When you work with an experienced real estate agent, you will have the benefit of having someone work for you to help you get the best price and terms possible.  If you want certain terms (or just the best price possible) your agent can help you structure your offer with benefits and incentives to make your terms inviting to the seller. 

Here's a few tips to help you negotiate with the seller.

• Know the market and negotiate accordingly.  Your agent is the best source of advice in this area.
• Never negotiate directly with the seller. That's what your real estate agent is for!
• Always provide a prequalification letter from the lender with your offer if you will be getting a loan.
• Always have your agent prepare a Seller's Net Sheet to present with the offer.
• Make a list of things that will need to be fixed, replaced, or that are damaged.
• Find out as much as you can about the seller's motivation and reason for selling.
• Never let the seller know how much you like the property.
• In a hot market, ask for an acceptance/counter upon presentation of offer.
• The more you put down as earnest money (without conditions) the easier it is to negotiate terms.