Good topic to have as a counterweight.
I've just spent a month negotiating the rental of a unit I really wanted, which was quite an ordeal, so I'll use my most recent experience.
I have to credit to my "auntie" agent. I am admittedly not the easiest person to negotiate with (I essentially do it for a living) and neither was the owner of the
property--hence the 1 month stand-off, er "negotiation". Things actually got quite heated with threats of lawsuits flying from both sides at one point, but my agent never complained, lost her cool, or gave up on her stubborn client. At the end she did a very good job, behaved admirably and we saw the deal through successfully. I'm actually going to write a recommendation letter to her boss because of her efforts.
That's my contribution....
M