In Real Estate, everything is negotiable - from price to furniture -  the more open both sides can be to settling the details, the better the situation will be for everyone.  After all, this is a business deal, not a war, and emotions need to be the last thing on the table.  The Houston, Texas real estate market is dynamic; both buyers and sellers can have stronger negotiating power, depending on the area.  Concerned you can't hack it at the negotiating table?  Fear Not!  Here are a few tips that will give you the confidence to make the best decisions for everyone involved.

Good Negotiating Begins with a Good Realtor:  You don't just hire an agent because they have the tools to market your home on the MLS and other Real Estate sites.  You hire them because of their knowledge of the real estate market and their ability to negotiate professionally and calmly for you!  Ideally, you should never meet with or talk to the potential buyer or seller of your property face-to-face; Realtors are the best mouthpiece for you, so use them!  Pick a realtor who has years of experience in buying and selling real estate ??" attorneys that are also Realtors are great negotiators!

Leave Your Ego at the Door: This is not an occasion where you want to beat the other side ??" this is a time where you want to meet them halfway.  Being difficult only makes enemies out of you and the other side.  Remember, you both want something from the other person; coming to an amicable resolution should be the goal!

Sign on the Dotted Line for Everything:  Nothing is more clear and concise than when it???s in writing!  Make sure you make no verbal agreements, because those can be more open to interpretation or miscommunication.  Even for something you consider a minor detail, putting it in writing prevents is from evolving into a major blow-up!

Three Times is Not Always the Charm in Negotiations:  Usually once there are two rounds of offer/counteroffer, it becomes hairy.  Neither you nor the other side might not see anything beyond annoyance or dollars signs at this point, so make sure you come with your best foot and intentions forward the first time, if you want it, go for it!

Give-and-Take:  If the other side is asking for a large concession, do not accept without asking for something in return.  Even if you are willing to give it freely, you want to make sure you prevent these concessions or provisions from happening too often.

Don't Kill Negotiation Momentum:  If you are hitting a wall on a point of the negotiations, move on to something you can agree on. Nothing kills deal making worse than getting hot and bothered over one problem spot; it will distract the rest of your motivations to make it happen.

FOCUS: Stay dedicated to the task at hand, which is, selling/buying the property in play, not outsmarting a perfect stranger who is a major component in getting you what you want!

Did you know that Don Puryear, Houston, TX Inner Loop Real Estate Specialist is also a licensed attorney, so he is well-versed in the art of negotiations!  He and his team of agents and support staff combine to create an ideal provider for all of your real estate needs.  Contact us if you have any more questions regarding buying or selling real estate in Houston, Texas.