Real estate agents generally agree that sellers and buyers should not meet until closing. Selling your home can be an emotional experience, so the buffer zone created by using a real estate agent can put you in a better mindset with less stress.
Real estate agents know how scrutinizing and critical home buyers can be. Whether or not they have a valid foundation, they are constantly evaluating new listings and forming first impressions. You may never know the criteria a buyer may use to justify rejecting a property, so the real estate agent is a much-needed representation of you, the seller. But are there exceptions to the rule?
Sellers: sell your house, not yourself
When sellers are present at showings or Open House, potential buyers may not take it all as you might expect. Even if sellers stick to a specific, innocuous space, they may overlook that part of the home, reducing the agent’s efforts to show off your home’s features.
Your home may be a personal extension of yourself, but when it comes to selling, that connection needs to be broken. Cutting any emotional ties should be done early so that when buyers make offers, sellers aren’t offended by their comments or criticism. Meeting with the buyer could work if you are ready to handle the situation. It may be beneficial to meet face-to-face if your real estate agent feels it will smooth over any contentious relationships and help sell the house.
In multiple offer scenarios, a buyer may want to meet with you to get on your good side and consider your offer over others. Investors are just using your home to invest in, but if a family has approached you about needing your home, getting to know them could make a difference in your choice.
Get correct answers
Sometimes home buyers have questions agents can’t answer, but sellers can answer quickly. Keep in mind that buyers are still under the impression that they can’t thoroughly inspect your home while you’re there. The freedom to express them can be an important part of your shopping experience, so aside from answering questions, sellers are best left alone at home.
Sellers are only hurting their home sale by hoping buyers will ask questions. Hovering over the tour and pointing to features will defeat the overall purpose of the exhibit. Buyers need time to imagine living in the seller’s home, mentally going through daily tasks and adjusting their routines to a new space. It’s a very personal decision on their part, so interrupting them with a two-minute speech about closet space or new door handles isn’t going to make it any easier.
Vendors – Clear The Air
If you’ve carefully selected your agent but negotiations stall, the problem could be the other agent. This could be the right time for sellers and buyers to meet to work out differences and finalize any loose ends of the transaction.
If direct negotiations are to be successful, both parties must be comfortable with the meeting. It also helps if both parties are cordial, reasonable, and if they both like each other. Sellers should try to do whatever they can to help work through any hurdles if buyers are really interested in their home. Choose a neutral place for the meeting, such as your real estate agent’s office. A neutral location will help emotionally distance sellers from your home, which can help the negotiation process.
For sellers trying to sell on their own
If you think selling your home without a real estate agent can be done successfully, make sure you can present your home and yourself in a way that buyers can trust. Would you be hindering your sale if the buyer can’t “see” the house with you present? What if there is an obvious clash of personalities, style or taste that will make showing the house an awkward task?
Sometimes buyers and sellers can get carried away during a first meeting and end up revealing too much information. This may not be the time to discuss sensitive issues like price. Its primary intent is to help a buyer determine whether to go ahead with an offer, although it may also influence their future motives.
Remember that face-to-face selling requires diplomacy and tact that go beyond appearances and first impressions. Any verbal agreement on real estate is not binding. All details must be elaborated, put in writing and signed by both parties. That way there will be no misunderstandings and no one will be able to change their minds.
Sellers, please remember that we will have the privilege of answering all your questions, representing you (if you wish), bringing you pre-approved buyers and selling your home quickly for the most money possible, just call our toll free number 888-897-DEAL, we will be ready.
