05/03/2026
๐ฌ๐ข๐จ ๐๐๐กโ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐ช๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ง.
Yesterday, a co-broker asked if my listing was negotiable.
Of course, most properties are.
But when I asked for the clientโs budget, the answer was โฑ80,000 for a 2BR unit in a building where 2BR rentals usually go for โฑ120kโโฑ130k.
When the broker explained that โฑ80k is actually the typical rate for a 1BR, the client declined.
He wants a 2BR.
But only at a 1BR price.
Letโs be real for a moment.
Negotiation is normal in real estate.
But negotiation should adjust within the market โ not rewrite the market.
Because if โฑ80k can suddenly rent a 2BR, then what happens to all the 1BR units priced at โฑ80k?
The entire pricing structure of the building collapses.
Real estate doesnโt work like that.
If the budget fits a 1BR, then the logical option is a 1BR.
Want a bigger space?
Then the budget needs to grow too.
As brokers, our job isnโt just to say โyesโ to everything.
Our job is to protect the market, guide clients honestly, and keep deals realistic.
Sometimes the most professional thing you can say is:
โThat property may not be the right fit for your budget.โ
And thatโs okay.
Because not every inquiry should become a deal.
But every deal should make sense.
Agree?
