding the trends of the overall real estate market in the area you're trying to sell in is essential. 

Real estate agents can help you choose the best price with comparative marketing analysis, or CMA. This type of report gathers data on market behavior regarding asking price, purchase price and the likelihood of multiple offers.

Negotiate from a win/win perspective

Negotiating isn't necessarily win or lose. If you approach your price negotiation from the perspective that everyone can win, you're likely to be more successful. Addressing buyers' concerns and interests with a collaborative, positive outlook can win you a higher home price, even if the initial offer is lacking.

inforgaphic about negotiating home price

Negotiation can seem intimidating, but real estate professionals are there to help you. Using these guidelines, you can ensure you get the highest possible amount for your home sale, no matter what offers you receive.

About the Author
Author

Erik Pearson

Erik Pearson is a Realtor ® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Town And Country Real Estate and is based out of the Wellesley office. He’s been in the real estate industry for over ten years both in the city and in the local area. He grew up in Lexington, Ma and currently lives in Wellesley with his wife and two daughters, who are in the Wellesley Public School System. This gives Erik a great deal of knowledge about the schools in Wellesley and the surrounding area, allowing him to see the value of the education they provide. His dedication to education is shown by the fact that he graduated from Northeastern and currently sits on the Board of Directors for a Boston-based non-profit that gets inner city kids involved in learning and their communities.