Things to Know Before You Buy a Home: Part 8 – The Art of the Offer: Negotiation Tips That Win in 2026

Negotiation is where most home purchases are won or lost. In the Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area—especially the south metro (Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington)—emotions run high on both sides. Buyers want the best deal; sellers want top dollar. The key to success is preparation and strategy, not just luck or aggressiveness.

As a real estate agent in Lakeville MN with over 20 years of experience helping buyers navigate the Minnesota home buying process, I’ve learned that 90% of successful negotiation happens before the offer is even written. Why Preparation Is Everything in Negotiation The strongest offers aren’t always the highest price—they’re the ones that are clean, professional, and backed by solid data. Here’s what I do for every buyer I represent:

Know the true market value
I analyze recent sold comps (last 90–180 days), absorption rate (how fast homes sell), active listings, and pending homes. This gives a clear picture of where the home should price. Many agents skip this step—big mistake.
Understand the competition
If the home is $10,000–$20,000 overpriced based on comps, we come in aggressively but strategically. If it’s priced right, we focus on terms (closing date, contingencies, earnest money) to stand out.
Craft an impeccable offer
No blanks, no errors, no missing signatures. Every section is completed professionally. When I’m the listing agent, I immediately notice the quality of the buyer’s agent’s paperwork. A sloppy offer gets rejected or ignored.
Pre-plan responses
We discuss scenarios ahead of time:
- If the seller counters on price, here’s how we respond.
- If they ask for repairs, here’s our limit.
- If they want a quick close, we can flex there.

Why Cutting Corners Loses Deals

Buyers who skip comp analysis often overpay or miss red flags.
Agents who rush offers make mistakes that kill credibility.
Sellers who get sloppy paperwork from the other side assume the buyer isn’t serious.

A great agent fights hard for you but never lets emotion override strategy. The goal is to win the home on the best terms—not to “beat” the other side.

The Bottom Line

Negotiation is preparation, not confrontation. The more data and strategy you bring to the table, the better your position. In today’s market, buyers who are organized, pre-approved, and represented by a detail-oriented agent win more often—and pay less. If you’re ready to buy a home in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or the south metro, let’s talk.

As a real estate agent in Lakeville MN with over 20 years of experience helping buyers negotiate and win, I’ll give you a clear, data-driven plan to get the home you want on the best terms.

Ready to negotiate like a pro in 2026? Text or call me today, Tom Sommers with Coldwell Banker Realty, for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s put you in the strongest possible position.