Real Estate, Negotiations, Willingness to Be Rejected

The Art of Negotiation: Why You Should Always Ask

Okay, let’s talk about something that most people don’t do enough—negotiating. Whether it's buying a house, asking for a raise, or even just getting your credit card fees waived, negotiation is everywhere. But a lot of people don’t negotiate simply because they’re afraid of hearing “no.” The truth? You won’t know what’s possible unless you ask.

Negotiation Isn’t Just for Big Deals

A lot of people think negotiation is only for high-stakes situations, like business deals or million-dollar contracts. Nope. It’s for everyday life, too. A good real estate agent, for example, isn’t just someone who helps you find a house—they’re someone who knows how to negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deal. And if they’re not doing that? You’re leaving money on the table.

Buying a House? You Better Negotiate

If you’re approved for a $600K home, don’t just look at houses priced at $600K or less. Look at $650K homes, too. Why? Because prices are negotiable! Sellers often list their homes higher than they expect to sell them for, giving themselves room to come down. The only way you’ll know how low they’re willing to go is if you ask.

Another tip? If a house has been on the market for more than 30 days, the seller is probably more open to negotiating. That’s your chance to put in an offer below asking price and see what happens. Worst case? They say no. Best case? You just saved yourself a significant amount of money.

Yes, You Can Negotiate Rent

Most people assume rent is a fixed price, but it’s not. If you’re looking at an apartment listed for $3,000, but you notice the kitchen is outdated or the place has been sitting empty for a while, make an offer. Try, “I really like this place, but I can do $2,800 because the appliances are outdated.” You’d be surprised how often landlords are willing to lower the rent, especially if they’re struggling to fill the unit.

Always Ask—Even With Your Credit Card

Negotiation isn’t just about homes and rent. You can (and should) negotiate with your credit card company. Try calling and asking:

Can you lower my interest rate?
Can you waive my late fee?
Can I get a credit limit increase without a hard inquiry?
Can you refund part of my interest charges?

Worst case? They say no. Best case? You just saved yourself some money.

Negotiation Isn’t About Being Pushy—It’s About Being Smart

Some people think negotiating is about taking advantage of the other person. It’s not. Good negotiation is about finding a win-win situation. It’s about making sure you’re getting the best deal possible while still being fair. If you’ve ever seen Shark Tale (yes, the animated movie), you’ll remember how negotiation is just a series of back-and-forths until both sides feel like they’re winning.

Final Thought: Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed

Kids negotiate all the time. They don’t hesitate to ask for what they want—sometimes over and over again. But as adults, we stop asking because we’re afraid of rejection. Don’t let that stop you.

You don’t get what you don’t ask for. So, go ahead—start negotiating!