How to Negotiate When Buying a Home in Visalia, CA
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make—and in a market like Visalia, where demand can heat up quickly, knowing how to negotiate is key to landing the right home without overpaying. Whether you're buying your first home or your forever home, smart negotiation can save you thousands and help you feel confident about your investment.
Here are my top tips for negotiating like a pro when buying a home in Visalia:
1. Know the Market
Before you even make an offer, you need to understand the local market. Is Visalia currently a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, or somewhere in between? In a seller’s market, homes move fast and multiple offers are common, which means you may need to come in strong. In a buyer’s market, there might be more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs. Hint: Right now, we're in a seller's market - so buyers need to be saavy in order to be competitive and get the home they want.
As a local agent, I run comps (comparable home sales) to give you a clear idea of what similar homes are selling for in the area. That way, you’re never negotiating blind.
2. Don’t Just Focus on Price
Yes, price matters—but it’s not the only thing on the table. You can also negotiate things like:
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Seller-paid closing costs
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Repairs after the home inspection
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Appliances or furniture
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Move-in/move-out timelines
If the seller is firm on price, these other items can make your offer more attractive or save you money elsewhere.
3. Get Pre-Approved and Come Prepared
Sellers want to work with serious buyers. Having a strong pre-approval letter (not just pre-qualification) from a reputable lender shows you’re ready and able to buy. I always include this with our offer to strengthen your position from the start.
Want to go the extra mile? Consider including a personalized letter to the sellers. In some cases, a heartfelt note can tip the scales in your favor—especially if you’re up against other offers.
4. Be Strategic After the Inspection
The home inspection is one of the best opportunities to negotiate. If major issues come up—like roof damage, HVAC problems, or plumbing concerns—you can request repairs, a credit toward closing costs, or a price reduction.
I’ll walk you through the report and help you decide what’s worth pushing back on vs. what’s common for the age or type of home.
5. Lean on Your Agent (like me!)
You don’t have to go it alone. One of the biggest benefits of working with a local agent (like me!) is knowing how to position your offer and when to stand firm or walk away. I’ll guide you every step of the way, from the initial offer through negotiations, inspections, and the final closing table.
Buying a home in Visalia is exciting—but it’s also a process that requires strategy, especially in a seller's market like we are right now. With the right negotiation approach, you can secure the home you want at a price and on terms that work for you.
Thinking about buying soon? I’d love to guide you through the process and help you negotiate with confidence. Let’s talk about your goals and make a plan to get you there.
Your Visalia real estate advisor,
Katie Howison
559.281.6920
Santy Phillips Real Estate Group | ΓEA⅃ Broker
DRE 02229029
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