How to negotiate without giving away your floor

Three numbers before you call the agent

Opening offer, target price, walk-away price. Decide all three before the first conversation. The walk-away price is the most important — it is the only number that protects you from your own emotions.

Reading the agent's response

An agent who comes back too quickly often signals vendor pressure. An agent who counters with a small concession is usually testing whether you will close the gap yourself.

Home Compass Professional and Boardroom both include leverage points and vendor-motivation signals to read these replies clearly.

Anchor on evidence, not opinion

Every offer needs a reason attached. Comparable sales in the last 90 days, the length of time on market, the condition premium the listing photos hide. Written evidence turns 'we can't accept that' into 'let us come back to you'.

Silence is a tactic

After you make an offer, stop talking. Buyers regularly negotiate against themselves in the pause before the agent replies. Say the number, confirm it in writing, and wait.