Feel the Joy Magazine. Fall Issue - Flipbook - Page 9
Motivated Sellers and More Ways
to Negotiate
A seller whose home missed the
spring or summer rush may be
more open to a practical
conversation. Price matters, but it
isn’t the only lever. Buyers can
also negotiate repairs, closing
dates, seller-paid closing costs
or, when financing rules allow,
help with a mortgage-rate
buydown. That matters in 2026:
the
average
30-year
fixed
mortgage rate was 6.67% in midAugust. Sometimes improving the
financing package can help your
monthly budget more than a
small reduction in purchase
price.
Look Beyond the Purchase Price
A home that fits the budget on
paper may feel very different
once taxes, insurance, utilities,
HOA dues and maintenance are
included. In Minnesota, heating
efficiency
deserves
special
attention. Also, ask for recent
utility history and compare the
age of major systems such as the
furnace, roof and water heater. A
slightly higher-priced home with
fewer near-term repairs can
sometimes be the better value.
Year-End Planning: Useful, but
Don’t Buy for the Tax Break
Closing before year-end can
affect
deductible
mortgage
interest and property taxes, but
tax benefits depend on your
personal situation and generally
require itemizing deductions. The
IRS also applies limits to
mortgage-interest and state-andlocal-tax deductions. Treat any
tax savings as a possible bonus—
not the reason to choose a house
—and talk with a qualified tax
professional
before
making
assumptions.
Fall may not guarantee bargains,
but it can offer more options and
room to negotiate. Bring your
pumpkin spice latte — and your
preapproval,
budget,
and
inspection plan.
Fall Is a Smart Time to Inspect a
Minnesota Home
Cooler weather can reveal things
summer does not. Pay close
attention
to
the
furnace,
windows, insulation, roof, gutters,
exterior grading, sump pump and
chimney. Ask when the heating
system was last serviced and
whether the home has had past
ice-dam, moisture or drainage
issues.Fallen leaves can also hide
gutters and dips
around
the
foundation, so a
careful exterior
walk matters.
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