Investor · Worcester, MA · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
I’ve had success offering a longer closing timeline to help sellers coordinate their 1031 exchange. Giving them that flexibility made them more willing to work with me on price.
Sometimes the best leverage is figuring out what the seller actually needs.
What’s worked for you—repair credits, a cash offer, a flexible closing date, or something else?
My best negotiating move: I never put earnest money down, and I can close fast.
Wholesalers bring me deals under $100K in Memphis. My offer is simple: I'll pay your price if the numbers work, but I'm not putting up earnest money and I need a quick close. That filters out the dreamers.
The real negotiation happens before the offer. I know my numbers cold — ARV $180K-$265K, rehab $30-40K, Section 8 rent $1,395-$1,950. If the seller's price doesn't hit the 1% rule, I walk. No emotion.
Sellers come down when they believe you'll actually close. I close. That's my leverage. Be the buyer who performs, and you stop negotiating on price.
Usually I try to figure out what is important to the seller. It could be price, but maybe it’s getting it over with quicker. Or maybe it’s having a simpler deal with fewer things to sort out. Knowing the buyer is actually going to close can matter too. If you can offer something that makes the process easier on them, you’re usually in a better position to negotiate. I’m always trying to figure out what the seller wants before just dropping my offer price lower and lower.