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Negotiate buying a home like a property pro.

Talking about money doesn’t come naturally for many of us. The awkwardness can easily be overcome once you’d found your perfect property, and now you have to decide how to bid for it. A few years ago, buyers had to make a decision on the spot and, in many cases, pay top dollar for a home. Fortunately, now is a great time for people all across the country to negotiate.

Here are few tips to get you started.

Do Your Homework

Arm yourself with as much information before going into the sale talks as possible. You can learn a lot about a home and similar homes in the area with simple Google search and by talking to your real estate agent. Going into negotiation armed with knowledge and facts to back your offer may make it easier for the seller to agree to a lower price, rather than if you just simply low-ball an offer with no justification behind it.

Get Pre-Qualified

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage can strengthen your hand when it comes to the negotiation. In many cases, the homeowner will want to sell quickly. He or she may be willing to take a lower price if they know you are serious and can get a mortgage.

View It Thoroughly

Inspect the house in great detail before making an offer. Any flaws or work that needs doing represent an opportunity to knock some money off the price. Examine it inside and out, and ask questions about the age of the roof, HVAC systems, and electrical system. If work is likely to be needed shortly, you have a legitimate reason to go in with a lower price.

Complicated and extensive real estate transactions are best handled by a real estate agent with an eye for detail. Whether buying or selling, contact Jenn Blake Real Estate Group at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty in San Diego, California at 858-663-6788.