Six Effective Ways to Win More Negotiations

A question I seem to get a lot lately goes something like this…

I hate to negotiate. But I’m a real estate agent. So, I have to negotiate. How does a conflict averse real estate agents not only negotiate…but negotiate to win?

The answer is simple.

A very rich man once said that getting wealthy wasn’t complex. There were just a handful of basics he had to master.

The same is true with negotiations. Master these six rules of negotiations and you’ll stand to get win-win agreements nearly every time.

1. Start with a Fair Price and Offer

There’s no question that significantly overpricing a home will turn off buyers. Likewise, making an offer that’s far lower than the asking price is practically guaranteed to alienate sellers. It might seem obvious but asking and offering prices should be based on recent sales prices of comparable homes. Make it reasonable. Make it fair.

2. Respect the Other Side’s Priorities

Knowing what’s most important to the person on the other side of the negotiating table can help you avoid pushing too hard on hot or sensitive issues.

For example, a seller who won’t budge on the sales price might be willing to pay more of the transaction costs or make more repairs to the home, while a buyer with an urgent move-in date might be willing to pay a higher portion of the transaction costs or forgo some major repairs.

3. Be Prepared to Compromise

“Win-win” doesn’t mean both the buyer and the seller will get everything they want. It means both sides will win some and give some. Rather than approaching negotiations from an adversarial winner-take-all perspective, focus on your top priorities and don’t let your emotions overrule your better judgment.

4. Meet in the Middle

Can’t decide who will pay the recording fee? Can’t agree on a close-of-escrow date? Arguing over cosmetic repairs? Splitting the difference is a time-honored and often successful negotiation strategy. Pay half the fee. Count off half the days. Fix half the blemishes.

5. Leave it Aside

Politicians and corporate executives are famous for their “for future discussion” agreements. If you have a major sticking point that’s not material to the overall contract (e.g., the purchase of furniture or fixtures), finish the main agreement, then resolve the other difficulties in a side agreement or amendment.

This technique allows both sides to recognize and solidify basic areas of agreement, then move ahead toward a fair compromise on other terms and conditions.

Summarizing the points of agreement in writing is another helpful strategy.

6. Ask for Advice

Successful REALTORS® tend to be experienced negotiators. They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in countless real estate transactions, and they’ve established a track-record of bringing buyers and sellers together. Consult a trainer about negotiating strategies, win-win compromises and creative alternatives.

Did you find this article useful? If so, leave a comment. And if you like what you read, subscribe to the Real Estate Marketing Blog.

Nine Dead-Simple Ways to Persuade More People

The Two Most Productive Lead Generation Activities in Real Estate

Take Advantage of This Psychological Buyer Quirk to Sell Any Home Now

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 2 comments

Property Directory

These are quite useful tips for negotiation. You’re tip of “Be prepared to Compromise” is very important because in this tip you can get more profit than the other party.

Clara James

The tips you have given is good and I like your tips and will follow to become a successor in life. Most effective tip you have given is that to start at fair price. It is helpful in grabbing the attraction of potential customers. I also find tips about real-estate in http://www.bayut.com but the tips you have given is most exciting one.