Yesterday I hosted an open house at one of our listings. At least 3 of the visitors asked me if the price was negotiable.
My advice to buyers is always: If you’re a serious buyer and interested in a house, put in an offer. If you don’t think the house is worth the asking price, offer something lower. You’ll never know how negotiable the sellers are unless you put in that first offer.
That’s the difference between window shopping and buying a house.
Yes, I agree. Asking that question is simply trying to get an early informational advantage in the negotiation without having to give anything up for it. I see the same thing in litigation, and take a similiarly dim view of this kind of “foreplay.” My response is usually make an offer, or a counteroffer, and you’ll find out what you wish to know by virtue of the response of the other party.