Make Sure your Agent can Negotiate

Buyers have the upper hand in the residential property market at the moment and frequently make offers that seem absurdly low to sellers via their agents. But these offers are mostly only intended to commence a negotiation and to attract counter-offers from sellers.

It is crucial that sellers work with an agent that will entertain all serious offers, devoid of his/her personal opinions and assist the seller in negotiating a more favourable outcome.

Sellers should not be too quick to regard low offers as personally insulting or blame the estate agent for presenting such offers. In fact, many agents make the mistake to refuse to even take these offers and could potentially cost the seller a sale had the negotiation been pursued.

It is thus imperative that sellers choose their agent carefully and are confident in their negotiating skills. Insist on sales records and where possible, contactable references. Once an agent is chosen, sellers should be clear that all reasonable offers should be taken and submitted for their consideration.

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