You've decided to sell your second
car. You check the value on the
Internet, and determine it's worth
$11,000. You place an ad in the paper
asking $11,000, and receive a call.
The party is interested and comes by
to take a look. After some
consideration the prospect offers you
$10,500, a price you consider
reasonable.
The buyer also asks that you leave
your favorite CD collection, provide
a tune-up, purchase a 3-year
extended warranty, and replace the
tires. What seemed like a reasonable
offer is now more complicated,
causing you to reconsider accepting
the offer. In fact, you feel a little
angry and put out.
Planning to buy a home soon? If so,
remember this story. First, look only
at homes that appear to be valued
fairly.
Next, when you make your choice,
let your purchase offer be a "clean"
one. Leave out all the special
demands and concentrate on the
home.
If you make an offer of less than full
price, then expect the sellers to leave
their gas grill, drapes, home
computer, and the Porsche in the
garage, you are asking for a certain
rejection of your offer. Adding items
of personal property when
negotiating for real estate muddies
the water and encourages sellers to
answer with a flat "NO!" Buy your
next home with a firm, fair, and
simple offer. You're be pleased with
the results.
