Whether you're looking for homes for sale in Rockridge or thinking about listing your property, you'll need the services of an experienced realtor. Working with a realtor is the best way to ensure that you can get the outcome you want in real estate transactions. If you're looking to buy, a realtor can help you find properties that fit your criteria and navigate through closing with ease. If you're hoping to sell, a realtor can assist with marketing and listing your property, as well as fielding offers and getting you the best deal.
There's a lot that a realtor can bring to the table, but foremost among their skills should be the ability to negotiate masterfully. Discover the many reasons why your real estate agent should be effective at negotiation and the specific skills that go into becoming a master negotiator.
Reasons why your realtor should be able to negotiate effectively
Your realtor could be new to the industry or have years of experience buying and selling luxury homes. Either way, there are certain skills that you will want them to have so they can be a better advocate for your interests and help you navigate the real estate transaction with ease. Here are a few top reasons why your realtor should be able to negotiate masterfully.
So you can get the best deal
First and foremost, your realtor's ability to negotiate can directly impact your bottom line. A master negotiator can help get the best price possible, whether you are buying or selling. If you're a home buyer, a realtor can negotiate with the seller's agent to reach a sale price that works for both of you, helping you to remain confident that your money will stretch further. If you're selling a home, a realtor who can masterfully negotiate will assist in getting multiple excellent offers, so you can pick and choose which one will be the most profitable.
Get a better idea of market conditions
The real estate market can change on a weekly basis. This could leave you feeling uncertain whether now is a good time to buy or sell. Without expert guidance, it could be even more of a challenge to figure out your next move. However, a realtor who can think on their feet and comes equipped with strong negotiation skills is going to be able to offer key insights into changing real estate market conditions. Armed with knowledge and deep market insights, you'll be able to feel more confident going into your real estate transaction.
Navigate difficult situations
While it would be ideal for every real estate transaction to go smoothly, without any bumps in the road, that's rarely the case. In tough situations where buyers and sellers are at an impasse or if a home inspection reveals some unexpected issues, it can be instrumental to have an experienced real estate agent on your side. A good negotiator will know when to walk away from a deal or reconsider an offer and when to suggest alternatives that can keep a deal moving forward.
Provide an objective opinion
If you fall in love with a house, it can be easy to ignore certain flaws or red flags in an otherwise perfect listing. While you might love the house at first, time usually reveals that these flaws, though they initially seemed small, can be huge headaches. Having a realtor on your team before you sign paperwork can keep you from ending up with a lemon down the road. Realtors who are experts in negotiation can lend you an objective opinion about the situation you're in, doing so in a way that helps you see other options and realize the extent of what you're dealing with.
Get a quicker closing
Everyone wants a fast closing at the end of any transaction, whether you're buying your dream home in Rockridge or selling an investment property. However, handling closing on your own can often be anything but. With an abundance of paperwork and red tape to deal with before you can walk away from the transaction, you could feel anxious or overwhelmed in the days leading up to closing. An experienced realtor can keep things moving in an efficient manner, helping you to avoid a long, drawn-out process. Your realtor can also ensure that the correct information and paperwork are presented upfront so things don't get held up down the line.
What negotiation skills should your realtor have?
The ability to negotiate effectively usually doesn't come overnight. Rather, realtors who are master negotiators have refined their approach by enhancing a variety of individual skills. These include:
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The ability to listen. Nothing is more important to becoming a good negotiator than the ability to listen and listen well. Being an active listener means that your realtor will better understand the other party's objectives and learn where they are coming from. By understanding what the other party wants, the realtor can craft their negotiation strategy accordingly.
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The ability to read people. A good negotiator can read body language, social cues, and subtle facial expressions in order to discern what someone is really thinking. Reading people is a powerful skill for real estate agents, allowing them to understand someone's motivations and create a fabulous negotiation strategy.
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Knowledge and local expertise. Nothing is a substitute for market knowledge. Any real estate agent who wants to be a successful negotiator should stay abreast of current market conditions and real estate trends in order to offer better information and guidance to clients.
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Be a "people person." Most realtors are naturally outgoing and extroverted, with the ability to connect with people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. While not all real estate agents need to be extroverted, any realtor who wants to be able to negotiate masterfully should be a "people person" with a positive mindset and a genuine affinity for clients. This mindset will go a long way toward ensuring success in real estate transactions.
By applying these skills and putting in the effort to understand clients' needs, real estate agents can get the edge in negotiations and close more deals successfully.
Alexandria Pembleton can advocate for you in any real estate transaction
If you want to work with a realtor who can advocate for your needs and offer expert negotiation skills, Alexandria Pembleton is here for you. A knowledgeable professional who is in the top 1% of all agents in the East Bay, Alexandria is well-versed at getting her buyers the homes they want the first time and getting her sellers the best returns. Contact Alexandria Pembleton today to learn more about houses for sale in Rockridge, CA, or to prepare for listing your property!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock