While it may be tempting for buyers to say what’s on their mind throughout the house hunt, we encourage ours to pause for a second. There are certain things home-buyers shouldn’t say on the fly.
Others could possibly be listening. Listing agents, sellers, neighbors all have motives to keep tabs on the situation – or there could be a recording device planted somewhere.
In the age of smart home security systems and remote doorbell answering devices, you can’t ever be too sure.
Those off-the-cuff comments made while moving from place to place may very well be used against you.
Things buyers should never say during a home tour
‘I love it; it’s perfect!’
That feedback goes right to the owner.
As soon as the less-than-full-price offer comes in and the buyer requests all sorts of concessions, how will the owner be inclined to reply?
‘That (décor, furniture, paint color) is hideous!’
What were they thinking?
So maybe the sellers’ tastes aren’t what the you would pick, however that doesn’t make their choices wrong.
If these comments get back to the sellers, their wish to be cooperative when offer time comes around may severely dwindle.
‘This home is way overpriced‘
There are plenty of other choices. Be careful with that statement.
Even though this is a typical buyer thought, how are you affected when this house ends up being the most suitable choice?
When the listing agent and seller sees the buyer’s name on an offer, well, who’s going to be holding the cards now?
‘Why is the seller moving?’
This is a personal question that’s best not asked by a buyer.
Let us query with the listing agent in a very diplomatic way to glean details about the specific situation at hand.
‘What are the neighbors like?’
Talk about putting someone on the spot. Listing agents likely have no idea – they don’t reside in the neighborhood 24/7, and it also wouldn’t be appropriate for them to comment on specifics.
When cornered, is the seller prone to divulge?
“There’s a Mrs. Kravitz across the street as well as a curmudgeon next door? And by the way, the teenager that lives on the other side of the home? His band starts warming up in the garage about 11 p.m. on Thursday nights.”
Hardly. These people are trying to sell their house. It’s all wonderful. Buyers need to assess the neighbors on their own.
‘Will the seller take X price?’
This is certainly another “put the agent and seller on the spot” moment.
Negotiations are best left to agents using a written document from which to work.
Although it’s OK to be candid with us and the ones you trust, only do so when you are not within earshot of anyone in the seller’s camp.
That also includes those curbside chats as you are wrapping up the showing near your car.
Be engaged but conservative in the information you share and how you react to homes you see, even though you have really found “the one.”
You can jump for joy when we are writing an ideal offer. So if you are ready to find your new home here in the Tampa Bay and Surrounding areas, we are ready to get working for you. We are always just a click here or call to 813-300-7116 away.
