Q: Whenever a buyer makes a private appointment to see my house, I make sure I am there to answer all their questions. After all, I know my house better than anyone!
Well, a buyer asked for a second visit, but he just wants himself and his agent there and not me. What is up with that?! -Jonah
A: Sometimes a seller and buyer will meet briefly during a showing – but personally, I prefer they don’t!
I know you are proud of your home, but when over-zealous sellers hover around the buyers, giving their opinion about every nook and cranny, the buyer’s focus becomes you and not the house. You think you are being helpful, but really you are suffocating your guests. The buyer needs to see your house as his or her own. How can they imagine themselves living there if you’re always chirping in their ear non-stop?! Shut up! Let the buyers have their private time to engage in the space.
Most agents can’t stand sellers who helicopter over them, either. They are trying to explain the pros and cons of your house to their client and it’s awkward when you interject.
Jonah, this is what you ought to do when they arrive: Say hi and make yourself scarce. Or say, “I’ll go for a walk and be back in 15 minutes, in case you have any questions.”
Of course people love to showcase their homes and every (wo)man thinks their house is a castle. But eager-beaver sellers, even those with the best intentions, are their own biggest liabilities.
One seller did not take my advice and insisted on being present during every showing. He was extremely proud of his house.
One buyer pointed out that the fence was damaged and they discussed how the damage happened, how the fence was shared with a neighbor and possible ways to fix it, etc. Once we were in contract with this buyer, this conversation came back to bite my seller in the behind. In my seller’s mind, the conversation was just a discussion that brought the buyer up to speed.
The buyer, however, took the talk as a promise to fix the fence.
At the final walk through, the buyer raised a stink about the seller not following through on the repair and refused to close the deal. It became a “he said, she said” mess and my seller ultimately had to eat the fence or put the house back on the market.
Some people are just control freaks…but they learn the hard way!
Lesson learned: During a showing, be pleasant and upbeat - but if anything arises that pertains to negotiations, repairs or pricing, just say, “the best person to ask is my realtor, here’s their card!” or “I’m not sure, but I’ll have my agent follow up with you guys.”
Your agent will negotiate on your behalf and document it in writing, which keeps you and your big mouth out of trouble!
Herman is seeking new questions! Ask YOUR real estate question!
Herman Chan, a realtor, has appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters, My House is Worth What, and as a commentator on other networks. Realtor Magazine called him the “Internet Sensation Videoblogger.” Chan’s columns on real estate will alternate with his video blogs on real estate every Tuesday on 365gay.
