When you bought your home, you offered less than you were willing to pay, right? That’s the most common negotiation technique. For experienced investors, however, that’s just one technique among the many more powerful ones. What else can you do?
How To Make An Offer
1. Offer an odd amount, like $161,793. This gives the impression that you know something the seller doesn’t. They may think you have a good reason for that particular price.
2. Play dumb. Ask questions, talk slow, ask for help, and never show off your real estate expertise. Sellers are afraid to budge if they think a smarter person may be taking advantage of them.
3. Use the “limited authority” ploy. Say “I’ll have to check with my wife (or partner).” It’s easier for sellers to accept that you can’t do something, rather than the idea that you won’t.
4. Refer to precedent. “My father bought his house this way.” If the offer is at all unusual, sellers will feel more comfortable if they know it has been done that way before.
5. Ask for things you don’t want. This lets the seller win...