Agents are seeing the real estate market shift from a buyers market to a sellers market. In fact, in many areas, we are seeing homes move very quickly and there are often multiple offers. In a situation like this (and any situation for that matter), it is important that the buyer and the seller work together towards the mutual goal of closing on the sale of the home. There is nothing worse than a buyer and a seller begin burdened down by a tumultuous relationship. When you are in the buyers shoes, here are a few tips to keep in mind in an effort towards maintaining a positive relationship with the seller
Here are the Top 10 Ways to Upset A Seller (in other words, avoid these at all costs!):
- Tell them your making an offer, then don’t.
It’s almost better to make the offer a surprise.
- Ask for a 3rd, 4th or 5th showing before making an offer.
Be prepared at your 2nd showing to take pictures, video or measurements that you think you may need. Or better yet, make your offer contingent upon getting back in to the house, i.e.; negotiate the offer while your taking your 3rd, 4th, and 5th tour.
- Ask for incredibly detailed information.
Asking what the thread count in the carpet is, or how frequently they fertilize the lawn are questions that can wait. Ask that the seller provide this information as part of your offer.
- Insult the house in front of the seller.
In general, it’s best if the buyer and seller limit direct communication. A comment made by the buyer could be construed as an insult by the seller.
- Tell the seller that the house isn’t worth what they are asking.
You don’t tell a new mom that her baby isn’t cute and you don’t tell a seller is over priced. Have your agent indicate to the sellers agent that price was a major factor in your decision to not make an offer. It may well be over priced, but let your agent do the talking.
- Stalk the house.
While it is good to drive by the home a few times, and at different times during the day, it is not good to park your car in front of the home, and sit there for 3 hours.
- Ask for appliances, furniture, TV’s, or items that identified as ‘going with the home.’
If the seller is offering the appliances, or items that are not ‘fixed to the home’, go ahead and ask for them. But asking for a chair, sofa, or the canvas painting of Aunt Gertrude on the wall is a quick way to upset a seller.
- Tell the seller that you love the house, but it’s way above your price point.
If you can’t afford the home, you should not be seeing it in the first place.
- Speak directly to the seller.
Some people are better at this than others. Your buyers agent is there to act as a ‘go between’. Utilize them.
- Track mud in the house, leave the lights on, and leave doors unlocked.
Keep in mind you area guest in someone’s house, and they are letting you walk through their home while they are not there. This involves a great deal of trust.
While some of these may seem a little extreme to most, even insinuating towards some of these items can upset the apple cart. Remember, if “Home is where the Heart is”, the seller is often emotionally attached to their home.
The ideal result is that everyone can sit at the closing table, exchange keys, shake hands, and say “Congratulations”, and walk away happy. Too often, this is not the case. But, by keeping a few of these items in mind, you can increase your odds of creating a win-win situation for you and the seller
