More and more listing agents are attending home showings these days. As a buyer, there are six things you should never say during showings if you want to get the house.
Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation
One mistake all of us make during open houses or home showings is talking too much. You need to look at the home buying process as a poker game; you don’t want to show all of your cards. Many listing agents offer accompanied showings, which means the listing agent is present during an open house or showing. So, while you’re looking at a house, here are six things you should never say:
One mistake all of us make during open houses or home showings is talking too much. You need to look at the home buying process as a poker game; you don’t want to show all of your cards. Many listing agents offer accompanied showings, which means the listing agent is present during an open house or showing. So, while you’re looking at a house, here are six things you should never say:
1. I love it! Again, do not show them all of your cards. You may say “I love it,” but they hear, “I’m going to pay more than the asking price to get this home.”
‘I love it’ means you will pay more than asking price.
2. That is hideous! Whether it’s a piece of furniture, a picture, or wallpaper, don’t express your negative opinions about the seller’s decor. The seller will hear your feedback and they may be so offended that they decide not to negotiate with you. Don’t worry if you don’t like their velour couch from 1980. The couch is not going to be left in the home, and even if it is, you can always put it out on the curb.
3. The house is overpriced. If you say the house is overpriced but then you make an offer, who holds the cards in that situation? The seller. If you make an offer, they know that you love the home, and they will negotiate your price up.
4. Why are the sellers moving? Don’t worry about asking the listing agent why the sellers are moving. Let us negotiate that with the listing agent later. If you ask that question, you are putting yourself in a poor position to negotiate.
5. How are the neighbors? We can do that background work on our own. If you ask the listing agent, they will just tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear.
6. Will the seller take X amount? Again, don’t throw your cards on the table. Walk away and leave a neutral impression behind. Then, we can see what we think the home is worth in the market and strategize about what kind of offer we can make later.
Overall, the important thing to remember is to not reveal your hand. Play your cards wisely when walking through an open house or going to a home showing. Talk to your agent after the fact to figure out the best strategy to purchase the home.
If you have any other questions about buying a home or about the real estate market in general, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!
