If you're buying a home, you may find yourself wondering...

• Would it be OK to ask the seller to pay for your closing costs?
• Could you ask if you can move in a few weeks before closing?
• Can you make an offer even though you still need to sell your current home -- and it's not even on the market yet?
• What about offering $50K under asking price? Or asking the seller to buy down your interest rate?
• Could you ask them to replace the HVAC system, even though it's still working fine?

In each of these scenarios, the answer is technically yes -- you can ask.

But... the seller might not agree.

One of the unique things about real estate is that just about anything is negotiable -- as long as both parties agree. The offer you make can include just about any term or condition that feels important to you.

But keep in mind that sellers typically have their own goals, timelines, and comfort levels. Some sellers may be open to creative terms or concessions. Others may not be interested at all -- or might be overwhelmed by the complexity of what you are proposing.

So, don't be afraid to think creatively when putting together your offer. But also recognize that the seller may or may not agree to what you're proposing.

If you're navigating how to make a compelling offer -- and figuring out what's reasonable to ask -- I'm happy to help talk through the strategy based on your situation and the current market.