“In real estate, you don’t get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate.” – Karin Carr
Real talk: negotiating in real estate isn’t about being pushy or playing games—it’s about knowing your value, reading the room, and moving with strategy (and maybe a little bit of swagger 😉).
Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, the negotiation table is where deals are made (or broken). And in this 2025 market, with tight inventory and high buyer expectations, being prepared is everything.
Let’s break it down so you can negotiate like the pros.
🎯 1. Know Your Numbers — and Stick to Them
📊 Buyers: Before you even submit an offer, know what you can spend and what you should spend. Get pre-approved, budget realistically, and have your ceiling in mind.
🏡 Sellers: Know your home’s worth in today’s market—not last year’s. Your realtor (👋 hey, that’s me!) should arm you with a full market analysis so you can price smart from day one.
🧠 Pro tip: According to Barbara Corcoran, “Buyers decide in the first eight seconds of seeing a home if they’re interested. The rest is just confirmation.” That’s why pricing and presentation go hand-in-hand!
💌 2. Don’t Take It Personally
This one’s for my sellers: getting a low offer doesn’t mean your home isn’t amazing. It’s just business—and a starting point.
Buyers: if your offer is countered, it’s not rejection, it’s a conversation.
✨ Trivia time: Did you know most successful real estate deals go through at least 2 rounds of negotiation? That’s right—don’t bail after the first counter. Stay in the game.
🧩 3. Look Beyond the Price
Negotiations aren’t just about numbers. Terms matter!
📦 For buyers: Could flexible closing dates, covering some seller costs, or skipping minor repairs sweeten your offer without raising your price?
🛠️ For sellers: Maybe a slightly lower price with a cash offer and no contingencies is actually a win.
💡 Expert insight: Ryan Serhant says, “Price is only one piece of the deal. Timing, convenience, and peace of mind are often worth more.” Truth.
🔁 4. Master the Counteroffer
✅ Respond quickly. In a competitive market, time kills deals.
✅ Be strategic, not emotional. What’s your goal—to win the argument or close the deal?
✅ Always counter with value. If you’re asking more, offer something in return (faster close, better terms, etc.).
🤹♀️ Fun fact: Some seasoned negotiators even use bracketing—countering at a number that splits the difference AND favors their side just a bit. It works more often than you’d think.
🗣️ 5. Trust Your Agent (If They’re Good 😉)
Look, not every agent is a negotiator. Some are order takers. But a great agent? They’re your advocate, strategist, and buffer.
I coach my clients through every line of an offer. I talk directly with the other side. And I know when to push, when to pause, and when to walk. That’s the difference between just listed and just sold 🏆.
🏁 Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying your dream home or selling your biggest investment, negotiation is where confidence meets preparation.
Don’t settle. Don’t get flustered. And never go it alone. 💪
Want me in your corner for your next big move? Let’s talk strategy.
📞 DM, call, or text—I’m here when you’re ready.
📌 Save This for Later:
Let’s turn offers into wins, y’all.
-Devin Todd Ramsey