Anchor high or ask their budget?

Anchor high or ask their budget?

Two opening moves when money comes up. Anchoring = you name a number first, on the high side. Asking budget = you let them reveal what they planned to spend.

Why it matters: naming a high number first quietly sets the ceiling, and final prices tend to land near it. Asking their budget protects you from anchoring below what they'd happily pay.

Simple example: you'd accept $800. If you anchor at $1,200, you may settle around $950. If you ask first and they say '$1,500,' you've just learned you were about to undersell yourself.

Your move: when unsure of their budget, ask. When you know your worth, anchor first and high.