Lurking sellers make buyers nervous. Buyers may feel they are intruding and then rush through. They may be hesitant to talk about changes to the home or features they don’t like. Buyers will feel uncomfortable closely inspecting the house in the presence of the owners. It’s easier for buyers to visualize the home being theirs when they have a chance to critique and discuss the home among themselves. If you must be home, try to stay out of the way and answer questions only if asked. Unless there’s a real reason for it, I do not need to be there when your home is being shown by another agent either. That will limit your showing activity. Other agents want privacy with their buyers, and they do not usually have time to work around your agent’s schedule.
Waiting It Out
If you decide to wait, you join the thousands of other homeowners who have also decided to wait. When a few decide it’s time to take the plunge, they may already be too late. If you need/want to sell now, then sell now. There will never be a better time.
Not Taking the First Quick Bid
This happens often. The seller gets a bite early on and is suddenly filled with confidence that the house will easily sell and maybe even inspire a bidding war. It feels like you’re standing over a pond packed with hungry fish. The first offer may not seem great, and you naturally assume there must be bigger, juicier fish to be had. So, you throw the not-so-small-after-all fish back in. Often times that “tiddler” is the “catch of the day.”
Becoming Friends with the Buyer
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