Sell your own house and keep the profits.

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Relax! Negotiating with buyers is not that different from everyday negotiations with family members and co-workers.
American Negotiations:
  • The Good News:
    Unlike foreigners who hone negotiation skills in every visit to the butcher, American buyers are relatively poor negotiators.
  • The Bad News:
    American buyers are poor negotiators. They get emotional. They walk away when you characterize their offer as "ridiculous."
  • More Bad News:
    Your own emotions can easily kill a good deal. It's hard to smile when the buyer plots to mow down a garden you've slaved over.

 

Some Rules:

Establish Trust:
  • Avoid responses that may offend, even when the buyer calls your wallpaper "hideous," or your favorite rose bush a "weed."
  • Tell the truth: If the buyer notices water stains on the attic ceiling, blaming it on condensation can destroy your credibility before negotiations start.

Don't waste time with Buyers who can't afford your home:
The Buyers is not the enemy. Engage him in negotiations. Talk to him!  If offered $10,000 less than your asking price, get an explanation.
  • Did the Buyer check the prices of comparable homes?
  • Is there a perceived defect in the property ?
  • What is the basis of the low offer ? (the low-baller is often willing to pay close to your asking price)

Counter Offer:   Let the buyer know you have considered his position.
  • Reduce your asking price by a small amount.
  • Explain how you arrived at your asking price (comparable selling prices in the neighborhood).

Discuss perceived property defects.
If the buyer believes he will have to replace the roof:
  • Let him have the roof inspected at his expense.
  • If the inspection reveals problems, offer to reduce your price by a portion of the cost of repair.

Be Objective about the cost of holding out:
  • If you are paying $1,000 per month to keep the property, selling for  $2,000 below your asking price might be better than holding on for an extra two months.

 

For sale by owner book
Complete For Sale By Owner Kit $58.95

Includes contract package plus photo tour packages below. Also property flyers in two styles, a for sale by owner yard sign with stand and a directional sign. Internet listing will remain active until home is sold.
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Contract Package $14.20

Real estate forms & contracts to legally sell or buy a home. Designed to meet individual state requirements, our contracts have been used to sell homes in every state. Download them in Microsoft Word format for Windows & Mac. Most also available in PDF.
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Photo Tour Package $26.95

Internet web page ad with up to ten pictures of home plus property description and choice of 28 eye-catching headlines. Also includes choice of two flyers for local distribution.
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Don't have time? Can't devote 4 hours per week to selling your home?

Consider hiring a good real estate agent and paying 6%-7% or about $9,000 to sell a $150,000 house.