The key in negotiating a lower sales price in a depressed market is the expertise of the Realtor that you have representing you;
1. Be sure they specialize (thus know the market) in the area that you are purchasing in.
2. Be sure they are detailed oriented and can do a detailed market analysis on the area, and will back up your offer with statistics.
3. Be sure, they are a Certified in Negotiations
4. Choose someone that you Trust and have good rapport with.
It's important who you choose to represent you. I would interview at least 3 Top Agents who have a stellar business.

Sun May 11 2008, 13:05

Negotiation is an active process. In this market you have to be willing to walk away if you don’t get what you want. Make sure the REALTOR you are working with knows that you are committed to them and you will have a better chance convincing them that if this home doesn’t work than the next one will.

That being said, most of the homes on the market today anywhere in the US, are market tens and hundreds of thousands less than even a few months ago. You might shoot yourself in the foot by making your sole decision based on the price. If you are living in this house it is your home. Your agent should know the market and be willing to walk away from a bad deal.

REO, a miss conception is that “banks will take anything to sell a home” this is not true and banks like any other owner will not loose money if they can avoid it. Corporate owned homes are usually great deals before negotiations start.

Thu Feb 14 2008, 14:43

What is SMR (Sonoran Mountain Ranch)? Is your REALTOR a CNE? (Certified Negotiations Expert?) http://www.negotiationexpertise.com/about.php

The price of a home is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay and what a seller is willing to accept in today's market. The buyer will compare other homes for sale along with sold data to determine a rice.

Your REALTOR with the proper training can negotiate the best price. Not all sellers have to sell their homes.

Check out my blog article "Can a buyer beat up a seller"

http://donaldkeys.featuredblog.com/ Posted November 28

Sun Jan 20 2008, 14:37