Seeing something that you love (or hate) can cause you to blurt out all kinds of things, some of which you may regret. Because while you can (and should) at all times be upfront with your real estate agent, you might not want to be quite so forthright around the sellers (or the listing agents working for them).
So before you decide to step into a house and stick your foot in your mouth, heed these top things never to say to sellers or their real estate agents when you are shopping for a new home.
- “This is my dream house!”
Have you ever played poker? Well then you should know that if you would like to maintain a strong negotiating position, you should never tip your hand… Interested parties who express their unchecked passion for a house are shooting themselves.
These are the types of things which can help sellers obtain more cash from the buyers. This is due to the fact that they really know how much this home really means to them. Any negotiating strategies and all discussions about the home are best left in private. Saying a few nice things about the home is not bad—just do not gush. Gushing=bad.
- “That couch is hideous”
Do not tell the sellers—or any real estate agent present—that they’ve poor taste in furniture or décor. Their style may not suit yours, but that is no reason to insult them. If they hear you bad-mouthing their curtains or rug, then they may just select another buyer.
- “I can afford to spend X”
In spite of the fact that it is definitely a good idea for the prospective buyers to discover just how much they can afford, buyers should keep the information strictly between them and the Realtor.
Prospective home buyers should not address with the seller or the seller’s agent anything concerning their ability to pay a full price offer or financing. This hinders the ability to negotiate the best price for the house. If you are asked, you should say that finding a home that is fairly priced is what matters to you more than the amount you can afford.
- “I cannot wait to get rid of that”
Even if you are thinking that the home will be perfect once you get your hands on it, do not let on. If the new buyers are planning to remodel a house in which somebody raised their family and has many memories, the buyer should not say that wall color is terrible—cannot wait to repaint this place or I cannot wait to tear that swing set down. The seller can simply reject their offer or come back asking for more cash upon hearing that somebody wants to completely remake the home where they made lifetime memories.
- “Why are you selling?”
Yes, you might want to find out why the sellers have decided to sell their house. Keep it to yourself! It is considered poor taste to ask, and it might just open a can of worms. You should never ask the sellers why they’re selling the property, there might be personal reasons such as job relocation or divorce or something worse- none of it is your business. Creating a possibly uncomfortable state of affairs will not help you down the road, in case a bidding war emerges.
- “What’s it really like to live here?”
Sure, you may want to get the inside scoop, however that does not mean that you should interrogate anyone. Do not ask the neighbors personal questions. You can talk to the neighbors and give them a chance to open up, but do not push if they are not talkative. If you end up moving into the neighborhood, do you want the first impression they have of to be that of a spy or a pest?
- “You will never get that price!”
Although you may be thinking that you would not give them an X amount for the home, as a buyer it is best for you to keep your opinions and thoughts to yourself. Even if the buyer thinks that the house is highly priced, it might be within range of similar houses in the neighborhood. This leads us to our next point….
- “I will give you [a very lowball offer] for this home, whaddaya say?”
Do not ask your real estate agent to submit several lowball offers. You should take your real estate agent’s advice when it comes to the pricing- because it is never wise to insult the person whose house you are trying to purchase and you do not want to appear as a not so serious buyer.
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