Most times when selling your home, it’s better to let your real estate agent do the talking with potential buyers. However, there may be moments when it’s just you, the buyer, and the buyer’s agent having a conversation, so it’s important for you to understand what not to say, as well. Most buyers will be looking for an edge in negotiations, and that edge can come from seeking out information that the seller’s side would rather not share. Learn how to maintain your leverage and avoid scaring off buyers, with our blog that will give you a few things never to say to prospective buyers.
This Home Is In Perfect Condition
Even if you have worked hard to address every maintenance issue you can find, no home is truly in perfect condition. It may be tempting to tell the buyer that nothing at all is wrong with the home, but that can come back to bite you when it’s time for the inspection. The inspection may reveal otherwise and as a seller, you do not want to wind up putting your foot in your mouth. Every home has something that needs to be fixed, adjusted, replaced, or improved.
Never Disclose How Long The Home Has Been On The Market
Bringing this up even though it is probably available on the home’s information page can send the seller the wrong message. Of course, some buyers will get right to the point, and ask how many offers you have received on the home. Answering this question is a bad idea, for all of the same reasons that it’s best not to say how many people have viewed the home.
We’ve Never Had A Problem With…
Don’t mention that you’ve never had a flooded basement, bad neighbors, or pest infestation. You are setting yourself for potential liability. Realtors agree that mistruths; however insignificant, might come back to haunt you.
How Soon You Need/Want To Close
You may need to close quickly for a variety of legitimate reasons…but the buyer doesn’t need to know that’s the case. It’s hard to avoid the topic of closing once you’re deep in negotiations, but that’s a subject that your real estate agent can handle when the time is right.
Something That You Always Wanted To Renovate Or Fix
When sellers point out things they might change, this only alerts the buyer of more upcoming costs for them. Never say we always wanted to upgrade the bathrooms or knock out the wall in the kitchen to get more light. Just do not discuss things you intended to do, they plant those ideas along with those dollar signs into the potential buyer’s head.
The Furnace/Siding/Roof Is New
New is a relative term. A two-year-old furnace may seem new to someone who put up with the old one for 20 years, but a buyer may be expecting something that is less than six months old. Your buyer will feel hoodwinked if they think you have misrepresented the facts.
Well, I’m Sure We Can Negotiate On The Price
Price conversations strike the most fear into agents’ hearts! Smart sellers negotiate, so being flexible on the price is a good thing. But the price is just one component of a great offer. Your agent is a buffer between you and the buyer, and they’re there to protect your investment. That’s why you hired them in the first place. The best answer to a buyer’s tricky price questions? “You’ll have to speak to my agent about that.”
By understanding what to say and what topics to avoid, you can make it easier to achieve your goals when selling your house.
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Tom Reese has 20+ years experience in helping his clients sell their homes for a price that sells and makes them a profit. Tom has helped his clients buy and sell property in every neighborhood in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.
About Tom Reese
Helping my clients attain their dreams has been the foundation of my success. With my strong attention to customer service, I have earned my clients continued support and referrals. Put my enthusiasm and dedication to work for you!
Call Tom anytime at (859) 393-1293