Mastering the Art of Negotiation: How to Politely Secure the Best Price for Your Edmonton Home
Buying a home in Edmonton is an exhilarating journey, but it’s often punctuated by a moment of high tension: the negotiation. Whether you’ve fallen in love with a charming bungalow in Millwoods or a newly built home in Aster, the question of price is always front and centre. Many buyers feel a sense of anxiety when it comes to making an offer. You want a fair deal, but you don’t want to offend the seller or lose out on the property to a competing bid.
The secret to success lies in knowing how to negotiate with grace, data, and professionalism. As a REALTOR® who has navigated countless transactions across our beautiful city, I, Derek Keet, believe that the best negotiations are those where both parties feel respected, yet the buyer walks away knowing they didn’t overpay.
So, what is a polite way to negotiate the price of a home? It isn’t about being aggressive; it’s about being prepared. In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the strategies that will help you negotiate like a pro while maintaining a positive relationship with the seller. Along the way, I’ll show you why choosing the right representation—and understanding the value of One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates—is the smartest move you can make in the Edmonton market.
The Foundation of a Polite Negotiation
When we talk about being "polite" in real estate, we aren’t just talking about saying "please" and "thank you." We are talking about professional etiquette and the strategy of "principled negotiation." This means focusing on the facts of the market rather than personal emotions.
1. Let the Data Do the Talking
The most polite way to justify a lower offer is to back it up with evidence. Instead of telling a seller, "I think your house is overpriced," we present a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). By showing the seller what similar homes in their neighbourhood have actually sold for recently, we take the personal "sting" out of a lower offer. It’s not an opinion; it’s a reflection of the Edmonton market.
As your REALTOR®, I provide the deep-dive analytics needed to show exactly where a property stands. When we base our negotiation on hard numbers, the seller is less likely to feel insulted and more likely to engage in a productive dialogue. You can learn more about how I evaluate property values and market trends by visiting dkeet.ca.
2. Express Genuine Interest
A little bit of kindness goes a long way. When submitting an offer, it’s helpful to acknowledge what you love about the home. Sellers often have deep emotional ties to their properties. If they know the person making the offer appreciates the work they’ve put into the garden or the way they’ve maintained the original hardwood floors, they may be more inclined to work with you on the price.
3. Be Reasonable with Repairs
Nothing kills a polite negotiation faster than "nickel and diming." If a property inspection reveals a major issue, like a cracked heat exchanger or a roof that needs immediate replacement, it is perfectly polite and professional to ask for a price reduction or a credit. However, asking for a discount because of a few scuffed baseboards or a dated light fixture can frustrate a seller. I help my clients distinguish between "deal-breakers" and "maintenance items" to keep the negotiation on track.
Why Your Choice of REALTOR® Matters
Negotiation is a skill honed over years of experience. When you work with me, Derek Keet, you aren’t just getting a sign in the yard; you’re getting a seasoned negotiator who understands the nuances of the Edmonton landscape.
My personal experience helps greatly. I have bought and sold enough of my own properties to know what it feels like to be in the buyer and seller’s shoes, which goes a very long way for negotations.
One of the other biggest advantages of working with me is the high number of transactions I do, given the pricing I offer. At One Percent Realty, we believe that you shouldn't have to sacrifice full service to save money, and year after year we do over a Billion dollars in transactions. We provide the same comprehensive marketing, MLS® exposure, and expert advice as any other brokerage, but we do it with a commission structure that keeps more equity in your pocket.
Understanding One Percent Realty’s Posted Commission Rates
When you are buying a home, you want to know that your REALTOR® has your best interests at heart. When you are selling, you want to maximize your return. This is where One Percent Realty truly shines. Our commission structure is straightforward and designed to save you thousands of dollars.
For homes under $400,000: We charge a flat fee of $7,950 plus GST. This includes $3,500 offered to the buyer's agent.
For homes between $400,000 and $900,000: We charge a flat fee of $9,950 plus GST. This includes $4,500 offered to the buyer's agent.
For homes over $900,000: We charge 1% of the sale price (plus a $950 deal fee). This includes 0.5% offered to the buyer's agent.
In Alberta, all commissions are negotiable, and there is no lowest fee that a REALTOR® can charge. However, our posted rates provide a clear, competitive alternative to the traditional high-commission models. By choosing Derek Keet, you are choosing a model that values your hard-earned equity. For a detailed breakdown of how these savings work, I encourage you to visit dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html.
The Power of Professional Resources
A successful, polite negotiation isn't just about the price; it's about the entire package. A smooth transaction requires a team of experts. One of the reasons I am positioned as a top REALTOR® in Edmonton is the network of professionals I bring to the table.
When you work with me, you gain access to my Professional Resources. Whether you need a meticulous property inspector to verify the home's condition, a savvy mortgage broker to finalize your financing, or reliable movers and lawyers to cross the finish line, I have a trusted network of referrals. Having these pros ready to go shows the seller that you are a serious, organized buyer, which strengthens your negotiating position.
Avoiding Common Negotiation Pitfalls
Even with the best intentions, negotiations can go sideways. Here is how to keep things polite and professional:
Avoid the "Lowball" Insult: While everyone wants a bargain, an offer that is significantly below market value without justification can cause a seller to shut down entirely. It’s better to start with a strong, fair offer backed by data.
Keep Your Cool: Buying a home is emotional, but the negotiation should be a business transaction. If a seller counters with a price you don't like, don't take it personally. We simply look at the numbers again and decide on the next logical step.
The "Final Offer" Strategy: Use the phrase "final offer" sparingly. Only say it if you truly mean it. If you say it and then come back with more money later, you lose your leverage.
Positioning Yourself for Success in Edmonton
The Edmonton market is unique. We have diverse neighbourhoods, from the mature trees of Strathearn to the booming new developments in the south and west. Each area requires a different approach to negotiation.
By choosing Derek Keet, you are choosing an agent who knows these streets inside and out. I understand which areas are seeing "bidding wars" and where there might be more room to negotiate. I am the link between your dream home and a price that makes sense for your future.
Why Derek Keet?
I am committed to providing full service without the high price tag. My goal is to be the most knowledgeable resource for Edmontonians looking to buy or sell. When you visit dkeet.ca, you’ll find a wealth of information tailored to our local market.
Selling your home shouldn't cost you a fortune in commissions. By utilizing One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, you can save a significant amount of money compared to traditional brokerage fees. This extra cash can be used for your new home's down payment, renovations, or even a well-deserved vacation.
Closing the Deal with Confidence
Polite negotiation is an art form. It requires a balance of firmness and flexibility, backed by the best market intelligence available. When we submit an offer on your behalf, we are telling the seller: "We respect your home, we know the market, and we are prepared to move forward professionally."
If you are ready to start your home-buying journey or are thinking about listing your property in Edmonton, let’s chat. I am here to ensure you get the best possible outcome while enjoying the savings that come with the One Percent Realty model.
The Edmonton real estate market is full of opportunities. Don't let the fear of negotiation hold you back. With the right REALTOR® by your side, you can navigate the process with confidence, integrity, and a clear path to success.
For more information on how I can help you save money and find the perfect home, visit dkeet.ca today. Let's make your next move your best move.
Derek Keet | One Percent Realty
Edmonton REALTOR®
587-803-0396 https://linktr.ee/dkeet
Edmonton Real Estate Agent | Helping Homeowners Sell for Top Value
*Saving mentioned are compared with a broker charging 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, plus GST. Not all brokers charge the same.

