Negotiation is one of the oldest tools of business. Since cavemen first traded meat for fire or some other necessity of life, negotiation has been the basis of trade. Of course, the art of negotiation has evolved dramatically over the years but the basis is still the same; trying to get the best deal. This subtle art has declined somewhat in recent years as society becomes more and more commercialized, but the practice is still healthy in large money deals where there is some room for an artist to work.
Home sales is one area where the spirit of negotiation is alive and well and today's realtors have to be experts in the field in order to satisfy their clients who are expecting more and more from their homes than ever before.
In buying a home, the home buyer and seller are locked into an intense negotiation and the onus falls to the realtors involved to make this negotiation happen in a manner that is agreeable to both parties. This is not something that can be learned in a school, it is a skill that develops over time with much practice. Being a good negotiator is something that is of huge importance to a realtor, it is their bread and butter. So do yourself a favor and find yourself a realtor who knows their negotiation.
I find it funny when I hear people referring to realtors as "sharks" or some other similar moniker. The reality of the situation is that what they are referring to is the negotiating skills that that particular realtor has and the fact that they have needed to develop that skill to meet the rising demands of their clientele. In fact usually the people that are making the reference are the same people that will want the best deal possible when buying or selling a home themselves. The skill of negotiation is something that not every realtor possesses, but when you find one that does; you can be assured that you will get the best possible deal when involved in a real estate transaction. After all, getting YOU the best deal possible is their job, isn't it?