Good negotiation skills can make the difference between a successful deal and an unsuccessful deal. It can be the difference between getting a bargain and being ripped off. Here are some negotiation tips for getting the best deal on a property in the Twin Cities.

Tip #1 - Position Yourself as the Chooser

It's been said that whoever cares about the result less in a negotiation is likely to come out on top.

If you're making an offer, the more it seems like you could take it or leave it, the more likely the seller is to acquiesce to your terms. The reverse is true as well.

Tip #2 - Have Reasons to Back Up Your Offer

If you make a low offer on a property, back it up with reasons.

Let's take an example of a property that's worth $100,000 and you wanted to offer $80,000. Which example is more compelling?

Ex #1 - "I'll offer $80,000 for the property because the plumbing is 20 years old and will need repairs soon, the vacancy rate is high compared to nearby buildings and because the building is in violation of a couple building codes."

Ex #2 - "My offer is $80,000."

Giving the seller reasons for your number legitimizes your offer.

Tip #3 - Offer an Exact Number.

If you pick a number like $177,551 the seller is much less likely to want to argue than if you picked $180,000.

If you pick an exact figure for your offer, the subconscious psychology is that there's a reason you picked that figure.

Tip #4 - Flattery Gets You Everywhere

The reality is that people enjoy dealing with people that make them feel good. In the end, they're more likely to give you a better deal if the negotiation experience is a positive one than a negative one.

Remember that you're on the same side. The seller wants to sell and you want to buy. Work together to create a win-win deal rather than try to "beat" the seller.

These four tips will get you a long way in getting a great deal for your property.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Twin Cities real estate. For complete information about the Twin Cities real estate market including current properties for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Twin Cities real estate at . Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 612-581-7313 or email me at steveschneeberger@edinarealty.com.