Negotiating - Q & A
Q:	Should I always accept a full-price offer?
A:	Full-price offers or above are likely to be acceptable to you. But there are other considerations involved: * Is the offer contingent upon anything, such as the sale of the buyer's current house? If so, a low offer, even at full price, may not be as attractive as an offer without that condition. * Is the offer made on the house as is, or does the buyer want you to make some repairs or lower the price instead? * Is the offer all cash, meaning the buyer has waived the financing contingency? If so, then an offer at less than the asking price may be more attractive to the you than a full-price offer with a financing contingency.

Q:	Should I even consider a low-ball offer?
A:	A low-ball offer is a term used to describe an offer on your house that is substantially less than your asking price. While any offer can be presented, a low-ball offer might seem offensive. But don't be discouraged. Make a counter offer close to your asking price or simply reject the buyer's offer altogether. If your price is reasonable the buyer may just be hoping for a bargain. If the buyer likes your property and knows the price is reasonable you may get an acceptance of your counter offer or a new, more acceptable offer.

Q:	Tell me about contingencies?
A:	Most offers include two standard contingencies: a financing contingency, which makes the sale dependent on the buyers' ability to obtain a loan commitment from a lender, and an inspection contingency, which allows buyers to have professionals inspect the property to their satisfaction. A buyer could forfeit his or her deposit under certain circumstances, such as backing out of the deal for a reason not stipulated in the contract. The purchase contract must include the seller?s responsibilities, such things as passing clear title, maintaining the property in its present condition until closing and making any agreed-upon repairs to the property. If you are a seller in a seller's market, in which there is more demand than supply, you probably won't have to entertain too many contingencies. But if you are selling in a buyer's market, when buyers are few, prepare to be very flexible. Granting contingencies also depends upon what kind of price you want to get and on the condition of your property, most experts agree. Remember, contingencies are written into the contract and are negotiable during the negotiation phase only.