Free preview
Buying Plan Step 2: Finding and buying the right house, negotiating with estate agents
Buying a house? To negotiate better on price, lay the groundwork now
Search for a home to buy - get onto estate agents' "hot list"
Estate agents will focus most effort on serious buyers.
- Tips to get on every agents' "hot list" for priority treatment
- Sellers often favour buyers they like and trust - build a rapport
Think of viewings as more than looking at homes to buy
It's the ideal time to lay the groundwork for making an offer to buy a house, and negotiating on price.
Please note: The full version of the EstatesForum 4-step home buying plan is only available to subscribers. Subscribe today for £5 or £10 and get all the information you need to save thousands on your next house purchase.
Negotiate better Build a rapport with estate agents
Be on estate agents' "hot list" make it clear you're a genuine buyer
Many buyers register but never actually buy. Agents will give priority to people they believe will buy.
When dealing with estate agents , find tips and advice to ensure you are regarded as priority buyer.
Negotiate better Build a rapport with sellers
The small extra effort will pay big dividends
It helps create trust when you're viewing homes for sale. You can tailor an offer to their individual needs. The goodwill you create encourages a positive response to your offer.
It's not always money alone that influences a seller's decision
They often prefer selling to people they like and trust. They're more likely to favour an offer that addresses all their needs.
Say the right things at viewings. Ask searching questions
Learn what to say - and what not to say to build goodwill and trust. Know how to ask more searching questions.
It'll help negotiations when you make an offer to buy a house.
Negotiate better Ask agents and sellers the right questions
Why are they selling? Is there a deadline? Knowing more will help you negotiate with estate agents for lowest price.
Finding a home to buy
Try every possible source
- Agents - the major websites make this easier, newspapers, boards.
- Word of mouth, friends, neighbours
- FSBOs - agent free private homes for sale
Register with every agent
Dealing with agents is time consuming but necessary to cover the whole market when home buying. The Internet can speed this up.
The biggest site is www.rightmove.co.uk 
there are several others.
Try FSBO sites
Sellers without agents, aka "FSBOs" (For sale by owner). Owners may reflect the fee saved in the price. In effect share the saving.
For FSBO websites with homes for sale see the Links page
Want more advice on finding the right house to buy?
Subscribe to EstatesForum for access to the full version of the 4-step Buying Plan. A single payment of £5.00 gives full access for one month. As home buying can take up to three months we also offer a three-month subscription for £10.00.
Read more preview information in Step 3.
Step 3: Planning your offer >>>
Build a rapport with agents
Find how it'll help you get on to every agents' list of "hot" buyers.
And when you make an offer, you'll have credibility.
Build a rapport with sellers
Most owners prefer selling to someone they like and trust.
A few simple tips will help you build goodwill.
Look for buying opportunities
Monitor homes for sale. Watch for any that stick longer than average.
Identify sellers needing a quick sale.
It could be a good time to negotiate on price. More on site.
