10 keys to guaranteed success in negotiations

You always have to be willing to compromise in negotiations. You may not get what you want, but you will get what you need and then some. Do your research before the meeting or negotiation, know the person representing the other side of the table, and avoid negotiating with those who are emotional. Meet them on their ground and allow them to change their mind if they feel they have too much of a disadvantage. Use many different tactics such as offering incentives without disclosing how much they cost (such as besting your offer by 10%), letting someone else negotiate for you in case there is something that only that person can do that increases your chances of success, or refusing to come down from a price until it's agreed upon by both parties. You have to be willing to compromise and make concessions. If your offer is good enough, the seller will usually come down on the price. You must be willing to deal with a seller who has been underpriced in the past or is unwilling to negotiate. Don't make it personal, don't ask them why they won't deal with you and what they want you to do for them that would make them sell their property at the price they are asking for it, and don't ask them "bargaining questions." Expect sellers undervalue their property, particularly their own property. If they do not value it properly, then you can acquire it more cheaply than what you're offering.

Photo source: http://www.fastcompany.com/1821286/what-makes-a-great-negotiator If you are going to sell your house, try to get a buyer that is just as motivated to buy your house as you are motivated to sell it. If someone isn't selling their home, they probably have other issues and road blocks that they will throw out there when negotiating with you. People who don't want to negotiate directly with you while they're selling their home can be problems down the road. Look at this as an opportunity for them to try a negotiating tactic when another buyer is ready, more motivated, and more willing to close on the price quickly. Ultimately, in a negotiation or meeting of any sort, it's not about what you want.