There are some things you should not say, regardless of whether you are thinking about selling your house soon.
Leaving personal items around your home, such as religious icons or unique paintings, will reduce the sense of belonging that a buyer wants to experience.
Do not say “as it is”.
It is important to be open about the strengths and weaknesses of your home, but it is not a good idea for prospective buyers to tell you anything other than the truth. For example, don’t tell them that your house is “as is,” as that will give them the wrong impression about the condition of your property. Instead, give them a separate disclosure form in which you will list any defects. This will enable them to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the house. This also shows you are serious about selling the home.
Do not say “move in ready”.
If you are a seller, don’t blurt out that your house is “move in ready” when a buyer is showing it. This can send a message to buyers that you are unwilling to negotiate and may discourage them from showing the house or making an offer at all. Instead, let your agent talk with buyers about the home and what they are looking for. They should be able to ask the buyer questions that you can’t answer, and they can also help with negotiation if you need it. As a seller, your job is to get your home sold for the highest possible price. Don’t say anything that might compromise the sale. You can leave the showings up to your agent and do your best to keep your mouth closed when potential buyers visit.
Do not say “I’ll let my appliances go”
There will be many items that a home seller would like to discuss with potential buyers. There are some items that could hinder your chances of a sale. This includes mismatched appliances, badly worn or barely functional HVAC units, and moldy basements. These items can make you look silly if you keep them hidden. With a little planning and preparation, you can avoid this mess. If you keep your house in top condition, it will be easier to sell it quickly and for a good price. A good real estate agent can help you navigate the process and find the perfect people to live in your new home.
You shouldn’t say “I am looking for a home”
When it comes to selling a house, there are some things you should avoid saying. They can make buyers uncomfortable or discourage them.
People say that “I’m searching for a new home.” Although it sounds innocent and may be true, it can cause potential buyers to turn away. Buyers who say that will be unlikely to give you a high offer and may find it hard to negotiate with you on terms that they can afford.
You should also be cautious about saying that you are in a hurry for your house to sell. This can be a huge turn-off to potential buyers because it will be seen as desperate and can prompt them to give you a lowball offer or include too many contingencies.
Many people make this mistake thinking it will get them a better deal. This isn’t always true. It can backfire if your selling strategy is too fast.
You might also want to be careful not to say you’re in a new home because it can make buyers believe that you will be moving in soon, which isn’t the case at all. They will feel that you will be moving in before they do, which can discourage them form making an offer.
Some people are very sentimental about the homes that they own and it can be hard to pass them down. This is especially true if you’re in a family home that’s been in your family for generations.
Don’t say “I am in a hurry”
Selling a house can be an emotional and stressful experience. After all, you’re not only letting go of your old home but also the memories that you’ve created there. You must be careful not to mention anything that could compromise your sale.
For example, don’t tell buyers you’re in a rush to sell your house. This may seem like a good sentiment, but it can be detrimental. A buyer might assume you are desperate to sell, and that you will offer them a lower deal than they prefer, says Jared Barnett from Compass in New York City.
Personal circumstances should not be mentioned, especially if you are going through a difficult time or are facing major life changes. If you are moving for work or your spouse is moving in with you, it is best to keep these details private.
Talking about the neighborhood is another thing to be careful about. It’s not a good idea for you to tell buyers about the neighborhood unless you are familiar with it. Talking about things like ball games in the street, or how loud the parties are can imply that there are problems with the neighbors or the community at large.
It is best to leave these conversations to your agent. Otherwise, it’s too easy for buyers to take what you’ve said in a negative light and use it against you during negotiations. It’s not worth taking the risk. Selling your house takes effort, time, and a lot of sweat. To make your house attractive to potential buyers, you must do everything possible.
Last modified: March 22, 2023