Homebuying is a two-way street. Not only are you looking for the perfect home, but sellers are also looking for the ideal buyers. If you’re unaware of proper buyer etiquette and what to keep private from the seller agent’s knowledge, then keep reading. These six tips will help you navigate what to avoid saying when homebuying.
Shy away from negative comments on current decor
While it can be tempting to start envisioning how you want to transform a space, be sure to keep your ideas to yourself. Telling a seller or their agent that you don’t like the current decor can be taken offensively, especially if anything in the home has sentimental value. This can immediately turn off the current owner, lessening your chances of securing the home. Instead, try to make a genuine compliment on the seller’s home as this can go a long way when deliberating your offer.
Avoid being intrusive when speaking to neighbors
Making general inquiries into a potential new neighborhood are understood. However, when talking to the neighbors of the house you are touring, you may run the risk of coming off as nosy. To prevent this, use your better judgement and avoid questions that pry into the personal lives of your potential new neighbors. For example, wanting to know if the area is family-friendly is acceptable, but asking if they know why the sellers are selling is an absolute no-no.
Conceal your excitement for the home
There’s no doubt that finding your dream home comes with overwhelming emotions. With that being said, letting the seller or their agent know how excited you are can have negative consequences. Admitting that you have found your dream home puts the idea in the seller’s mind that you are willing to pay asking price, or higher.
It’s also a good idea for yourself to not get your hopes up too much. The homebuying process is often accompanied by many bumps in the road, so you’ll want to prevent any potential disappointment.
Privatize your maximum budget
When discussing price with a seller’s agent, it is possible that you’ll be asked what your budget is. Similar to showing your excitement for the home, telling an agent how high you’ll go only lets them know that they can get you to pay a bigger price. The best way to avoid disclosing the maximum amount you’re willing to spend is to give a general range of what your budget is.
Do not propose an insulting offer
Negotiating is a common practice when homebuying. What you need to be mindful of, though, is ensuring that your offer is not insultingly far below asking price. Consult with your real estate agent to come up with an appropriate offer. Doing so lets the seller know that you are serious about buying the home and boosts your credibility with their agent.
Keep your time frame between you and your agent
Lastly, disclosing that you’re in desperate need of a house can lead to pressure from seller’s agent. Whatever your situation may be, keep it private from the seller. Coming off as extremely eager to buy can lead to rushed offers and a poor understanding of the contract you could be entering. Even if you’re feeling crunched for time, try to keep cool and collected.
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