Property Investing: A Buyer's Secret Weapon When Purchasing Real Estate

My friend, Roger, does property investing and is a licensed real estate agent. Recently he looked at a property in another state that was probably worth $225,000.

After some rapport building, the agent told him that he may be able to purchase the property for around $200,000. Roger loves property investing and he follows fundamental rules like doing his home work. He still thought the property was expensive and did not pursue it further. About a month later, Roger received a call from the real estate agent.

The agent said that the seller would probably now accept about $180,000. The agent explained that the seller had paid about $180,000 for the property eight years earlier and he just wanted to get his money back. Roger was surprized that the seller had not factored in costs of ownership.

It also happened to be April Fool's day and Roger sometimes he has an off beat sense of humour about property investing. He said to the agent, look tell the seller I'll pay $150,000. Roger also said he would sign a contract now and fax it to the agent immediately. After that was done the real estate agent rang him back the next day and said, "I can't believe it....you've bought the thing. Had I known he would have taken that price I would have bought it myself!"

There are a couple of lessons in this example. First do your homework when you're property investing. That means you know where bottom of the market it is-before you meet the real estate agent. Secondly, do some rapport building with an agent. Now some of you may be wondering how Roger could make an offer of $150,000 to the agent. Roger presented himself as a serious buyer.

Roger's secret weapon was that he didn't care whether he purchased the property or not. In fact when property investing he never gets emotionally involved. He told me he'll make an offer on a property, not caring whether he owns the real estate. This is a secret weapon of many accomplished property investors-thought at times it can be difficult to put in practice.

I've found when property investing that if a seller wants to sell to me today, when I make an offer it's the best I can do on that day. Just as Roger's best offer was $150,000. More often then not, this strategy will enable you to purchase property at a discount. Bottom line it's important not to get emotionally attached and chase real estate.