Knowing the other realtor during negotiations

How important is it to know with whom you are negotiating? Its vitally important to know the collaborating agents negotiating habits and skill level. The art of negotiating is just that...an art. Some realtors always negotiate the same way, some realtors adjust to the situation, and again other realtors just don't care and do not take the time to try and close the deal. Not caring to close the deal could mean a couple of things. The agent could be too busy and in a rush, doesn't know what they are doing, wants to sell the listing themselves and don't want to split the commission or is simply a jerk. Going into the negotiations already knowing with whom you will be dealing with and what kind of negotiating skill set the collaborating agent has can help to plan ahead and decide what course of action to take that will ensure the closing of the deal. Remember...an indifferent realtor can mean no home for you the buyer and/or a longggg listing contract for the seller.