If you’re like many people buying a home for sale in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Anthem or elsewhere in Arizona, you probably already know that your REALTOR® will handle all the negotiations for you – but what you may not know is that you can negotiate just about anything you’d like into your purchase contract. It’s up to the seller to choose whether to agree, renegotiate or back out of the deal, but you should check out (and consider) these three things before you finalize your offer on your dream home.

3 Surprising Things You Can Negotiate When You Buy a Home in Phoenix

For most people, price and home repairs are negotiable. But you may also be able to negotiate:

  • Fixtures
  • A home warranty
  • House-cleaning

Here’s a closer look at each.

How to Negotiate Fixtures Into Your Real Estate Purchase Contract

Fixtures – at least when it comes to real estate – are things that are permanently or semi-permanently attached to a home. Things like the in-ground sprinkler system, the HVAC system and even the light fixtures transfer ownership; when the seller leaves, these things stay behind. Some appliances are considered fixtures, too, but not all of them. A microwave that’s built into the range hood, for example, is definitely a fixture – but a refrigerator most likely isn’t.

However, you can ask the seller to leave things behind if they’re perfect for the space and you’d like them to come as part of a package deal. The refrigerator is a great example; if the fridge that’s in the home now is a perfect fit, you can ask the seller to leave it behind for you.

Negotiating a Home Warranty Into Your Real Estate Purchase Contract

A home warranty is a little like a car warranty. It covers fixes and replacements for major appliances and systems after you pay a deductible. Every home warranty product is a little different, so what one covers may not be covered by another – but for the most part, they cover appliances and home systems (like HVAC).

You can ask the seller to buy you a one-year home warranty that covers anything that goes wrong after you buy. A home warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs on the home you just moved into.

Pro Tip: Often, sellers will give you a “credit” for a home warranty rather than purchasing one and transferring it to you. That means they’ll give you fair market value for a warranty, leaving you to choose the company and product that’s right for you. Your REALTOR most likely knows a good home warranty company that services your area, so don’t be afraid to ask! Even if the seller doesn’t end up purchasing one for you, it may be a good idea to buy one yourself.

How to Negotiate a Professional House-Cleaning Into Your Real Estate Purchase Contract

If you’re like most people, you’ll spend a good day or two cleaning your new home from top to bottom after you get the keys (but before you move in all your belongings). But what if you didn’t have to do that? You may be able to ask the sellers to hire a professional cleaning team after they move out – that way, you don’t have to worry about moving into a less-than-spotless home. (And like a home warranty, you may want to look into hiring professionals yourself if the seller doesn’t do it for you.)

Are You Thinking About Buying or Selling a Home in Phoenix?

If you’re selling a home in Phoenix, Cave Creek, Anthem or Scottsdale, we can market it to all the right buyers so you can sell quickly (and at the right price). Call us at 602-332-6188 to learn more.

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