Negotiate? What?
Surely agents just open the door, smile, and write up offers for list price, right? Here’s the deal. Real estate has changed. I know. I know. Shocking.
It used to be that real estate agents would actually find a house because the internet didn’t have those easy to access listings everywhere. Since the internet changed the real estate game, agents have had to change theirs. While some agents are house finders, you really should be looking for a house advisor. That’s what we do.
Those of you relocating to Oregon from another state, especially on the East Coast, you need to realize that negotiations may be different here. Oregon is an “escrow” state meaning that real estate agents handle normal real estate transactions. We bring attorneys in for complex transactions or when there is a problem. Most East Coast states are “attorney review” or “attorney closing” states which means attorneys are involved in every transaction. Since we don’t use them here, having a really good agent is essential.
How can you help yourself in negotiations? I’d suggest not shooting yourself in the foot for starters.