"I will forever believe that buying a home is a great investment. Why? Because you can't live in a stock certificate. You can't live in a mutual fund.” - Oprah Winfrey

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Ridgeline Rundown!

Spring is in full swing, and while the market’s picking up, buyers have more negotiation power than you might think. 💪💰

In this week’s feature, “Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It,” I’ll walk you through what this means for you—and how to turn it into real savings, better terms, and stronger contracts. Whether you’re house-hunting now or planning ahead, this is a smart move.

As always, I’m here to guide you with honest advice, real strategies, and a personalized approach that makes a difference. Have questions? Let’s chat and build a plan that works for you.

Mortgage Minute

Despite a volatile afternoon in the financial markets, mortgage rates ended the day mostly unchanged. A key tariff announcement caused a brief market swing, but bonds— which influence rates—recovered just enough to keep things flat. Lenders may wait until tomorrow to adjust rates, depending on overnight movement.

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The Insider’s Guide to Real Estate | Tips

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you.

You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation.

Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation Process

The complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s where your agent comes in. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), besides finding the right home, the top thing buyers want from their agent is help negotiating the terms of the sale, followed by negotiating the price.

Here’s why. Agents are skilled negotiators and are trained for moments like this. Since your agent is an expert on the local market, they’ll also know what’s working for other buyers (and what’s not), and that can help you get a better understanding of what’s realistic to ask for.

What's on the Negotiation Table?

Here are some of the most common concessions an agent can help you negotiate:

• Sale Price: The most obvious concession is the price of the home. And that lever is being pulled more often today. Buyers don’t want to overpay when affordability is already so tight. And sellers who aren’t realistic about their asking price may have to consider adjusting their price.

• Closing Costs: Closing costs are usually about 2-5% of a home’s purchase price and include fees for things like the appraisal, title insurance, and underwriting of your loan. To offset the cash you have to bring to the table, you can ask the seller to pay for some or all of these expenses. This was the most common concession sellers made in 2024, according to NAR.

• Home Warranties: If you’re worried about the maintenance costs that may pop up after you get the keys, you can ask the seller to pay for a home warranty. Since this concession usually isn’t terribly expensive for the seller, it can be a good negotiation tool for a buyer. It’s not a big cost for them, but it can be a big perk for you.

• Home Repairs: Based on the inspection, you're within your rights to ask the seller to make repairs. If the seller doesn’t want to, they could offer to drop the home price or cover some closing costs, so you have more room in your budget to take care of the repairs yourself.

• Fixtures: Want that washer and dryer to stay? Maybe the stainless-steel fridge, too? In many cases, you can ask for appliances or even furniture to be included in the deal, which will save you money when you move in.

• Closing Date: The closing date is also negotiable. Based on your timeline, you may also request a faster or extended closing window. Depending on the seller’s needs, this could be great for their situation, too.

Of course, negotiating is a complex process. And not every seller will be willing to offer concessions. Again, lean on your agent for expert advice about what’s realistic to ask for and what could turn sellers off.

Because once you’ve found a home you love, you don’t want to risk losing it. But you also want to get the best terms possible on your purchase – and that’s where an agent can make all the difference.

Bottom Line

As inventory grows, buyers are finding they have a bit more leverage. And having the right agent by your side – who can help you approach negotiations strategically – is key.

What’s your biggest concern when it comes to negotiating with a seller? Let me know and we’ll put together a solid plan that makes things less stressful.

Colorado Springs Social Scene

Military News and Updates

Unclaimed Marine Corps veteran will be honored Tuesday at Pikes Peak National Cemetery

Pikes Peak National Cemetery will honor the service of an unclaimed Marine Corps veteran on Tuesday.

Jim E. Van Hoose Jr. served as a Marine in 1973 and attempts to reach his family were unsuccessful, said Kyra Carter, program specialist with the Pikes Peak and Fort Lyon National Cemeteries.

He is among many veterans who are unclaimed each year in the U.S. During fiscal year 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs buried more than 2,300 unclaimed veterans, according to their records.

Feel free to reach out with any real estate questions—I’m here to help, no matter the state!

Referrals are the biggest compliment, so send anyone my way. Until next time!