How Do I Negotiate a Home Purchase

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How Do I Negotiate a Home Purchase

1. Make a Strong, Strategic Offer

Don’t guess—base your offer on market conditions and comparable sales in the area. In a seller’s market, you may need to come in at or above asking. But in a slower market, you might have room to offer slightly less. Either way, a strong offer shows the seller you’ve done your homework and you’re serious—which can help avoid a bidding war.

2. Know Your Limit Before You Start

Before you negotiate, decide your max budget—and stick to it. Emotions can rise quickly during negotiations, especially if you fall in love with the home. But smart buyers set boundaries and walk away if the numbers no longer make sense. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you for keeping a cool head.

3. Use Contingencies as Negotiation Tools

Contingencies aren’t just protection—they’re leverage. If the inspection reveals issues, you can ask the seller to make repairs, offer a credit, or reduce the price. You can also request help with closing costs or negotiate the move-in date. Everything is negotiable—if you know how to ask.

Ready to Negotiate With Confidence?

📘 Download our free “First-Time Buyer Game Plan” eBook — includes a negotiation prep checklist
💬 Start a live chat and we’ll help you build a smart offer strategy
📞 Or schedule a call with a Stairway Mortgage expert who can coach you through your next negotiation

At Stairway Mortgage, we help first-time buyers win on more than just price—
because a great deal starts with a smart strategy.

Ready to Take Your First Step?

Skip the guesswork. Take our quick Discovery Quiz to uncover your top financial priorities, so we can guide you toward the wealth-building strategies that fit your life.

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