Most Americans don't have a lot of experience bartering for goods, but it's one of the most important parts of the home-buying process. Buying a home is rarely as simple as making an offer and paying that offer out. Negotiations can go back and forth for weeks before the seller and buyer are both satisfied. The vehicle for this negotiation is the counteroffer -- a vital and complex rejection and counter to an offer made by either party. Counteroffers are typically handled between real estate agents and are time sensitive. Selling or buying a home is more of a process than a transaction, so it's important to understand counteroffers before you make your first offer.

Why was I countered?

As a home buyer, if you make an offer below list price the seller may choose to reject, accept, or simply let the offer expire. Sellers may also counter your proposed closing date. If they need to move out quickly, they may want to push it earlier. Price and closing date negotiations are common from both parties, but there are even more reasons sellers can potentially get countered. The condition of the home is likely the biggest factor here. As home buyers conduct ongoing research into the home, any problems with the condition of the house can result in a counteroffer. Appraisals are another reason for counteroffers. If an appraisal comes in below the agreed-upon sale price, it will affect the amount the mortgage company will lend to the buyer.

Negotiation power

When reviewing a counteroffer, it's important to have an experienced real estate agent who can capitalize on your advantages in a negotiation. Both sellers and buyers can take steps to put themselves in an advantageous position through planning and smart counteroffers. Knowledge is power in negotiations, so try to glean as much information about the seller or buyer as you can. Sometimes sellers use the pending sale of their home to finance another, meaning they have a truncated timeline and could be more eager to make a deal. If you're selling a home with known issues, it's important to anticipate how these problems may put you at a disadvantage during negotiations. These types of issues put sellers at a distinct disadvantage because they have to either pay for repairs, lower the selling price, or reject the counteroffer . This is why it's worth the money (around $500) to pay for an inspection before listing a house. Preparation can save you headache and money down the road.

Responding to a counteroffer

If you've received a counteroffer as a buyer or a seller, carefully review every aspect. . So make sure you read everything carefully before you sign. With each individual counteroffer, take into account every aspect of the sale, including old and new information. If you made an offer above the list price, there is always the possibility for an appraisal to come in low. If you are responding to a counter before an appraisal or inspection, keep those at the forefront of your mind. Prepare yourself for future counteroffers once they are completed. Whether you're selling or buying a home, it's good to establish a baseline. As a buyer, you don't want to spend so much on a home that you move in with no cash for improvements and repairs. And as a seller, you should have a hard figure in mind of how much you want to make off the sale of your home. With a measured and informed approach, counteroffers can be your friend. Communicate often with your agent to let him or her know what you want from the sale.

When looking for Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate let us help you find your dream home. With amazing homes for sale in Angel Fire and Taos, you are sure to find the perfect choice. Maybe land for sale in Taos or Angel Fire might be what you are looking for to build your "dream home" or live "off the grid" in a stunning Taos Earthship home. How about a fabulous condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever you fancy, whether buying a home in Angel Fire or selling your home in Taos we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire or 575-758-5852 in Taos our dedicated knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to assist you in buying or selling that perfect piece of property. We bring you the best in real estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. We are members of the Taos Multiple Listing Service, so if you don't find the Taos Property or Property in Angel Fire that you are looking for on our site, you can access listings throughout The Enchanted Circle via the Taos MLS for all Taos Real Estate and Angel Fire Real Estate listings. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are dedicated to making your dream a reality.

Taken from a Zillow Article

Being ready with the right questions can strengthen your position come offer time.

When you're looking to buy something as expensive as a home there's no room for error. Every open house presents an opportunity to land that hidden gem, or to sniff out an overpriced dud. Visiting an open house gives you, the prospective buyer, an opportunity to speak directly to the seller's agent. The best way to take advantage of this personal meeting? Be prepared. Get the inside scoop by asking these questions:

1.How many offers have been made?

If the agent has already received offers, she'll probably be eager to share the news with you -- in hopes that you'll bid as well and drive up the price. Make sure to anticipate the conversation by asking her directly how many offers have been made on the home so that you can negotiate accordingly.

2.Has the asking price fluctuated?

Your agent can find out how many times the price has shifted since the home was first listed, but the seller's agent will likely jump at the chance to explain why. Perhaps the price dropped because the seller has to move on a tight timeline. Info like this might even clue you in that the list price is somewhat flexible -- and you can use that to your advantage when it's time to draft your offer letter.

3. Why do the sellers want to move?

If the sellers are moving because the area is unsafe, the schools are terrible, or the neighbor practices the drums at midnight, their agent will be loath to share those details with you. But it's important to ask this question anyway, and do your best to try to read between the lines.

4. How long has the property been on the market?

You can find this information yourself on Trulia, or by asking your agent, but the seller's agent will be able to put this information in context. Perhaps it's been on the market for a long time, but only because the sellers received an offer from a buyer whose financing fell through. Or perhaps the house went on the market this week, but the sellers have had a lot of interest and expect it to sell quickly. All of this is useful when you're deciding whether to make an offer.

5. Are there any issues with the home?

The seller is required to tell potential buyers about any known structural problems or code violations. It's standard to ask for a written seller's disclosure, so request one -- and if you're lucky, a talkative agent or seller might reveal more in person.

6. When was the house last updated?

Clearly visible updates, like new appliances or a fresh coat of paint, are easy to identify. However, features like the age of the roof and wiring that aren't easily seen are equally as important and need to be questioned. Come prepared with a list of features you want to inquire about, but gauge the relative mood of the agent and seller before diving into nitty-gritty questions at the open house.

7. How much do utilities cost?

You need to know what you're getting into before you make an offer. Ask to see recent utility bills. If you're moving from an apartment into a single-family home, you might be surprised at the impact utility bills have on your budget.

8. What's the seller's timeline?

Sometimes sellers choose a buyer's offer simply because of timing. Perhaps they want to sell quickly because of a job offer, or delay the sale so their kids can finish the school year. The more you know about what the sellers want, the more easily you can work around it -- and put together a tempting offer while getting a good deal on the price.

9. Where can I get a bite to eat?

Getting directions to a local eatery or coffee shop will tell you a lot about your neighborhood. If there's a retail strip close by that locals frequent and feel proud of, chances are, you'll love it too.

10. What are the neighbors like?

Is the neighborhood kid-friendly? Are there lots of retired people? Is there a thriving bar scene on the weekends? Some people are fine doing their own thing and don't require (or want) a tight-knit neighborhood. But other people are much happier if they're surrounded by kindred souls who are in a similar stage of life. The seller's agent will be able to give valuable information about the people you'd be rubbing shoulders with, if you choose to buy. And don't forget: While open houses are great venues to ask questions and listen, be careful not to give away more than you want to about your own situation. Being discreet about your finances and how much you love the home will benefit you when it's time to bargain for a good price.

When looking for the best Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate let us help you find your dream home. With amazing homes for sale in Angel Fire and Taos, you are sure to find that perfect home. Maybe land for sale in Taos and Angel Fire might be what you are looking for to build your dream home or live off the grid in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a fabulous condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever you fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire or 575-758-5852 in Taos our dedicated knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you require. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

Taken from a Trulia Blog

1. Fall real estate can be more of a buyer's market A buyer's market means you, as a buyer, are in the driver's seat. You might find that competition is down for homes after Labor Day, meaning you're probably in a buyer's market. And this is significant. "I find that I am able to negotiate better prices for buyers [during September and October] because we have less competition and the market is slower."

2. Vacation-home sellers see action

"If you start looking for a vacation home in the fall, you can have it purchased and furnished by spring." Winter is also a popular vacation time, particularly for skiers and people who love ice-skating and snow tubing. If you buy at a ski resort in the fall, you can enjoy the resort yourself or earn some serious dollars renting the place to winter-wonderland enthusiasts. "Resort communities, like in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, offer robust winter rentals," "Purchasing in the fall allows a buyer to see immediate rental income from their property during peak holiday times."

3. Home prices, like leaves, fall

Many people list their home for sale during what they think will be the best time to sell: summer. And it often is. "Summer is peak selling season." But not everyone is successful. "When a property hasn't sold by Labor Day, sellers will reevaluate asking prices, creating greater room for negotiation."

4. There's no deadline for most fall home buyers

"Plenty of buyers have aspirations of moving in by certain holidays. But that can always be adjusted depending on the financial implications." Let's say you prefer to be in your new home by Thanksgiving, but you can get a better deal if you wait. You'll probably adjust accordingly.

So whether you are looking for real estate in Angel Fire or Taos we have many homes and condos to choose from. If you desire to build your" Dream Home" we have multiple lots or larger acreage in Taos and Angel Fire. Perhaps you are looking to live " off the grid" check out the Taos Earthships we have listed. We are here to help with all of your home buying needs. We have two locations to serve you, in Taos contact us at 575 758-5852. Angel Fire Real Estate office number is 575 377-2626.To speak directly to an agent call 575 770-3306. Our knowledgeable staff will go that extra mile.

Information obtained from Trulia.

To understand how interest rates will change in the future, let's look at the trends we've seen since 2010: Interest rates fell to historic lows, and buyers enjoyed those low rates on new mortgages. Rates bottomed out at an average of 3.66% in 2012, then rose only slightly in the years since. In 2015, the annual average rates rested at 3.85%. What's next? Interest rate predictions for 2016 initially said we'd finally see them start rising again. But several events have changed that outlook. Between the surprising Brexit vote and the tumultuous presidential election cycle, homebuyers need to look at re-evaluated interest rate predictions before locking in a mortgage. If you're looking to buy a home soon, check out what interest rates could look like on your mortgage.

1.Predicting interest rates can help strengthen your strategy

Predictions are just educated guesses, and relying on a guess isn't wise. But there's still a lot of value in making these predictions. "This makes our plan stronger and more resilient."Good financial planning encourages us to take action on the things we can control and to make sure our plan can survive whatever happens that we cannot control," Bartelt says. "In this case, it's interest rates and the reaction of the market."

2. Interest rates seem unlikely to rise anytime soon "Interest rates will stay lower longer than most people would imagine," says Kirk Chisholm, principal of Innovative Advisory Group. "There is disinflation and deflation in many parts of the world, many developed countries have negative interest rates, and the U.S., being the world's reserve currency, is in no position to raise rates dramatically. It is highly improbable that 10-year Treasury interest rates will rise above 3% in the near future

3. Prepare for when interest rates do rise

"Commentators have been saying that interest rates will rise for the last six or seven years, and it hasn't happened yet!" says Daniel Frankel, CFP and founding principal of Wealth Collab. He notes that it's easy to say interest rates will rise. But determining exactly when is the tricky part. "When interest rates do rise, they could do so very quickly," he explains. "The markets are economic prediction engines. If expectations change, the market will react before you have time to adjust course."Frankel says. "Don't assume you have time to wait. Don't try to wait for mortgage rates to drop another 0.25%," he advises. And most importantly? "Don't get an adjustable-rate mortgage thinking that you can refinance into a fixed rate later." Eric Lai, a financial planner with Archvest Wealth Advisors, says it's important to remember that when the Fed raises the rate, it affects only the rates today. "Longer-term rates such as the 10-year Treasury are determined by the marketplace, or the supply and demand for Treasuries," Lai says. Mortgage rates, he notes, are most highly correlated with the 10-year rate.

4. Interest rates shouldn't drive your purchase

"It's entirely possible that the Federal Reserve will begin raising interest rates in December if they decide against raising them during their September meeting," says Erik Klumpp, CFP and founder of Chessie Advisors. But as other experts have hinted at, that doesn't mean you need to take drastic action if you want to buy a home."Interest rates shouldn't be the main factor for anyone looking to purchase a home," Klumpp says. "Even if rates were to increase 0.25% or 0.50%, we're still at or near historically low mortgage rates. For someone looking to purchase a home

5. Consider other factors before you buy

Instead of just going by interest rates to make a buying decision, Klumpp suggests, look at other factors. He advises having money saved for a down payment, making sure your budget can handle a monthly mortgage payment, and deciding if you want to stay in the same location for a minimum of five years. Erik Kroll, a CFP who founded the financial planning firm Hilltop Advisors, agrees: "Even if you think that rates will go up, you shouldn't feel it's now or never, or that you will save money in the long term by buying before rates rise." "Rates may not go up, meaning you still could have gotten a relatively good deal if you waited.". Evaluate the entire picture to determine whether now is the right time for you to buy.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties in Angel Fire and Taos, NM for all of your Real Estate needs. Our warm and inviting staff will help you get exactly what you are looking for, like our majestic mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire will give you the mountain setting you may want while our unique Taos homes for sale will let you get in touch with your creative side. Our Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire condos for sale will put you right next to all the winter activities. If you're looking to build your own home, then our Angel Fire and Taos land for sale will give you the freedom to create your own dream home. If you are seeking to live totally off the grid, then look to our Taos Earthships for sale. Whatever you're looking for we can help you find it. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 to speak directly to an agent. We are here to serve and welcome you to our spectacular area.

Information obtained from Trulia

From testing the shower to scoping out how a home's storage measures up, here's how to sleuth out some really important features that you can't judge from a listing.

1. Play the private-eye Before you step foot in a potential new place, play the role of private investigator and do a few drive-bys. What's the foot traffic like in the neighborhood? Do the strolling neighbors look more like young professionals or marrieds with children? How much noise do the neighbors make? (Sneak in a Saturday night visit to get the full taste.) If you drive to work, test your morning and evening commutes and time how long it takes you.

2. Head out on a walking tour Once you've stalked the place by vehicle, it's time to repeat on foot. See how long it takes you to get to the nearest coffee shop or restaurant, and make sure you love the local cuisine or cup of joe.

3. Test-drive the plumbing Don't get seduced by the stand-up shower with the exposed copper pipes and wraparound glass doors -- try it out yourself. (Really, it's not that weird.) How hard is the pressure? How quickly does the water heat up? Test the bathroom and kitchen sinks while you're at it. Water pressure shouldn't be a deal breaker, but low pressure could indicate a damaging leak and more water problems (and expenses) down the road.

4. Test the windows Even if it's chilly, open a few windows, especially in the room that may be your future master bedroom. Can you hear a lot of traffic or neighborly noise? Do your windows seem to bring in a lot of cross breezes, or do neighboring buildings block the airflow? When the windows are closed, can you feel drafts around the edge of the frames? Windows are crucial for the look and feel of your home.

5. Go into the light If the open house happens on a cloudy day, schedule a follow-up visit when the sun is out. See how the natural light flows through each room, especially high-traffic areas. If a room seems especially dark, consider whether the paint color is causing the problem. On the same note, you'll want to see how dark the bedrooms can get. Close all the shades in all the bedrooms and see if the light still filters through; you might want to throw room-darkening shades onto your shopping list.

6. Listen up This is a biggie -- condo sounds in particular can drive homeowners insane. Make multiple visits to a unit to catch surrounding neighbors when they're home and making noise. If there are multiple condos for sale in the building, bring a friend and have her walk around upstairs or in the adjacent unit to see how noise travels. And be sure to ask if children live in the building; the pitter-patter of little feet is far less charming to those who live below them. Once you've assessed noise levels, you should determine how sound travels within the home. Turn on the dryer to hear how loud it is. March around in the guest bedroom to determine how thick the walls are. If you'll need to invest in sound insulation and throw rugs, it's better to know now.

7. Scope out storage Some sellers clear their homes of all clutter, but many don't. Rather than turn up your nose at an overstuffed bedroom closet, take out the tape measure and record some dimensions. The space may be larger than it seems; you can also take those measurements home and plan out a closet scheme online to see how much stuff it can really handle.

8. Don't forget your marbles Are those newly stained hardwood floors level? Bring a marble to find out. Discreetly place the marble on the hardwood floors: Does it stay put or start rolling? If the slope is especially steep, there might be a structural problem at play, but even a slightly uneven floor can become a bargaining chip.

When buying a new home let us assist you in finding that perfect home, with two convenient locations, in both Taos and Angel Fire, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Our stunning Taos homes for sale might spark your interest, or the lovely Moreno Valley homes for sale in Angel Fire might be just right for you. We also have amazing mountain land for sale in Taos and Angel Fire.... or get in touch with nature in our Earthship homes for sale in Taos. Looking for a condo for sale in Angel Fire or Taos Ski Valley? Whatever you are looking for, we can help you find it. Our dedicated agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you require. So give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos, or speak directly to an agent at 575-770-3306. We are here to serve and welcome you to our glorious area. Information obtained from Trulia.