Winning Strategies!

And now, it's time for Beyond the Basics, in which we bring your real estate knowledge to the next level.

And today, let's talk about one of the best winning strategies out there.

Whether you're a home buyer or a home seller, quite often there's nothing quite so powerful as the word yes.

And that one word might be more important now than it's been for years.

Because for so long, it's been a solid seller's market.

There weren't enough houses for sale, and so the ones that did come on the market were in high demand, so a seller didn't really have to negotiate very much, or at all.

In many cases, it was their way or the highway.

But now, more houses are coming up for sale.

And as that happens, the buyers have more choices, and the sellers are not in quite the powerful position they used to be in.

And so, as the market shifts, the fundamentals of good faith negotiations are once again becoming very important to every deal.

And it's very simple, really.

Whether you're the buyer or the seller, just try to say yes whenever you can.

Whether you're negotiating the actual contract or some other issues like the inspections, or what's included or not, you might get a request from the other side.

And when you do, ask yourself three questions.

First, is it reasonable? Second, will it cost me money? And third, will it cost me time? Okay? And if you determine it is reasonable, and it won't cost you money or time, just try to say yes.

That will help keep the deal on track, which of course is the big prize.

And also, that show of goodwill will mean a lot to the other side, and it might make them more willing to say yes themselves if you have a request.

Now, if you're the seller, and you're under contract for a great price on your home, the buyer might ask something like, "Would you consider leaving the window treatments, the curtains, and the blinds?" Think it over, and try to say yes.

After all, those curtains and blinds probably won't fit the windows in your next house.

And so leave the buyer with a smile on their face by just saying yes.

If you're the buyer, the seller might ask whether they can leave a bunch of paint cans which match the colors of the house.

Now, you could say no, since you plan on repainting the place someday, or you could say yes.

That would make it a lot easier for the seller, because they wouldn't have to bring the paint to some paint recycling facility.

Plus, you might have a few touch-ups you need to do, so it could help you, too.

So again, when you get a request from the other side of the closing table, ask yourself, is it reasonable? Will it cost me money? And will it cost me time? If it's a reasonable request that won't cost you anything, saying yes might make the transaction a really great transaction for you and everyone else.