Everything is Negotiable: 44 Things You Might Not Know are Negotiable (Iowa real estate edition)

When it comes to buying or selling a home, most people focus on the price—but there’s so much more that’s negotiable. From who pays for closing costs to what stays with the house, nearly every part of the deal can be customized to fit your needs.

Here’s a list of 44 negotiable items that can help make your Iowa real estate transaction a win for everyone!

Price and Financial Terms

1. Purchase Price – The agreed-upon sale price of the property.

2. Earnest Money Deposit – The amount of money the buyer puts down to show good faith.

3. Closing Costs – Which party pays for certain closing fees (e.g., lender fees, title fees, recording fees).

4. Seller Concessions – The seller may agree to contribute toward the buyer’s closing costs or prepaid expenses.

5. Interest Rate Buy-Down – The seller could pay points to lower the buyer’s mortgage interest rate.

6. Financing Terms – Contingencies for mortgage approval and financing deadlines.

7. Commission – The buyer’s real estate commission rate to be paid by the seller.

8. Marketing Expenses – What specific marketing services the agent provides and any related costs.

Repairs and Inspection Items

9. Inspection Contingencies – Whether the buyer can inspect the property and renegotiate or terminate based on findings.

10. Repairs – Which repairs the seller will complete before closing, if any.

11. Credits in Lieu of Repairs – Instead of repairs, the seller might provide a credit to the buyer at closing.

12. Radon Mitigation – Installation of a mitigation system if radon levels are above recommended limits.

13. Pest Control Treatments – Addressing issues like termites or other infestations.

14. Septic/Well System Inspections – Who pays for testing or repairs if required.

Property Inclusions/Exclusions

15. Appliances – Negotiation on items like refrigerators, ovens, washers/dryers, etc.

16. Window Treatments – Curtains, blinds, and hardware.

17. Light Fixtures – Whether certain fixtures stay with the property.

18. Furniture or Decor – Items like dining tables, patio furniture, or built-ins.

19. Security Systems – Whether ownership of the system or contracts transfer.

20. Garage Equipment – Shelving, tools, workbenches, or openers.

21. Playsets, Hot Tubs, or Pools – Negotiating if they stay or are removed.

22. Landscaping Items – Firepits, planters, or lawn equipment.

23. Water Softener/Filtration Systems – Ownership or lease transfer.

Timing and Deadlines

24. Closing Date – The date the transaction is finalized.

25. Possession Date – When the buyer gets possession of the property.

26. Rent-Back Agreements – If the seller stays in the home for a period after closing.

27. Inspection Period – How many days the buyer has to complete inspections.

28. Financing/Loan Approval Timeline – Deadlines for the buyer’s financing approval.

29. Length of Contract – The duration of the listing or purchase agreement, typically negotiated between sellers and agents.

Other Contingencies

30. Home Sale Contingency – Whether the buyer’s purchase is contingent on selling their current home.

31. Appraisal Contingency – Protecting the buyer if the home appraises for less than the agreed price.

32. Title Issues – Who is responsible for clearing any title defects.

33. Survey/Boundary Lines – Whether a survey will be provided or issues resolved.

34. Home Warranty – Whether the seller will provide a home warranty for the buyer.

35. Property Taxes – Proration of property taxes at closing or additional tax agreements.

Unique/Local Considerations

36. Farming Equipment – Negotiable in rural or acreage transactions.

37. Harvest Rights – If crops are on the land, negotiations on who harvests and keeps the proceeds.

38. Utility Agreements – Handling rural utilities like propane tanks or wells.

39. Fixtures in Outbuildings – Tools, equipment, or items in barns or sheds.

Additional Buyer or Seller Preferences

40. Personal Property Left Behind – Agreements for removing unwanted items or leaving specific things.

41. Professional Cleaning – Requiring the property to be professionally cleaned before possession.

42. Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees – Negotiating payment of HOA dues or special assessments.

43. Lease Agreements – Handling tenant leases for rental properties.

44. Commission – Commission splits or any additional terms for cooperating brokers.

With so many moving parts in a real estate transaction, having an experienced agent by your side makes all the difference. I’m here to help you navigate these negotiations, advocate for your needs, and ensure you get the best possible outcome—whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both.

📲 If you’re ready to make a move in central Iowa and need a good negotiator on your side, let’s talk!