Funny how those in the real estate profession have taken a holiday from writing offers.

Almost every time I call someone for feedback from a showing or to discuss business, they will point to whichever issues in the home caused their clients to hesitate – not quite for them. Then the agent will say something like “and the price is a bit too high for them”. Hmm. If it was my client, I would instead be saying something like “they would be interested in the home, if the sales price were X instead of the current asking price”. Wouldn’t bother me a bit to say that. In the U.S. we get so “sticker price” conditioned that we’ve forgotten that in most spots in the world nearly everything is negotiable! All Realtors know that list prices are just that – the best guess the listing agent has come up with. Even the presence of an appraisal doesn’t mean a whole lot if the seller is motivated. In the mellowing market sellers can’t expect their home to jump off the shelf without a lot of careful preparation and flexibility on their part. As agents we’re going to have to become more savvy at negotiating not just inspections, etc. but the whole arrangement as well.

So, making an offer is hardly rude and if we as professionals can negotiate a “meeting of the minds” then truly everyone will be happy. I will always entertain offers. If you are working with me to buy or sell, you can be assured that I’m negotiating on your behalf to make your move happen!

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