The Hidden Advantage in Real Estate: A Skilled Negotiator

Why You Need a Real Estate

Negotiation Specialist

The Difference Between a Smooth Deal and a Missed Opportunity

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial transactions of your life.

It’s not just about finding the right house or listing it for the right price—it’s about negotiating terms that protect your interests and maximize your outcome.

That’s where Margot Weatherford, a Realtor® with seasoned negotiation skills, comes in.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

In today’s real estate market, it’s not enough to be good—you need to be strategic.

Inventory levels shift. Buyer demand ebbs and flows. Lending requirements tighten and timelines stretch. Whether it’s price, inspection terms, closing dates, or contingencies, a strong negotiator can be the difference between a deal that falls apart and one that closes smoothly.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• For Buyers: You want the best value. But, let's be real. If you really want the house, you want your offer accepted. Margot can help you structure a compelling offer that balances strength with flexibility—and keeps you competitive without overpaying. 

  • Example 1: You offer full asking price but include a decent amount in seller paid closing costs. This will offset the amount of cash to close.
    
    • Contract Price: $580,000 
    • Seller Credits: $21,000
    • Net Offer Price becomes $559,000 Did you know the monthly payment difference between financing $580,000 and $559,000 is only $135 at an interest rate of 6.7%?The cash was worth more in this example.

• For Sellers: You want top dollar, but you also want peace of mind. Margot can manage competing offers, push for favorable terms, and protect your bottom line—even during inspection and appraisal phases.

  • Example: Buyer offers FULL PRICE! 

    A full-price offer sounds great—until the buyer comes back before the end of due diligence with a long list of inspection repairs and asks for seller-paid closing costs.

    This happens more often than you’d think. That’s why a strong listing agent doesn’t just celebrate the offer—we guide you through what comes next.

    When this situation arises, I help my sellers evaluate three key questions:

    
    A.) Are the requests reasonable based on the home’s condition?
    B.) Do we have room to negotiate—or push back?
    C.) What’s the smartest path forward to protect your bottom line without risking the deal?

    Selling isn’t just about getting under contract—it’s about getting to the closing table with terms that make sense for you.

It’s Not Just About the Price

Many buyers and sellers assume negotiation is all about the final number. In reality, it includes a wide range of deal points:

• Timing of the closing

• Possession dates

• Repair requests and concessions

• Appraisal gap coverage (in a seller's market)

• Contingency terms

• Personal property inclusion

• And more

Each of these details can cost—or save—thousands. Margot knows how to leverage them to your advantage.

Experience You Can Trust

In every deal, I negotiate as if it were my own home on the line.

That means asking the right questions, reading between the lines, and staying calm under pressure. It also means knowing when to walk away—and when to push forward for your best outcome.

In a competitive market, you don’t just need a Realtor®. You need a strategist, an advocate, and a closer. That’s what Margot delivers.