Are you buying a new home? First-time buyer? Or, perhaps, you’re a seasoned pro who is just moving to a new neighborhood? No matter if it’s your first home-buying experience or your tenth, it’s a very exciting time.
It can also be a bit overwhelming – after all, there’s a lot to think about when buying a home. One of the essential things you want to have a handle on is how to negotiate. While a good realtor will be able to help you with the key points of your negotiations, it’s essential to have some idea of what your needs and wants are when you finally find your dream home.
And keep in mind, just about everything is negotiable. Not sure what you could or should be asking for? Here are a few ideas to help.
All or a Percentage of Closing Costs to Be Paid
Closing costs are often 2%-5% of the purchase price of your home and can really catch you off guard if you don’t factor them into your home’s final purchase price. And, while the buyer usually pays most or all closing costs, it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way. You can ask for the seller to pay a portion or all of the closing costs. This allows you to keep more cash in your pocket that can be used towards home improvement projects or other items you wish to purchase.
A Home Warranty
You are probably extremely excited to be moving into a new home, but that excitement can quickly disappear – especially if you end up having to do major home repairs. Having to replace an HVAC unit or resolve plumbing problems can put a huge strain on your wallet.
That’s why you should ask the sellers to provide you with a home warranty. Most home warranties cover major repairs (such as HVAC and plumbing) for the first year you own your home. While you are responsible for the deductible should anything happen, it certainly means less of a financial impact.
A Flexible Closing Date
Being flexible with the closing date is a sign of goodwill for you and the seller. You may be able to take possession of the home earlier than expected if your funding clears, but it can also help the current homeowner should they need a couple of extra days to vacate the premises.
The Home to Be Professionally Cleaned
If you want to make sure that the home you’re purchasing looks its absolute best when you move in, ask for it to be professionally cleaned. The current homeowners can arrange to have professional cleaners, such as Mini Maid, come in and clean the home from top to bottom.
Extra Paint, Flooring, and Tile to Be Left Behind
At some point in time, you may need to touch up some paint or replace a piece of tiling in your home. Be sure to ask the current homeowners to leave all extra paint, flooring, and tile behind so you are not scrambling to find a match.
Cosmetic Improvements
Do you love the house, but are there one or two things that need to be fixed to make it perfect? Perhaps a deck that needs painting? Or carpeting replaced? You can negotiate to have cosmetic improvements done by the sellers. This allows you to move into a house that’s all ready for you!
Major Appliances
While most sellers leave behind major appliances, you always want to check. And if they happen to be taking something you like, feel free to ask for it. Once again, this leaves more money in your pocket as you don’t have to go out and purchase appliances for your new home.
Furniture and Household Items You Like
As with the appliances, if there are furnishings or household items that you just have to have – don’t hesitate to ask for them during the negotiations. The worst that can happen is that the sellers say, “No.”
So, have you found a home you love, and are you starting the negotiation process? If the answer is yes, keep these things in mind – because you could be asking for more than you imagined.
And remember, Mini Maid is here to help keep your house looking fantastic – whether it be a new home or one that you’ve owned for years. With over 25 years of professional cleaning experience, Mini Maid knows how to make a home shine. Use our online quote form to get started!
