In real estate, just like in Westeros, strategy is everything. Whether you’re buying a modest keep or selling a sprawling manor, mastering the art of negotiation can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Drawing inspiration from the Game of Thrones, this video explores how preparation, alliances, flexibility, diplomacy, and presentation can help you dominate the real estate market. From Daenerys’ compromises in Meereen to Jon Snow’s steadfastness in battle, these lessons will prepare you to navigate even the trickiest negotiations.
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Andersen Realty Group
📲 Text/Call: 708.674.6725
📩 Email: eric@eandersenhomes.com
🌎 https://www.ericandersenhomes.com
Did you enjoy this video or find it helpful? If so, be sure to 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄, 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄, & 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄 to my YouTube Channel.
Want to know what your home is worth?
https://www.ericandersenhomes.com/go/home-value/
Looking for homes for sale? Search the entire MLS on my website: https://www.ericandersenhomes.com/homes-for-sale/
Or, better yet, contact me directly for help with buying or selling a home: https://www.ericandersenhomes.com/contact/
Read my reviews:
Google: https://www.bit.ly/andersenrealtygroupgooglereviews
Zillow: https://bit.ly/andersenrealtygroupzillow
I have a number of awards and designations, including:
⭐️ Gold, Diamond, & Platinum Sales Award (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ 20 under 40 (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Endorsed Local Provider (RamseyTrusted)
⭐️ Best of Zillow
⭐️ Pricing Strategy Advisor (National Association of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Certified Staging Consultant (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)
Transcript:
They say in the game of thrones, you win or you die. Thankfully, the stakes in real estate negotiations aren’t quite that high. Still, you want to do your best, whether you’re selling a modest keep or a sprawling manor. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, and today, we’re looking at some Game of Thrones-inspired strategies to help you master the art of negotiation and come out on top.
Winter Is Coming – Be Prepared
The Stark family’s motto is all about readiness. In real estate, preparation is everything. Just like the great houses knew the political climate of Westeros, you need to know whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, the price of comparable sales, average market time, and other local market trends. Surround yourself with skilled advisors, people like a great real estate agent, lender, attorney, and home inspector, forming your own “Small Council” to guide your strategy. Define your must-haves and deal-breakers ahead of time, just like the winners in the game of thrones.
Choose Your Allies Wisely
In Westeros, alliances can make or break a house’s fortunes, and the same goes for real estate. Buyers facing multiple offers need strong allies, such as a lender providing a fully underwritten pre-approval letter, which is like going into battle with a dragon at your side. Writing strong, decisive, and complete offers can make you stand out as a trustworthy buyer. Sellers, on the other hand, should align with buyers who have reliable financing and minimal contingencies. A cash buyer, for instance, can be your House Tyrell, decisive and resourceful. Your real estate agent, serving as the Hand of the King, plays a crucial role by crafting strategic offers, counteroffers, and anticipating the other side’s moves.
Know When (and When Not) to Bend the Knee
Even the mightiest rulers must sometimes make compromises. Daenerys’ journey highlights the importance of flexibility, which we see during her time in Meereen. To keep things stable and prevent chaos, she temporarily aligned with the city’s slave-owning elite by reopening the fighting pits and marrying Hizdahr. Though it went against her principles, this compromise allowed her to hold power and adapt to the challenges of ruling a deeply divided city. For buyers, if a seller hesitates at your price, consider improving your offer with a quicker closing timeline or by waiving minor contingencies. Sellers should look beyond the offer price and evaluate factors like the buyer’s financing or willingness to overlook small repairs. Sometimes a small concession can pay dividends and result in a smoother deal. But there are times when standing firm is essential, like Jon Snow did at the Battle of the Bastards. Knowing your dealbreakers and refusing to waver is critical.
Master the Art of Diplomacy
Tyrion Lannister’s sharp wit and silver tongue make him the ultimate diplomat. His quip, “I drink, and I know things,” reflects his ability to use knowledge and strategy to outmaneuver his adversaries. Negotiating in real estate similarly requires composure and tact. Keep your emotions in check. Stay calm and professional even when tensions rise. A personal touch can make a difference, like a buyer expressing genuine admiration for a seller’s home. Highlighting your strengths, such as solid financial backing or flexibility in closing timelines, can strategically frame your case, much like Tyrion’s well-crafted arguments.
All Is Fair in Love and Negotiations
In the game of thrones, the Cersei Lannisters of the world play dirty. It’s no different in real estate. Be prepared for lowball offers or sudden shifts in terms. The key to countering such tactics is patience. Avoid rash decisions, consult your team, and carefully evaluate the situation. Leverage is a powerful tool, whether it’s multiple offers giving sellers the upper hand or inspection findings justifying a buyer’s request for concessions. Valid inspection issues, like a bad roof or mold in the attic, aren’t going anywhere. If you kill the deal and move on to the next buyer, they’re likely to ask for it, too. Remember, this is a game of strategy, and it’s never a good idea to take things personally. Stay focused on the goal and keep your eyes on the prize.
The Power of Presentation
Cersei Lannister ruled the Red Keep not only because of its fortifications but also because of its allure. Similarly, in real estate, presentation is key. Sellers should treat staging their home as fortifying their castle. A clean, decluttered, and inviting space creates a strong first impression that can win over buyers. For buyers, presenting a professional and straightforward offer signals seriousness and capability, making you a more appealing candidate to the seller.
Closing the Deal
After all the battles and maneuvering, the goal is to claim your prize and sit on the throne. The closing process is the ultimate test. Double check that all contingencies have been met and review documents meticulously. Even small oversights can undo months of effort. When the deal is finalized, take a moment to celebrate. Whether you’ve purchased your dream home or sold at an excellent price, your hard work has paid off.
Conclusion
Negotiating in real estate, like in Westeros, is about playing the long game. Success comes to those who understand the terrain, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and strike the perfect balance between assertiveness and adaptability. Knowing when to push and when to pull back is key. Whether you’re vying for the Iron Throne or closing on your dream home, the best negotiators combine courage, cunning, and compromise. But unlike in the game of thrones, real estate isn’t a zero-sum game. Thinking win-win is often the best strategy. I’d invite you to share you most dramatic real estate negotiation stories in the comments, and reach out anytime if you’d like an expert negotiator by your side for your next home purchase or sale. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage where we treat our clients like family.