Whether you're buying a home or selling your home in Paris, Texas, negotiation is a part of the process that can either make or break your deal. Many people underestimate how much negotiation really matters—and more importantly, how much strategy and information you need to negotiate well.
As a real estate agent with years of experience in Northeast Texas, I’ve helped clients on both sides of the transaction get what they need. If you're not prepared to negotiate—or you're relying solely on assumptions—you're likely leaving money on the table or risking losing the deal altogether.
Here’s what every buyer and seller should know about how to negotiate effectively in the real estate market.
Understanding the Basics of Real Estate Negotiation
At the heart of every real estate negotiation is this simple truth:
One party wants to get as much money as possible. The other wants to spend as little as possible.
It really is that straightforward. But knowing that is just the beginning.
In order to negotiate successfully, you need to respect the other party’s position. The moment you stop doing that—by assuming a seller will "take anything" or assuming a buyer is "just playing games"—you lose focus on your own leverage and risk missing the bigger picture.
What Is Leverage in a Real Estate Deal?
Leverage is what gives you negotiating power. In real estate, leverage comes from information, timing, and market position.
For example:
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If you're buying a home and you lowball a seller who doesn’t need to sell, who has plenty of equity, and who already has other offers on the table? You're likely going to get a quick rejection—especially in a tight inventory market like parts of Lamar County.
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But if that same home has been sitting on the market for 90+ days, the seller has no other offers, and they’re making two mortgage payments already? Now you're in a stronger position. That seller is likely more flexible, and they may seriously consider a lower offer if it gets the job done.
This is where having a local real estate agent is crucial. As a realtor in Paris, Texas, I have access to MLS data, expired listings, public records, and even insight from other agents that the general public simply doesn’t see. That information gives my clients leverage they wouldn’t have on their own.
Why Knowing the Seller’s Situation Matters
The biggest question buyers should ask themselves is:
How much do I want this property, and how willing am I to walk away from it?
The answer will determine how aggressive—or cautious—you should be. It also helps to consider how much you know about the seller’s situation:
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Do they already have a new home under contract and need this one sold fast?
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Have they reduced the price multiple times already?
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Are they relocating for work, or has the home been sitting vacant?
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Are they emotionally tied to the property or is this a straightforward investment sale?
Most sellers won’t tell you all that directly. But an experienced real estate agent can pick up on these clues by analyzing listing history, talking to the listing agent, and comparing similar properties in the area.
Negotiation Goes Beyond Just the Sales Price
When people think “negotiation,” they usually only think about the final dollar amount. But in real estate, there are multiple parts of the offer that carry value:
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Closing costs
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Option periods
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Repair allowances
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Possession timelines
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Appraisal gaps
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Financing terms
For example, a seller might be more willing to accept a slightly lower price if the buyer offers a fast closing date or doesn’t request any repairs. On the other hand, a buyer might agree to pay more if the seller agrees to cover part of the closing costs or leave behind valuable appliances or outbuildings.
A skilled real estate agent can structure an offer that appeals to what the other party values most—without sacrificing your goals.
What Sellers Need to Know About Negotiating
If you’re selling your home in Paris, Texas, don’t assume that the highest offer is always the best one. I’ve seen plenty of high-dollar offers fall apart because the buyer wasn't well-qualified or made excessive demands during inspections.
As your listing agent, I help you:
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Understand which offers are most likely to close.
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Identify buyers who are truly serious versus those testing the waters.
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Set your listing price based on a professional comparative market analysis.
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Anticipate negotiation points before they happen—saving you stress and money.
What Buyers Need to Know About Negotiating
For buyers, the biggest mistake is assuming all sellers are in a desperate position. Some are. Many are not.
If you really want the home, coming in too low may result in a lost opportunity—especially if other offers are on the table. If you’re not that emotionally attached to the property, then maybe that low offer makes sense for your situation. But you need to be honest about what outcome you can live with.
Also, sellers typically respond better to buyers who show they’ve done their homework:
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Having a solid pre-approval (or proof of funds if paying cash).
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Offering clear terms with minimal contingencies.
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Having a well-respected local agent representing you.
Why You Need a Realtor in Northeast Texas
Negotiation in real estate is a trained skill. Knowing when to push, when to hold, and when to walk away takes experience and local insight. That’s where a full-time real estate agent makes all the difference.
As a realtor in Paris, Texas, I’ve successfully helped both buyers and sellers get results by using data, not drama. I know how to read the market, understand motivations, and make the numbers work in your favor—without jeopardizing your deal.
Whether you're buying a home or selling your home in Paris or anywhere in Northeast Texas, don’t go into the process blind. You need someone in your corner who knows how to protect your interests and give you the best possible shot at a strong outcome.
Final Thoughts
Negotiating is not about "winning" over the other party. It’s about understanding what’s important to each side and using real-world data, timing, and insight to structure a deal that works.
If you're ready to buy or sell a home in Paris, Texas, reach out today. Let’s work together to get you the best terms, the right price, and the outcome that fits your goals.
Call your local Northeast Texas realtor today and walk away from your negotiations with a strong hand.
Leah Rolen – Keller Williams Realty
📞 469-744-5309
