{"id":6931,"date":"2025-10-25T07:55:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-25T11:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=6931"},"modified":"2025-10-25T07:55:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T11:55:58","slug":"game-plan-negotiating-the-best-price-for-the-fsbo-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/game-plan-negotiating-the-best-price-for-the-fsbo-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Plan: Negotiating the Best Price for the FSBO Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The home you want is marketed as for sale by owner<\/em>. But the price is not right. What\u2019s the best way to buy the home for a better price?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many deed holders have an exaggerated idea of what their property is worth. And those who opt to sell their homes themselves can be especially likely to overestimate their property values. That\u2019s because there\u2019s no real estate agent to give them the truth about what today\u2019s real estate market is like for a seller<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or perhaps they broke away from their agents because<\/em> they believe they could increase their proceeds on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, let\u2019s consider a few ways to strategize a discussion with an FSBO homeowner, step by step. You might be taking these steps in a different order yourself \u2014 but they\u2019re all steps that bear some thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Get Oriented. Compare and Contrast the Seller\u2019s Home With Others Nearby.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you know the asking price, you\u2019ll want to get a rough sense of whether it\u2019s too high and by how much. What have similar homes sold for in recent weeks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a list of comparable properties. With each, focus on the price per square foot. This won\u2019t tell you the differences among the homes, of course. But knowing the value of properties of similar footage in your seller\u2019s area is the right starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get your comps ready to show the seller you are carrying out the necessary diligence on your side, and making an offer based on market fairness. Find out why your seller picked their asking price, so negotiations can begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, this stage is just a start. Just comparing properties on real estate websites won\u2019t tell you about upkeep, possible renovations, age of the heating and AC unit, and what will need to be fixed or replaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Prepare Your Offer. Think About the Contingencies You\u2019ll Need, and Be Sure They\u2019re in the Contract.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Speak with the seller to know what\u2019s important to them. For example, many FSBO sellers prioritize knowing they can make a quick, certain sale. Helping the seller reach particular goals can factor into your offer\u2019s value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you determine a price that matches the market and suits both seller and buyer, get ready to make an offer. Be prepared to include contingencies for the inspection, appraisal, and financing. In other words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n