Introduction
Welcome back to our RV inspection series, where we’ve been unraveling the complexities of buying your dream RV. In previous articles, we emphasized the importance of inspecting an RV, selecting the right inspector, understanding RV documentation, and preparing for the inspection day. Now, we’re about to dive into the art of negotiation after the inspection—a crucial step in securing the best possible deal.
Reviewing the Inspection Findings
Congratulations, you did it. You were able to make it through inspection day of the RV you want to purchase. This is a major step and the information contained in the inspection report holds lots of valuable information for you to consider. If you have hired RV P. I. your inspection report is going to be approximately three hundred pages in length and will include approximately the same number of images and videos. We spent a minimum of five to six hours on-site for a travel trailer and upwards of ten hours for a large class A motorhome. So, we understand it is going to take some time for you to go through the report. Before you begin negotiations, it’s essential to thoroughly review the inspection findings:
- Understanding the Report: Familiarize yourself with the inspection report. Pay close attention to any issues or concerns identified by the inspector.
- Prioritizing Repairs: Determine which issues are critical and which are less pressing. This will help you prioritize your negotiation points.
- Budgeting for Repairs: Estimate the cost of addressing the identified issues. Having a clear budget in mind will aid in negotiation discussions.
2021 Entegra Esteem
Setting Realistic Expectations
Effective negotiations begin with setting realistic expectations:
- The Seller’s Perspective: Understand that the seller has their interests and priorities. They may not be willing or able to address every issue identified in the inspection.
- Your Leverage: Recognize that the inspection findings provide you with leverage in negotiations. The more critical the issues, the stronger your position. Some of our previous clients have been able to negotiate savings that more than paid for the price of hiring an independent RV inspector. Inspecting a travel trailer for a client revealed previously unknown electrical damage. The seller readily agreed to cover the cost of the repairs, which more than paid for the price of the inspection.
- Flexibility: Be prepared to compromise. Negotiations often involve give-and-take, so remain open to finding a mutually beneficial solution. Some findings your inspector reports may be minor in nature and are easy and inexpensive to fix. Others are more costly, such as having to purchase new tires for a large motorhome.
Preparing Your Negotiation Strategy
Creating a negotiation strategy based on inspection findings is essential:
- Prioritizing Issues: Determine which issues are non-negotiable and which can be concessions. This will help you stay focused during negotiations.
- Setting a Repair Budget: Establish a budget for addressing the identified issues, allowing you to negotiate within a defined financial scope. As part of your report, you will also receive an itemized action list from RV P. I. that incorporates all findings from the inspection report. We recommend making notes on this list as to the priorities you need to address, and costs associated with these repairs. Are there repairs that need to be addressed before taking the RV home? Should you defer some items for a later date, or include them as part of your routine maintenance?
- Anticipating Seller Responses: Think about how the seller might respond to your requests and be prepared for different scenarios.
Communicating with the Seller
Effective communication is the key to successful negotiations:
- Transparency: Present your request to the seller in a clear and respectful manner, emphasizing your desire for a fair resolution. Some clients find it helpful to only share the action list. Others share the entire inspection report. Still other clients decide not to share either the action list or inspection report
- Evidence-Based Negotiation: Use the inspection report and repair estimates as evidence to support your requests.
- Be Prepared to Walk Away: Pay attention to the seller’s responses or counteroffers. They may be willing to negotiate for any or all of your requests. However, if the seller is unwilling to negotiate any of the repairs or price of the RV you may need to consider walking away from the deal if you are not prepared or willing to accept the terms.
- Finalizing Agreements: Once an agreement is reached, ensure that all terms are documented in writing for clarity.
Closing Thoughts
Negotiating after an RV inspection can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. By approaching negotiations with a clear strategy, realistic expectations, and effective communication, you can secure the best possible deal for your dream RV. In the next article, we’ll guide you through the final steps of sealing the deal and finalizing your RV purchase. Stay tuned, and remember, the art of negotiation is a skill that can enhance your RV ownership experience!