A good broker is key

“Finding a smart broker is essential,” says Boston-based realtor Maggie Gold Seelig. “They educate buyers about the market. Each city has its own rhythm. The broker must know the neighborhood and the comparables, or you’ll miss opportunities.” Comparables are used to determine a property’s fair market value via comparing similar recently sold properties in the area. Because a home might have unique qualities or fixtures, though, comparables are only a guide.

Keep your cool

When it comes down to the actual negotiations, it’s important to keep things impersonal and amicable.

“Whether you’re a buyer or seller, never take anything personally,” says HGTV’s “Selling New York” cast member Tom Postilio, who’s also a managing director at New York real estate firm CORE. “It’s such an emotional purchase. Remove yourself. [Remember] it’s business. It’s about numbers.”

Negotiations shouldn’t fixate on price

“There are levers outside of price,” says Seelig, “like closing dates and time frames, which might be more important to the seller than holding out on price. For sellers, perhaps there’s something you can include to sweeten the deal for the buyer. Always remember to leave something on the table for the other side. The seller and buyer have to feel good about the deal. Never close a door — have a conversation.”