This is the second installment of the “I couldn’t have said it better myself” post…
Some call it negotiating. Others call it playing mind games. Read Margaret Woda’s article about buyer’s playing mind games with sellers.
I was in a very similar situation last year. Except that I was the agent representing my brother and his wife in the sale of their home. Mixing family and business is never easy.
I can attest that my brother and sister-in-law felt the exact same feelings described in the article.
Remaining emotionally neutral is extremely important. But there were times when it was difficult for them to not take things personally.
“What do you mean _____ is too old? Its worked everyday we’ve owned the home (5 years).”
“Now you want us to replace it? At our cost!?!?”
It came to a point when they almost would have sold it to another person, at a lower price, than to finish the sale.
But in the end, being in a new home home won out. But just barely…
When you’re ready to make an offer, yes it seems impersonal. It’s just a house. But remember that this ‘house’ has been a ‘home’ for the current owner for years, maybe even decades.
Yes, you want to look out for your bottom line. But at what cost? Will it be OK if you lose this home? How much is it worth to you to be in your dream home?
There are two sides to every situation. Considering both can have a dramatic impact on your situation. For the better or worse.
Last chance to read the thought process a seller goes through when selling.
*Update*
Coincidentally after this post went live Jay Thompson of Thompson’s Realty in Phoenix, AZ posted an article discussing if you’re able to get proof of a competing offer. The interesting story is when another agent tried to bully a buyer into increasing an initial offer by flouting “another offer” in their face. And then the next day, the original offer is accepted…
Read Jay’s reasoning behind why, as a buyer, you’ll never know for sure if there is another offer. Plus reasons why agents are unable to disclose information relating to the offer.
Each is an example of why you shouldn’t play mind games in real estate.
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My name is Adam Holberg and I’m a Realtor with First Weber of Wisconsin Rapids. This website is designed to inform and help bring conversation to a topic I love, real estate.