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After you’ve spent enough time doing all of the research about your prospective home and are comfortable with working with the seller, it’s time to make the offer. However, the home buying offer isn’t the end of the sales process; you may be involved with negotiating a price after making the offer if the seller refuses to accept it, so you’ll need a plan to get the price you want – or close to it – well before you extend your initial offer.

Understanding all of the terms of the contract and working on a contingency plan are just a few ways to make sure you really do get the best price for your dream home. Barron’s ‘Consumer’s Guide to Home Buying’ encourages all prospective homeowners to create a checklist of items they can practice well before the negotiation process takes place. Here are a few items to consider as you begin negotiating the price of your new home:

1. Knowing who the decision-makers are in the transaction. Understanding who really calls the shots is a critical element in any negotiation. Is the seller working alone or do they involve their lawyers, accountants, agents or any other third parties in their transactions? You can adapt your negotiating approach and gauge the trustworthiness of the seller if you know who the decision makers behind the contract are.

2. Have a back-up plan. It is possible for you and the seller to reach a stalemate when negotiating. Consider developing a back-up plan just in case no agreements are reached during negotiations. Define your maximum offer and do not go over it; just look for other homes to buy.

3. Study all details of the contract. Make sure you understand everything that is written in the contract. Do not just assume the implications of certain terms in the contract if you’re not sure what they mean exactly. Don’t be afraid to meet and ask the seller to clarify vague provisions in the contract. You want to do this as early as possible to avoid any surprises at closing.

4. Be comfortable with your agent. Agents can provide sound advice regarding the home buying process. Develop a positive relationship with them and learn how to trust them. Share your thoughts and worries regarding the property as early as possible. All your inputs will be taken by your agent in giving you expert opinion that will allow you to make the best decision possible.

5.Are you ready to handle setbacks? Poor communication skills from the seller’s agent, hostility from the seller and other negative communications that occur during the buying and selling process can make it difficult to negotiate fairly. You need to keep your cool and make sure that you are ready to stop the deal if you don’t feel like it’s going down the right path.

Alexandria P. Anderson is a licensed Minnesota Realtor that uses the MN MLS to help her clients to find and purchase Homes in Minnesota.