How to Negotiate the Best Price When Buying A South Tampa Home

How to Negotiate the Best Price When Buying A South Tampa Home

When you’ve finally found the property you want to buy, make an offer to the seller with a written contract called the purchase contract. Your agent will assist you in doing this correctly before handing it to the seller’s agent. If the seller rejects your offer, try to negotiate your way into an offer that the seller will accept. More often than not, sellers of South Tampa waterfront homes for sale will be willing to negotiate. Here are some very helpful negotiating techniques:

1. Gather information on the seller’s motivation for selling. Know if they are in a hurry to leave the property. They might be very discreet as to why they are selling but their response to your initial offer will give you a hint. If the seller does not want to go lower than the listing price, this may mean he is not in a hurry to sell. If he accepts a counter offer that is higher than what you offered but lower than the listing price, he might be in a hurry to move.

2. Avoid showing eagerness to buy the home. You can probably show enthusiasm if there are multiple offers for the home you’re trying to buy. When you know that you’re the only one who’s made an offer, show that you are qualified to buy the home and are ready to walk away if you can’t get the best deal.

3. Do not insult the seller by giving a very low offer. Ask for help from your agent to find out if the home is priced fairly. If it is, make an offer just slightly lower than the listing price. You may offer lower if the property has been on the market for a long time or if it is overpriced.

4. Be firm and do not get emotionally swayed into buying a home that is priced more than you can afford. If you’ve chosen a good and sincere agent, you will not be forced to buy a home that does not fit your budget. Know the figures and the real value of homes for sale in South Tampa area so that you can defend your offer.

5. Offer creative ways for getting a great deal if the owner does not want to go lower than the asking price. Try to talk the seller into paying for repairs and contributing to the closing costs.

6. Set a deadline for your offer to show that you are serious about buying and avoid giving time for other buyers to make an offer. Make the sellers know that you have other options and are willing to walk away if they don’t decide soon enough to accept your offer.

Homes are often sold lower than the list price so always try to negotiate. Remember to do your research and ask help from your agent before making an offer and start haggling with the seller. Keep in mind that you may not be able to get the price you want.  Be willing to walk away and remain hopeful that you will find the home of your dreams for the right price! 

Get the most up to date information on South Tampa real estate for sale! If you need help with your real estate concerns, call me, Mary G. Diaz at 813-245-9677.

How to Properly Care for Your South Tampa Waterfront Home For Sale

How to Properly Care for Your South Tampa Waterfront Home For Sale

If you have a home for sale in the South Tampa area, you know that it can be a challenge to maintain a waterfront home due to the elements and the salt in the air from the saltwater. 

Most sellers focus on cleaning and staging their homes for sale but overlook their home’s exterior, which is critical since potential buyers form their first impression based on the home’s exterior and curb appeal.

Even if you have staged your South Tampa waterfront home for sale, your efforts may be wasted if buyers get turned off by the chipped paint of your home’s exterior and may not want to step inside the home.

Here are a few tips on how to properly care for your South Tampa waterfront home for sale’s exterior to attract more buyers and increase its value:

1. Power wash your home’s exterior.

Make sure to power wash your home at least twice a year, especially before putting it on the market. This will not only make your home look cleaner, it will also remove any mildew, mold, or other fungi that might have built up on the exterior of your home.

2. Check your porch and deck.

Buyers of homes for sale in South Tampa area are attracted to homes with lovely decks or porches. There’s nothing like enjoying beautiful sunrises or sunsets in a South Tampa waterfront home if you have a deck or a porch. Make sure to check your deck or porch for signs of rotting or damage. Apply a fresh coat of paint if needed to make it look fresh. Apply a sealant to prevent water from seeping into the walls.

3. Inspect windows and doors.

If you live in a South Tampa waterfront home, it’s very important that you make sure your doors or windows do not have even the tiniest cracks or holes. Inspect your windows and doors and make necessary repairs if needed.

4. Trim the surrounding trees.

If you have trees in your yard, you can trim or prune them. Untrimmed limbs can cause damage to your home, especially during strong winds, as they can scratch or fall on the roof. Untrimmed branches can also be a safety hazard if they can hang over power lines. Avoid these hazards by trimming your trees regularly.

5. Hire a contractor to look at your home.

Hire a contractor to inspect your home at least once a year. Make sure to select a reputable contractor who is professionally trained at detecting structural damage or issues that your home may have.

Properly caring for and maintaining your home both inside and out will attract more buyers and significantly increase the value of your South Tampa waterfront home for sale. For more tips about homes for sale in South Tampa area, check out www.TampaTodayRealEstate.com

If you have questions regarding South Tampa waterfront homes for sale or if you need help with your real estate concerns, call me, Mary G. Diaz at 813-245-9677. Let me help your get the best deal with my knowledge and experience in homes for sale in South Tampa area.