| A successful real estate investment is dependent | | | | thousands of dollars worth of sales incentives |
| on many things, but one key factor is timing. It's | | | | such as free landscaping, appliances, television |
| all fine and dandy for real estate gurus to chant | | | | sets, hardwood floors, club memberships, trips to |
| "buy low, sell high", but in the real world things | | | | Hawaii, and even swimming pools. Seek out new |
| don't always work that way. | | | | developments with lots of empty homes for the |
| In today's real estate market, buyers have a | | | | best deals. |
| definite advantage. Attractive interest rates, | | | | When negotiating with builders try to negotiate |
| plenty of inventory to choose from, and best of | | | | free upgrades. With existing homes, see if the |
| all, sellers eager to do business make this your | | | | seller will fix that leaky roof or stained carpet as |
| time to shine. Here are some tips to help you | | | | well as pay for the home inspection. |
| take advantage of this rare opportunity known as | | | | When making your offer, begin with 15 percent |
| a "buyers' market." | | | | below the asking price. It's not low enough to be |
| This is one clearance sale where you can take | | | | insulting, and will give you a good place to begin |
| your time browsing through the merchandise. | | | | negotiations. Always request a time frame, such |
| View plenty of homes, taking notes on each one, | | | | as 24 hours for the seller to respond to your |
| and paying special attention to those that have | | | | offer. On the other side of the coin, ensure you |
| remained on the market longer than others. | | | | allow plenty of time to have the contract |
| Take time to check out the foreclosure market. | | | | approved at your end and book any inspections. |
| A good agent will help you negotiate the ins and | | | | Request a written warranty for one year of |
| outs of these purchases. They can take a little | | | | coverage on appliances or major repairs. If you |
| longer than your average sale, may involve more | | | | have it in writing, at least you have something to |
| paperwork, and houses may need some loving | | | | go back to. One way to discover the seller's true |
| care, but don't be too quick to discount them | | | | bottom line is to reject the counteroffer. You |
| because of this; a golden egg may be lying | | | | wouldn't do this in all cases, and you certainly don't |
| beneath their neglected exterior. | | | | want the seller to get his back up because of it. |
| What happens when a store has too much | | | | Your negotiations should not be restricted to the |
| inventory? They have a sale and usually offer | | | | seller. Your real estate agent may agree on a |
| incentives to encourage you to buy. The same | | | | reduced commission. When shopping for a |
| goes for the new home market. Builders have | | | | mortgage lender, engage at least three banks and |
| been left with a glut of unsold houses and many | | | | see who offers the best terms, such as lower |
| are willing to chop prices, and throw in added | | | | interest rates or reduced closing costs. |
| perks to boot. In some cases, this can amount to | | | | |