Although, there are many things, a homeowner, needs, from the real estate agent, he selects, and hires, perhaps, the most important, might be, hiring a quality, effective negotiator, who best represents the needs, goals, priorities, and personal situation, of his client! While, most people, seem to believe, they know how to negotiate, there is a significant difference between, merely, negotiating, and being a quality, professional negotiator! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly consider, examine, review and discuss, how a homeowner, might be able to differentiate between, the ones who claim to be, versus the real negotiators, and some of the key necessities, of effective, quality, professional negotiating.
1. How a homeowner might know, who knows how to negotiate?: Prepared homeowners, seeking to sell their homes, should take the time, and make a concerted effort, to thoroughly interview, potential real estate agents, in order to determine, who might be best, for them! Since, for most of us, our house represents our single – biggest, financial asset, doesn’t it make sense, to hire the person, who might make this often – stressful period, the best possible experience, and obtain the best terms, and prices, available? Since everyone you interview, will probably claim to be a great negotiator, it’s important, to consider many things, to observe, and notice, during the process. Does the individual, tell you how great he is, and what he does, or does he provide an understanding of the benefits, rather than merely, reciting some facts? Will he effectively listen, and learn, what you seek, and want to achieve/ accomplish, or merely, proceed, with the same – old, same – old? Does the agent, explain, how he might customize his planning for you, or, merely, how he usually proceeds? However, one of the clearest indications, comes, when, you discuss, the agent’s commission/ fee! Examine, how comfortable, and self – confident, he is, and whether, he is ready, willing and able, to defend his fee, or, if, he immediately agrees, to adjusting it, when you question it! If someone can’t defend, effectively, their personal value, etc, how can he possibly, be expected, to negotiate, well, for you?
2. The keys to real estate negotiating: The process should begin, by clearly, identify, the strengths and weaknesses, of a particular house, and, having the local knowledge and expertise, to inform a client, how it compares, to other properties, on the real estate market. Hire someone, who will articulate, clearly, his reasoning and rationale, in terms of, suggested listing pricing, and, strategies, including marketing, price adjustments, etc! Win – win negotiators, are usually, most effective, because, they require prioritizing understanding, and proceeding, on the same – page. A homeowner must be, on the same – page, as his agent, so they might proceed, with effective teamwork, and the best, possible, strategy!
Hire an agent, who puts you, first, and positions your property, in a way, which will enhance the potential results, and minimize hassle, and/ or, stress! Protect your investment, by hiring the best person, for you!