When we talk about buying or selling homes, we tend to focus on one thing: the house. Is it in the right condition? Is it the right price? What color are the walls? Do you like the flower beds?
There’s another part of the process that plays a big part. It can even affect whether an offer is made or accepted: the people.
Think about the last person who frustrated or upset you. Maybe it was at a traffic light or in a slow line at the drive thru. Multiply that by 10. That’s the level of frustration that can happen in the middle of buying or selling your home. Understanding some of the things that cause aggravation and frustration, we can avoid these things and relieve a little bit of the stress for everyone.
Buyer Frustration: Sellers at the Showing
It’s extremely difficult to walk around a home and feel comfortable checking out all the details or asking questions when the owner is in the background. No matter how out-of-the-way you are, many buyers are uncomfortable with a seller in the home while they look. Many times, they won’t spend a lot of time looking and will leave early. Less time looking means you have a lower chance of receiving an offer.
Seller Frustration: Buyers Who Leave a Mess
Most buyers are very courteous and don’t leave behind signs of their presence after a showing, but not everyone. Lights, water, and even the oven has been left on after buyers viewed a home. Every Realtor has the story about a used bathroom that wasn’t flushed (if you’re thinking “Yuck,” you’re right). Even if you make an offer on that home, sellers may be less likely to negotiate because they’re unhappy with how their home was treated. Make sure you always leave a home the way you find it.
Buyer Frustration: Lack of Flexible Scheduling
Most buyers understand they need to make an appointment to view a home or that their Realtor needs to make a quick call before coming by. When sellers only allow showings at very specific times on very specific days, it can cause a scheduling nightmare for a potential buyer. When they have several homes to choose from, they may bypass the property because it’s so difficult to view.
Seller Frustration: Buyers Who Don’t Call to Cancel
Sellers who keep their home available most of the time and vacate during a showing are doing the right thing. When a buyer is unable to view a home, calling to cancel and let the sellers know is basic courtesy. Some sellers have to find a place for their dog or work around their own busy schedule. If you can’t make it, a seller will understand, and they’ll be less frustrated if they’re notified as soon as possible.
Buying and selling a home is stressful for everyone involved. If we keep in mind that everyone wants this to be successful and that buyers and sellers are both doing their best, maybe we can eliminate some of the frustration that everyone feels. Common courtesy and basic manners will go a long way in keeping everyone calm until you get to the closing table.
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