In many situations, buyers have more opportunity to negotiate today than they had a few years ago.

That may include:

• Price reductions
• Seller credits toward closing costs
• Rate buydowns
• Repairs
• Longer inspection periods
• Help with prepaid expenses
• More reasonable contract terms

This is where strategy matters. A strong offer is not always the highest offer. Sometimes the best offer is the one that is structured correctly, protects the buyer, and still gives the seller confidence that the deal will close.

The key is knowing the difference between a property that is priced correctly and one that is sitting because the market has already rejected the price.