Even in a home buyer’s market, it’s important to use your clout wisely [South Florida]
Jenn Vest made what she thought was a fair offer on a house in Broward County, but the seller rejected it and wasn’t much in the mood to haggle. The same thing happened on another property.
Vest later found a two-bedroom house in an eclectic neighborhood near downtown Fort Lauderdale. Originally listed at about $550,000, it was reduced to $349,000. She closed on the deal Dec. 29 for $316,000.
“She got the buy of the century,” said her real estate agent, Pamela Orr of Balistreri Realty in Lighthouse Point.
Buyers have been wielding more power since South Florida’s five-year housing boom last year yielded to a significant slowdown. Those getting the best deals are hiring experienced agents, pushing for incentives, wearing poker faces, finding motivated sellers and, when all else fails, walking away.