Buyer Tips: Five Negotiating Tactics that could Kill a Sale

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly.

Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid:

 1. Lowball offers: Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they’ll accept, and if you’re not even approaching the low end of that range, they won’t even consider the offer.

 2. Incremental negotiations: Don’t continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.

 3. “Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you’re unwilling to budge. Even if it’s true, don’t make a show of it.

 4. Nitpicking after inspection: Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.

 5. Asking for more, more, more: Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren’t included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you’re being greedy.

Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® – Metropolitan
Katie Day, REALTOR®
2 Greenway Plaza #150 Houston, TX 77046

Phone: 832.317.6006
Email: katie@movemetotx.com
Web: http://www.katiedayteam.com | http://www.movemetotx.com

Creating an Evacuation Plan for Pets

An evacuation plan is a necessity for every home, especially if you live in an area where fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters are a possibility. Many homeowners create evacuation plans for their homes and practice them with their kids, but far fewer have considered one for their pets.

Take these easy steps to add your pets to your evacuation plan.

Assign pet evacuation to an adult. Everyone should know how to act during an evacuation, and that includes assigning one parent or adult to the pets. This allows the other parent and the children to focus on their part of the evacuation plan, so there’s no confusion during a high-stress moment when time is of the essence.

Keep evacuation maps and pet carriers readily accessible. If you need to evacuate, you should know exactly where every important item is. If you pets require carriers, keep them in a place that you can access easily.

Practice your plan. Include your pets in your home evacuation drills. It’ll help you see how they will respond and make changes to your plan if necessary. Getting your dog out of a window may not be as simple as you think!

Be prepared in case you get separated from your pets. No matter how much you drill your evacuation plan, it’s possible that a dog or cat will run off while you’re focusing on keeping your family safe. A microchip or a GPS-compatible tag can help you find your pets once it’s safe to return to the area.

Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® – Metropolitan
Katie Day, REALTOR®
2 Greenway Plaza #150 Houston, TX 77046

Phone: 832.317.6006
Email: katie@movemetotx.com
Web: http://www.katiedayteam.com | http://www.movemetotx.com

Coldwell Banker Open House: Saturday 06/02 & Sunday 06/03

GetMedia (1)

1207 Detering St, Houston, TX 77007 – 3 Bed, 4 Bath – $359,485

Open House: Sun Jun 3, 11:00AM-1:00PM

More Info: https://www.har.com/1207-detering-st-houston-tx-77007/homevalue_7888278

Nestled between Washington Avenue and I-10, just off TC Jester, this stunning move-in ready home provides a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy entertaining friends and family in an open second floor. Your bright and functional kitchen with stainless steel appliances, built-in oven and microwave, and island-gas range overlook both the dining area and the living area. Enjoy two patios off of the living space for everyone to spread out. Each guest bedroom features an en-suite bathroom plus ample storage space, with both walk-in closets in the bedroom and linen-style walk-in closets in the bathrooms. In your master retreat, enjoy a small Juliet-style patio, lots of natural light, and a spa-like bathroom. The master bathroom is expansive, with double-sinks, whirlpool tub, stand-up shower, separate water closet, and linen closet. Walk to local bars and restaurants, and enjoy the ultimate inner-loop lifestyle at an affordable price.

GetMedia (2)

2010 Beall Street, Houston, TX 77008 – 3 Bed, 3.5 Bath – $369,900

Open House: Sun Jun 3, 11:00AM-1:00PM

More Info: https://www.har.com/2010-beall-street/sale_56894912

When you first enter 2010 Beall, you’ll notice an array of custom features and upgrades, designed with convenience and comfort in mind. The second floor provides an open living-dining space is perfect for hosting friends and family for Astros watch parties, dinner parties, and intimate gatherings. If you want to spread out, a private patio provides lots of space for guests to enjoy themselves. The island kitchen provides ample cabinet space/storage and full appliance package, plus a huge walk-in pantry with a built-in electrical plug for charging small appliances! Throughout the home, the seller has outfitted the large windows with custom-fitted Smith & Noble sheer 2-way blinds, perfect to keep your home cool and provide privacy. You should also note that the seller has replaced the recessed lighting with LED bulbs for maximum savings + efficiency!

GetMedia (3)

13111 Riata River Lane, Humble, Tx 77346 – 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath – $279,000

Open House: Sun Jun 3, 2:00PM-4:00PM

More Info: https://www.har.com/13111-riata-river-lane/sale_59629139

Eagle Springs Master Planned Community. This two story home with Master bedroom downstairs sits in the newer section of the community within walking distance of the innovative Elementary School Atascocita Springs and Splash Pad. There is a covered front porch and covered back porch. It boasts Granite counter-tops, stainless steal appliances, gas range, upgraded cabinets, tile throughout downstairs. Master bedroom has separate sinks, tiled shower, jetted whirlpool tub and walk in closet. Secondary bedrooms are and spacious with lots of closet space. Gameroom up stairs is perfect for gaming, TV, Crafts or second living space. Home has a dining room downstairs which could also be used as a flex room or office space. Eagle Springs offers 2 swimming pools, Soccer and baseball fields, 2 club houses and a recreation center. Call today to see this beautiful home!

GetMedia (4)

6014 Prescott Run Lane, Katy, TX 77494 – 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath – $325,000

Open House: Sat Jun 2, 2:00PM-4:00PM

More Info: https://www.har.com/6014-prescott-run-lane/sale_70380774

You are going to love this home in the heart of south Katy’s Westheimer Lakes North. All of the shopping, dining, and entertaining that you want is 10 minutes away. Westpark Tollway is quick access and the expansion is almost done. Inside, you feel a sense there is great care and pride. Beautiful designer colors, tiled floors, and soaring entery. You are going to love the Kitchen with travertine backsplash, gorgeous granite counters and tons of storage. The master retreat is your personal oasis while upstairs is all about family with a Gameroom AND media room. Wouldn’t you love to see a home like this?

GetMedia (5)

14727 Hampton Green Lane, Houston, TX 77044 – 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath – $335,000

Open House: Sat Jun 2, 2:00PM-4:00PM

More Info: https://www.har.com/14727-hampton-green-lane/sale_77376780

Gorgeous home in Summerwood. Close to all the action but far enough in a family friendly neighborhood. Easy commute to Beltway, Downtown and lots of new retail, restaurants, hospitals and Generation Park. Four bedrooms, 3 1/2 bath, Gameroom, dining, study and Gourmet Kitchen. Take a look at the uniqueness of the kitchen with the mix of stone and brick, adding character. Open concept to the family room and great for entertaining. The backyard has covered patio and gazebo with the privacy of no neighbors behind you. Large master bedroom and masterbath. The view to the backyard is breathtaking. Bath has separate vanities and master tub. Last but not least the master closet is a custom remodel to put each item in its perfect place. Make appointment today!

 

 

For information on these, or any other homes in the Greater Houston area, reach out today!

Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® – Metropolitan
Katie Day, REALTOR®
2 Greenway Plaza #150 Houston, TX 77046

Phone: 832.317.6006
Email: katie@movemetotx.com
Web: http://www.katiedayteam.com | http://www.movemetotx.com