3 Things to Know When Negotiating as a Buyer

Know Your Limits

If you’re looking to buy a property this spring, you could find yourself up against some stiff competition. Recent statistics from RP Data showed that all across the country, more and more people are selling homes at better prices than they bought them for. Whether it’s regular home value growth or renovation work that pushes up listing prices, there’s one important step in the sales process that can get help you get a good deal on real estate – negotiation with the agent. We buy houses in Pennsylvania

So how do you get satisfactory results at the negotiating table?

If you’re itching to get into a new property, it is always tempting to jump in and settle for what the seller wants, even if it’s out of your range. But it’s important to be patient. Set yourself a maximum price to begin with, and be realistic about it. For example, you aren’t likely to find a Sydney CBD bungalow for under $500,000. You could engage a valuer to give you a concrete reading on what a property is worth, and then work from there. But make sure you have set a bar that is as high as you will go, and stick to it – don’t sell yourself short!

Know the Seller

Whether you’re dealing with an agent or the seller themselves, it’s crucial to try and get a feel for the situation they are in. If they are desperate to get out of the property, you may be able to discuss a lower price than anticipated – but don’t push it too far or you could lose a sale. By using an agent, they will be able to do extensive research around the property and work out the reasons a seller is getting out of their home, which can give you valuable leverage at the negotiating table.

Know the Market

By getting around and understanding the value and growth of the wider property market, you can take some excellent bargaining chips to the table when you try to buy. If a listing price is well above that of surrounding homes, you can mention this – it also shows you’ve done your research, meaning no beating around the bush from the people you negotiate with. You’ll also get a feel for the neighborhood, and whether it’s somewhere you truly want to live.

Summertime Selling – Keeping up in the Kitchen

We have been looking at a lot of different areas of the home this spring, particularly how to make some deft touches to them for a great sale of your home. This time around, we’re going to take a look at one of the most important rooms in any home sale – the kitchen. Acting as both food prep zone and a social hub, the kitchen needs to perform a wide range of functions, and there are a lot of small tasks you can undertake that will allow potential buyers to feel immediately at home in yours. Here’s how to get started.

Make the kitchen sparkle

We have been looking at a lot of different areas of the home this spring, particularly how to make some deft touches to them for a great sale of your home. This time around, we’re going to take a look at one of the most important rooms in any home sale – the kitchen.

Acting as both food prep zone and a social hub, the kitchen needs to perform a wide range of functions, and there are a lot of small tasks you can undertake that will allow potential buyers to feel immediately at home in yours. Here’s how to get started.

It’s amazing what we can end up being used to in our kitchens over a long period of time. Splashbacks and kitchen walls can accumulate dust and grime that we just don’t notice in the long term, but can be a huge red flag for buyers. By tackling every surface in your kitchen before you even go on the market, you’re presenting a shining clean area that will immediately attract positive attention.

The thorough once-over won’t be enough, either – keep it up every day or two! This way, your kitchen won’t just stay fresh-looking, it will also smell wonderful any time someone views it. And instead of going overboard on the chemical smells, consider touching up the space with some herbs for a crisp but homely scent around the kitchen. Or gently simmer cinnamon sticks and orange peel with water in a saucepan for a comforting aroma (just make sure you’re around to keep an eye on the stove!).

Keep the Spaces Clear

Anyone with a busy lifestyle can tell you how easily clutter builds up on your benchtops – but as always, clutter needs to go!

Keeping benches clear of appliances, spice racks, dishes and cookbooks will help your kitchen seem much more open, and present that coveted blank slate to potential buyers. Even if you don’t eat at the kitchen bench, a buyer might.

The same goes for your pantry and cupboards – out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind when buyers are about!

Invest in the Best

If you have the capital, investing in items like kitchen cabinetry and countertops can make all the difference. Fresh paint works if your budget is low, but matching cabinets in light colours and sturdy, clean countertops are catnip to buyers – they can’t resist!

For extra flair, consider a stainless steel look – it could even enable you to match appliances to the cabinets, giving your kitchen an attractive modern look.