How Can I Negotiate the Best Price for a Property?

Securing Success: A Realtor's Expertise in Negotiating Your Home Purchase is Key.

Real estate negotiations can feel like a high-stakes poker game—except instead of chips, you're dealing with thousands (or even millions) of dollars. Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling for top dollar, knowing how to negotiate can make or break your deal.

The 2025 market in Lake Cities and Denton County is a mix of economic shifts, changing buyer preferences, and evolving tech tools—but negotiation is still king when it comes to getting the best price.

So, whether you're trying to score a deal as a buyer or maximize your profits as a seller, here’s exactly how to come out on top.

For Buyers: How to Negotiate Like a Pro

Buying a home is exciting… until you realize you have to out-negotiate other buyers (or deal with a seller who thinks their 1970s kitchen is still worth top dollar).

Here’s how to win the deal without overpaying.

Step 1: Know the Market (So You Don’t Overpay)

Before you even think about making an offer, you need to know what homes are actually selling for.

✔ Check Recent Comps – Look at similar homes that sold in the last 3–6 months. Not just list prices—actual sale prices.

✔ Know if You’re in a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market – If homes are selling fast, you’ll need to be aggressive. If inventory is high, you have more room to play hardball.

✔ Understand the Seller’s Motivation – Are they relocating? Going through a divorce? The more motivated they are, the more negotiating power you have.

💡 Pro Tip: If a home has been sitting on the market for longer than the average, the seller is likely willing to make a deal.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (or Risk Getting Ignored)

Sellers don’t take buyers seriously unless they have proof they can afford the home. A pre-approval letter from a lender shows you’re ready to go—giving you an edge over buyers who are just window-shopping.

💡 Bonus: Some sellers might even choose your offer over a higher one if it means a smoother transaction.

Step 3: Make a Smart Offer (Not an Insulting One)

Here’s where strategy comes in.

✔ Offer Slightly Below Asking Price (But Keep It Realistic) – If it's a buyer’s market, you can negotiate harder. If it's a seller’s market, don’t get too greedy.

✔ Add Non-Price Perks – Can’t go higher on price? Sweeten the deal with flexible closing dates, a higher earnest deposit, or a rent-back option.

✔ Ask for Repairs or Concessions – If the home needs work, you can negotiate closing cost credits or price reductions instead of a lower offer.

💡 Warning: Lowballing might offend the seller, making them less willing to negotiate at all. (So, let’s keep it strategic—not cheap.)

Step 4: Be Ready for the Counteroffer

Most sellers won’t accept your first offer outright. Here’s how to counter smartly:

✔ Stick to your budget – Don’t let emotions push you past what you can afford.

✔ Look at the whole package – If the seller won’t budge on price, ask for repairs, closing cost help, or appliances.

✔ Know when to walk away – If the deal isn’t right, there’s always another home out there.

💡 Pro Tip: Having a great real estate agent (like me 😉) makes this process 10x easier—we handle the back-and-forth, so you don’t have to.

For Sellers: How to Get Top Dollar Without Scaring Off Buyers

Selling a home? Your goal is simple: Get the highest price possible, while keeping the deal smooth and stress-free.

Here’s how to negotiate like a seller who knows their worth.

Step 1: Price Your Home to Attract Offers (Not Crickets)

Overpricing your home scares off buyers. Pricing it right? That creates competition.

✔ Use Recent Comps – See what similar homes are actually selling for (not just what other sellers want to get).

✔ Factor in Market Trends – If it’s a hot market, you can price slightly higher. If not, pricing competitively can lead to bidding wars.

✔ Don’t Be Greedy – Overpricing leads to price reductions—which look bad and can cost you money in the long run.

💡 Reality Check: A properly priced home sells faster and for more money than one that sits on the market for months.

Step 2: Stage & Highlight What Makes Your Home Special

Buyers pay more for homes that look move-in ready.

✔ Declutter & Depersonalize – Buyers need to see themselves living in your home, not your family vacation photos.

✔ Fix Small Issues – Peeling paint, loose doorknobs, and outdated fixtures are easy fixes that make a big impact.

✔ Upgrade Curb Appeal – A fresh coat of paint on the door and some new landscaping? Instant value boost.

💡 Pro Tip: Homes that look staged and well-maintained tend to sell faster and for more money.

Step 3: Be Open to Negotiation (But Stay Firm Where It Counts)

Buyers will always try to get a deal—but that doesn’t mean you should cave.

✔ Know Your Bottom Line – Have a price in mind that you won’t go below.

✔ Consider Buyer Perks Instead of Lowering Price – If they want a lower price, offer to cover closing costs instead.

✔ Be Willing to Walk Away – If a buyer is asking too much, remember—you don’t have to sell to them.

💡 Pro Tip: A good agent (hi, me again! 👋) will filter out bad offers and negotiate the best possible deal on your behalf.

Final Thoughts: Winning in Real Estate Comes Down to Strategy

✔ Buyers: Know the market, come prepared, and negotiate smartly—but don’t get too emotionally attached.

✔ Sellers: Price it right, present it well, and stay firm without scaring off good buyers.

At the end of the day, real estate is about strategy—and having the right expert in your corner. (That’s me, by the way.)

📞 Ready to negotiate your best deal? Let’s make it happen.

🏡 Lake Cities Living Starts Here! Call/Text 469.390.9050 or

Email KellyMason@lakecitieshome.com Today!