The purchase contract must include the seller's responsibilities, such things as passing clear title, maintaining the property in its present condition until closing and making any agreed-upon repairs to the property. The more you know about a seller's motivation, the stronger a negotiating position you are in. For example, seller who must move quickly due to a job transfer may be amenable to a lower price with a speedy escrow. Remember, that the listing price is what the seller would like to receive but is not necessarily what they will settle for. Before making an offer, check the recent sales prices of comparable homes in the neighbourhood to see how the seller's asking price stacks up.
Some experts discourage making deliberate low-ball offers.
While such an offer can be presented, it can also sour the sale and discourage the seller from negotiating at all. There are several cardinal rules to negotiating effectively. One is do your homework, and learn as much about the seller or the buyer as you can. Another is to play your cards close to your vest and not reveal much information to the other party or their agent. Don't let yourself get rushed into any decision, no matter how tempting it may be.