T’s-crossed business transaction. People don’t get emotionally involved when buying a bag of oranges, but home selling does have a way of sneaking into one’s emotions and triggering negative responses. If the buyer has an inflated ego and acts like a know-it- all, you need to make sure it doesn’t affect you. On the flip side, if the buyer comes off as the sweetest, kindest, but somewhat financially troubled person you’ve ever met, do not let that dissuade you from your goal of getting a fair deal. Stay on your toes, even if the sale is going along quickly and painlessly. Sometimes it’s an indication that the buyer might back out of the deal. There needs to be a certain amount of discussion by both parties to keep the buyer from jumping ship or, on your part, feeling “seller’s remorse.” You might realize afterward that the buyer would have been willing to pay more for your home.
Don’t: Let your ego get the best of you
During negotiations, you could start thinking of all the labor and time you have invested in getting your home sold. Hours upon hours spent cleaning, staging, showing, and communicating might suddenly flood your mind. You might wonder if it was in vain when faced with buyers who are critical, demanding, or rude. Retaliation in like manner can break a deal, so learn to treat potential home buyers objectively. Don’t let your ego get in the way of a good deal.
Don’t: Be afraid to answer tough questions
When the buyer asks tough questions, they will be looking for direct answers and observing your reactions. Any reluctance on your part will show the buyer a lack of confidence. The best way to handle a tough question without giving away too much information (i.e., “foreclosure”) is to answer with another question. If they ask you whether your home has been on the market long, simply answer imprecisely (“not long”), then turn
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