Let's say a family started looking for a home in Columbus with a budget of $220,000. They wanted to make an offer on the first property that caught their eye, but after reviewing recent transaction records, they found there was room to negotiate below the asking price. Ultimately, they finalized the contract at a price lower than their initial offer, with the seller agreeing to cover some repair costs.

The recent median sale price in Columbus is around $222,000 (Redfin, 2026 data). This is only a 0.5% increase from a year ago, indicating no significant fluctuations. The average time for properties to sell is 60 days, which is slightly faster than last year's 67 days (Muboto data). While the market isn't overly hot, it also doesn't mean there's plenty of time to be leisurely. At this pace, there is room for negotiation, but it's not a time to be complacent.

This is where the agent's role becomes evident. They assess the fair price through comparative market analysis, negotiate the offer price and terms with the other party, review the clauses in the sales contract, schedule inspections and appraisals, and manage the paperwork up to closing (NAR data). For negotiations to go favorably, agents must be able to present recent transaction data and also understand the seller's circumstances. A strategy that only benefits one side won't last long.

Since the 2024 NAR lawsuit settlement, a new procedure requires buyers to sign a written buyer agency agreement before viewing properties. The contract must specify the amount and calculation method of the commission (NAR data). Understanding this clause is essential for buyers to assess their own conditions at the negotiation table.

The advantages of Korean agents in this negotiation phase are clear. They can explain contract terms and negotiation phrases accurately without language barriers and have an understanding of the school districts and living areas preferred by Korean families in the Columbus area. However, this doesn't mean negotiation power comes automatically. The outcome depends on how thoroughly recent transaction data is gathered and how skillfully the agent communicates with the other agent. Understanding language and culture lays the groundwork for smooth negotiations. Experience in handling situations like sending earnest money from Korea or dealing with FIRPTA withholding for non-resident foreign sellers also helps them respond calmly in special circumstances.

At the negotiation table, not only price but also closing dates, repair cost credits, and responses if the appraisal value falls short of the sale price must be addressed. In this case, the seller agreed to handle the repair costs as a credit, which alleviated the burden of finding a contractor after closing. Each of these detailed conditions ultimately affects the total transaction costs.

Even after negotiations are completed, there are still tasks to be done. If they can receive guidance in Korean on procedures to follow after closing, such as property tax reporting or applying for Homestead Exemption, it can be especially reassuring for families buying a home in the U.S. for the first time. However, since these tax-related criteria can vary by county, it's safer to double-check the local standards before making an actual application.

Additionally, understanding the seller's circumstances during the negotiation process is an important skill. If a seller is pressed for time to move, they may prefer a quicker closing over a higher price, while a seller with more flexibility may hold out for a higher price. Recognizing this context through conversations with the other agent and reflecting it in the negotiation strategy is also one of the agent's roles.

Negotiation is ultimately a battle of information and judgment. If you have an agent equipped with data and one who can explain that data in clear language, the negotiation outcome can change. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a real estate professional before making any actual contracts.