Negotiating a Low-Ball Offer

July 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 

Central Jersey Home

In Real Estate, a low-ball offer is an offer that is far below the price of a home should be in that particular area.

I have received low-ball offers on my listings, and I represent buyers who make lowball offers on other agent’s listings. Therefore, I have sat in both sides of the seats and have had some successful transactions.

My Bridgewater homebuyers are looking for a bargain, home sellers are looking for a quick sale and should consider every offer no matter how low, and homebuilders and banks are selling homes at reduced prices.

I have notice here in Bridgewater, Bedminster, and Branchburg; the conditions have sparked a wave of low-ball offers to buy homes. This is not only in Central New Jersey but also in the U.S. housing markets.

Now, the key to making a hardline low-ball offer on a home is to start by finding properties that have lingered on the market for a long time. The softer the market, the more likely the strategy will work.

To some, a low-ball offer may be undesirable; however, it could be an opportunity to open a discussion with a buyer who may give the sellers what they want. A seller, who has a bad reaction to a low offer, may lose a good buyer. Some sellers respond to a lowball offer with a counteroffer which I always recommend.

Some REALTORS caution buyers against making an offer that is so low it could offend the seller and stop the negotiation process. That is ridiculous!  If the seller does not have multiple offers, it often does not hurt to go in low.

It helps to have a REALTOR that has comprehensive knowledge of the local market, like Central New Jersey so that they can provide the best comparative market analysis that will identify the key trends for that particular neighborhood.

The bottom line on low-ball offers is that each real estate transaction, like each house, is unique. That means buyers and sellers needs representation by a skilled Real Estate Agent who can distinguish the strengths and weaknesses of both negotiating positions.

If you are looking for a skilled agent, you need not look any further. I am right here! Email me @ dawn@dawnruete.com or call me (908)930-2408

 
Filed Under: Buyers Resources, Central NJ Property Information, Finance, Home Improvement, Investment Property, Relocation, Sellers Resources, Somerset County Community Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Moving During Spring Here in Central New Jersey

April 3, 2012 By 1 Comment
 

Early spring is usually the time that most New Jersey homeowners choose put their house on the market. If you price your house right and it sells, closing could be as soon as 30 to 60 days.

The weather is getting warmer here in central New Jersey and the rainfall that is also likely to show up as well, which can be a mover’s nightmare that could slow down progress during moving.

Always check your local New Jersey weather report before deciding on a date to move. For those who are unable to put off moving day, be prepared to put in that extra work to protect your furniture. It is best that you use some heavy-duty tarp to wrap or cover as well as plastic, especially when covering mattresses and sofas.

Instead of using cardboard boxes, use plastic containers with lids for some of your vulnerable things. These you can get at Loews, Home Depot or any of your local department stores. When cardboard gets wet, it weakens and when that happens one of two things happen.

  1. The box weakens and all your belongings can fall out
  2. All the layers of cardboard get wet and anything in your box becomes wet.
  3. If you are planning on storing these boxes in the basement, you could end up with a mold problem

Since it is nearly impossible to remove your shoes going back and forth, in and out of your home, line the floors with material that has more traction so that you or your movers do not slip and fall. Such as, old rug pieces, or you can even use anti-skid adhesive tape in high traffic areas, which again could be bought at Loews or Home Depot.

Wear rain ponchos, this helps to keep you dry and comfortable. These can be purchased at your local dollar store, and can be kept around for other rainy days.

Be smart and take the initiative to go out and collect the proper materials before your move. For more information where to get moving supplies, please contact me: dawn@dawnruete.com

 

 
Filed Under: Buyers Resources, Relocation, Sellers Resources Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,