How to Talk Down the Price of a House
Bernard Reynolds
Published Mar 21, 2025
Getting a good deal when buying a house takes a bit of smart talking and a good understanding of the game. You could end up keeping more money in your pocket if you play your cards right.
Here’s a quick guide to help you negotiate a better price when you’re ready to make your move into a new home.
Prepare Before You Start Talking
Before you sit down to negotiate, make sure you know a few things:
- The House’s Worth: Look at what similar homes are selling for to get a good idea of a fair price. You could also hire a pro to give you a precise estimate.
- Your Money Matters: Have a clear picture of your finances. Know what you make, what you spend, and how much you’ve saved. Getting pre-approved for a loan can also show sellers you mean business and can move quickly on a deal.
- Background Check the House: Public records can tell you if there are any outstanding debts or legal issues tied to the house. This info can come in handy during negotiations.
Talk Based on the Home Inspection
Getting a house inspected before you buy it can reveal problems you didn’t know about. If the inspection turns up issues, you can use that to lower the price, ask for repairs, or get other perks in the deal. Focus on the big problems that cost a lot to fix or affect your safety.
Related Read: Funding Allocated for Repairs and Increased Accessibility of Solar Energy
There’s More to Bargain for Than Just the Price
Remember, the purchase price isn’t the only thing on the table. Here are other things you might want to negotiate:
- Home Warranty: Could save you money on repairs later on.
- Repairs: If something needs fixing, see if the seller will handle it.
- Closing Costs: Deciding who pays these costs can save one of you some cash.
- Closing Date: Useful if you need to move in sooner or later than planned.
- Stuff in the House: You can ask for furniture or appliances to stay, which could save you from buying new ones.
Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, the best move is to just leave the table. If the house has too many hidden problems, the seller won’t budge on your deal-breakers, or the finances just don’t add up, it’s okay to back out.
The pressure of the market might make you want to jump on a deal, but it’s not worth it if the numbers don’t make sense for your wallet.
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