Texoma Living Well Magazine Fall 2015 | Page 32

How to Improve Your Home Buying Negotiation Strategy Courtesy Landmark Bank B uying a home can be a stressful time for both first​-timers and seasoned veterans. One of the biggest concerns that keeps homebuyers up late at night is whether their offer is high enough or if negotiations are working in the buyers’ favor. Some homebuyers tend to overdo their negotiations and others under negotiate. As a homebuyer, you have to have a middle ground that helps you get closer to your dream home. Here are a few tips on how to improve your negotiation strategy. Know the math If you want to be a good negotiator, you need to know all the math that is involved in the home buying experience. This doesn’t mean you have to sit at home and practice equations, but you should know different interest rate totals for the buying price before you make a final decision, according to U.S. World and News Report. Paying $3,000 more for your house could be just a few extra payments, and, in the grand scheme of things, arguing over this could cost you your future home. While a few thousand dollars might seem like a lot, don’t focus too much on getting your exact price range unless you’re ready to pass up homes you’re set on. Before you enter a negotiation, simply do the math for each side and have that information as a nice card up your sleeve if the seller isn’t budging. Try not to get too invested When making any major purchase, it can be easy to dive deep into your savings account to afford the exact thing you want. However, you should always keep a clear and level head, especially when you’re buying and negotiating a home. On 30 TEXOMA AREA Living Well Magazine | FALL 2015 - See Advertisement Inside Front Cover -