Education point #1: For a Buyer Agent or for a buyer without an Agent: When presenting an offer to a seller, there are several relevant points you need to know. Today, I will gladly touch on Number 1.

1. If YOU need closing costs paid or concessions, please know that your Agent (or you) should establish what you consider a fair offer price based on sold comparables and ADD those items needed atop your "fair offer". It will never, never work to offer a low ball price then ask for the moon. YOU have to have something to offer, thus the name..."Offer". If you have HIGH money down, or cash, THEN you can offer legitimately lower than fair market value. If you have the ability to effect a quick closing, or even are able to show you have pockets by needing NO closing costs paid by the seller THEN you have some bargaining power. If you NEED assistance, then you must ensure the seller has a REASON to make those concessions to you. It is GIVE and TAKE in contract negotiations. For the seller, it all comes down to what they are left with at the closing table, better known as NET. You cannot take from the front pockets AND the back pockets then look surprised when the sellers are not agreeable.

If you are asking them to give something to you or help you in order to make the transaction work, then you must give in kind by means of Sales Price, or other items important to the seller. It is all based on good faith and best effort to show serious intention and ability to see the transaction to close.

Happy Negotiating!