Real Estate Combat

I love movies, especially good ones, and I finally got the chance to watch Steven Spielberg’s War Horse the other night with my kiddos. Great movie. I was waiting for some bad language or something to happen (PG-13), but it never happened. Great movie, good message. A must see if you are looking for an uplifting film. My kids had read the book and really liked the movie.

 

 

It was an interesting choice of a movie for me- I feel like I had a near combat experience last week in my job. Not true combat, mind you, just dealing with a seller with unrealistic expectations. People act differently when it comes to real estate. Some are happy go lucky, and go with the flow; some will not care what happens, just so they get the house; some will find equal ground, and want a good negotiation and want all sides to feel satisfied in the end; and the last category is the people who no matter want, view selling or buying a home as a competition, and one they must win at all costs.

 

You can probably guess what kind of person I dealt with last week.

Let me put it to you this way – everybody needs to win. A buyer has to feel like they got a good deal or the home of their dreams, and a seller has to be satisfied that they are selling their house for a good price or making a good move for themselves. No matter what, one party cannot dominate the proceedings. It never works, I’ve seen too many transactions and tempers sour when things don’t go evenly.

 

My best advice if you are buying Costa Mesa real estate (especially in a hot seller’s market): be flexible. Don’t expect to get all of your points across and accepted. Don’t ask for 892 repairs on a home that doesn’t need it.

 

My best advice to sellers of Costa Mesa real estate: Be flexible and be agreeable. So much is out of your control, you need to go with the flow. Hold your line if you think your home is worth a certain price, but you do have to be flexible on repairs, appraisal matters, letting people in for showings and inspections, and allowing time for contingencies to be released.

 

 

There is a great quote by Author Roger Dawson about win-win deals: “Win-win negotiating is not a matter of just getting what you want, but of helping the other person get what he or she wants also. And one of the most powerful thoughts you can have when you’re negotiating with a seller is not, “What can I get from them?” but “What can I do for them that won’t take away from my position?” People will give you what you want in a negotiation, if you can help them get what they want”.

 

Great idea- it works in real estate too, believe me.

 

Need help in Costa Mesa real estate? I’d love to help! Call Colin at (714) 743-9882 or E-mail me.