As inveterate travelers, the homeowners shopped the world, acquiring such mementos as two oversized carved wooden elephants they had shipped from India. The purchasers of the home have compelling reasons to move in as soon as possible. But the sellers won't budge. Had the retired couple sorted through their belongings initially, their place would have appeared more attractive, sold more quickly and fetched a higher price. And showing more flexibility on timing would have earned them goodwill.
Buyers are very grateful when sellers are accommodating on time.
Don't counter a good offer. Irwin believes in countering any offer that shortchanges the seller. Nevertheless, sellers take a risk by rejecting a nearly perfect offer in hopes of gaining a small advantage. In the hours between offer and counteroffer, a buyer can get cold feet or find a home he likes better. You have to realize that anytime you counter, you could lose the buyer and the entire sale.