25 Jun First move in negotiating

First move in negotiating

Both a buyer and the seller are ready; they want to cut a deal. So who makes the first move when a property sale is on the table?

It seems everyone has a theory on how to start a negotiation in real estate.

Some say the vendor should set the pace and advertise a fixed sale price for the home. Others insist it is wiser to keep figures off the table and simply list the home for sale then wait until a prospective buyer makes an offer.

Buyers Agents says it is the buyer who “normally” – but not always – makes the first move in the property negotiation process.

You do this by making a written offer.

According, it is strategically sensible for buyers to make the first move because if the price is pitched right it will quickly get your seller to the negotiation table.

But be warned: “If you make your first offer too high it will only act to feed the seller’s expectation..

“The buyer should not put their best foot forward as their first offer as the seller will expect some negotiation.

“The best way for a buyer to put their best and final offer forward is on a signed contract with a 66W (Certificate) and deposit cheque.”

A Section 66W Certificate waives a buyer’s right to a cooling-off period in relation to purchasing a property in New South Wales.

Sellers are less likely to take you seriously until you have made a written offer

Having said that, the question of who should jump first also depends on the sale method and the market.

“If the property is being offered for sale by private treaty, then the seller has already made the first move by putting an asking price on it.

“An interested buyer needs to make the next move in the form of an offer and, in the event of no forthcoming offers the seller would probably need to reduce their price.

“If the property is being offered for sale by auction, then the buyer has an option to make the first move via an offer prior to the auction or wait until auction before making a bid.

“If the selling agent is inviting offers prior to auction then we usually read that as a sign that they don’t have much interest in the property.

“If they are discouraging offers, then you can be confident that they have loads of buyer interest.”

The bottom line according to expertise is:

In a seller’s market you will see the buyer often making the first move in order to limit competition from other buyers;

In a buyer’s market you will see the seller making the first move in order to entice a buyer to the negotiating table.

“Bucking the system usually costs you money.

Make sure agents are aware you’re keen to purchase the property

If you’re keen on a property let the agent know because many agents won’t follow up. And if they don’t know you’re interested they may sell it to another buyer before you submit your offer.

“Sellers are less likely to take you seriously until you have made a written offer.

“So when you put your offer in, try to put it in writing, clearly stated with all terms and conditions.

“If the offer doesn’t meet what the vendor is after they are more likely to counter offer on the contract.

“And at this stage of negotiations you now have a more engaged seller and are much clearer on what the seller is expecting for their property in terms of price and settlement terms.”

Buyers’ fatigue: Don’t get caught making a fed-up purchase

Experts agree a written offer shows you’re serious about buying a property

Agents says any property listed with a sale price has already revealed its seller’s top price point.

“The seller should not put their final price as the asking price; they should leave some room for negotiation.”

Agents says it is a basic negotiation rule that “the person who makes the first move is at a disadvantage”.

Competitive edge: Engage a buyers’ agent

• In today’s world of high-speed, non-stop, endless connectivity, we add value by offering our clients that most precious thing, time.
• Buying a home shouldn’t be stressful, but more often than not it becomes so. Having trusted council and informed, objective & impartial advice when making such a significant financial commitment can remove a large element of stress.
• There are many excellent real estate agents working throughout NSW but they all have one thing in common, they work for and are paid by the seller. We represent the buyer’s interests during the initial stages of the search and throughout negotiations, giving our clients both confidence and peace of mind.
• Real Estate agents understand that a buyer prepared to pay a fee to secure a property is a sure sign of their commitment. Our clients gain a competitive advantage by proving their credentials as a serious prospect in a position to move immediately, vital in today’s highly competitive market where quality stock is increasingly difficult to source, let alone secure.
• We can source exclusive opportunities for clients and gain access to properties that wouldn’t be available to a buyer looking on the open market. In many cases, real estate agents will contact their database of buying agents with details of new properties long before they reach the public domain.
• We offer years of experience and can handle negotiations on our client’s behalf, enabling them to remain at arm’s length whilst we handle proceedings in a more commercial and less emotional manner.
• Our priority is our client and our focus is achieving the best result, enabling them to continue with their busy lives safe in the knowledge that opportunities will not be missed.
• We are completely independent and our reputation relies on client satisfaction, therefore any advice we give is purely for their benefit and no-one else’s.
• We only act for a small number of clients at any one time, allowing us to give each and every search the time, effort and attention it requires and delivering a genuinely personal service