150,416
I let them tell themselves, by suggesting that they list any pro's and con's of the property, perhaps while enjoying a cup of coffee together. Now, if they are happy with their decision, and want to proceed, my likes are not their likes necessarily, so I let it go.
Every home has a buyer, and sometimes those "buyers" are our clients.
-
Jillian La Rocque
St Thomas, VI
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Jaretta Buckholtz
Manassas, VA
-
Richard Arnold
Tempe, AZ
-
Richard Robibero, e-Pr...
Toronto, ON
-
Cindy Edwards
Johnson City, TN
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
-
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
32,051
I'd step back and listen. Ask a lot of leading questions about why they want this home, and refer back to earlier criteria that they expressed to me.
Let them talk themselves into or out of the purchase. I've found that often the choices are made out of frustration or true love. You have to LISTEN not TALK to figure out which one it is. True love I support (and explain the possible pitfalls), but frustration...usually they talk themselves out of it.
-
Jillian La Rocque
St Thomas, VI
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Jaretta Buckholtz
Manassas, VA
-
Marjorie Dybec
New York, NY
-
Amelia Robinette
Falls Church, VA
-
Cindy Edwards
Johnson City, TN
-
Lise Howe
Washington, DC
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
634,482
I mention my concerns and document the communication. If I have a strong relationship with the client I may repeat my concerns again before writing the offer.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Richard Arnold
Tempe, AZ
-
Cindy Edwards
Johnson City, TN
-
Lise Howe
Washington, DC
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
1,731,203
I always step back and tell myself ....that I am not going to live here ....I try and point out things that are just not right ...but I let the ultimate decision be theirs.
Great question!
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Troy Erickson AZ Realt...
Chandler, AZ
-
Jaretta Buckholtz
Manassas, VA
-
Inna Ivchenko
Encino, CA
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
2,781,153
Think it through, pause and then reflect. Then, will you please dialog with me again. Remember, you have the last word, but I need to be heard before that. Do not enter into a battle of the wills!
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Richie Alan Naggar
Riverside, CA
-
Jaretta Buckholtz
Manassas, VA
-
Cindy Edwards
Johnson City, TN
1,725,996
I flat out ask him/her if he/she would appreciate my opinion. If positive, or negative, I back up my position with facts, not emotion.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Richard Arnold
Tempe, AZ
-
Cindy Edwards
Johnson City, TN
-
Cindy Davis
San Diego, CA
5,104,931
I suggest we review all the pro's and con's of that property and the impact on future resale value. If they still want to buy, I make it happen to them. In the end it's their money and their home.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Richard Bazinet /MBA, ...
Scottsdale, AZ
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Amelia Robinette
Falls Church, VA
28,413
I point out to pros and cons and explain that I am there to help them and I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing that they are getting a bad buy without me telling them.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Cindy Edwards
Johnson City, TN
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
6,393,154
You are hired for your expertise, let them know the facts and your thoughts and they will make the best decision.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Teri Pacitto
Westlake Village, CA
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
175,614
I am honest, to a fault. I tell them openly and honestly, what I think and why. This is where viewing over 500 properties a year as an experienced buyers agent really comes into play. I can never say "that is a bad area knucklehead!". But I can say I do not like it, historically as an investment. See the difference? Or I will send them the crime map again, and suggest they take another longer look this time. But, after that if they still want to make an offer, it is their house. It is their offer. It is their choice. I have found my financial advisor on decisions, I have been right sometimes and others he has been right. It is a process and one where if you have a good relationship most clients will appreicate the refreshing honestly vs "Lets write it up!" for any and every house they like.
Good question.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Olga Simoncelli
New Fairfield, CT
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
216,904
Depends upon what kind of mistake...you can tell them a story about another Buyer in similar situation and what they did...hinting at your suggestion; if you do not feel comfortable telling them outright.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Jaretta Buckholtz
Manassas, VA
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
443,220
I also would go on record with whatever my concerns are. After that, it's up to the buyer!
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Candice A. Donofrio
Fort Mohave, AZ
1,052,196
It's their call and of course I will help, but I go on record as advising against, because x.
I put that in writing.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
392,768
Encourage them to get as many inspections as possible or give the phone number of the toughest inspector you know. Sometimes just asking them what their long term goals are as far as home-ownership will help them see there is a better option for them.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
982,239
Debbie, that question plagues every good Realtor. A broker that works for me refused to sell a house to his son because of the problems so his son hired another Realtor to write the offer and negotiate the contract. Now over 6 months later this house is a money pit. Now the broker that works for me is blaming the other realtor and lender for his son buying this house. I told him his son is to blame not these others.
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
2,194,668
It's none of their business what I think unless they ask me. If they don't ask for my opinion, I don't offer it. It's not my place to decide which home they buy and my personal preferences have no place in their transaction. I would never tell anybody not to buy a house they love, hello?
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Troy Erickson AZ Realt...
Chandler, AZ
5,005,586
Hi Debbie
I'm hired for my expertise and my professional opinion, I let them know the facts and my observations but ultimately they will make the best decision for them. What I like is irrelevant..it's their choice!
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Cindy Edwards
Johnson City, TN
3,345,091
I simply tell them that it is not where I would want to live. I then gently point out the reasons why. I've even said "I do not think this property is right for you."
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
1,525,616
I usually would start with "It is my professional opinion..."
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
5,772,575
Debbie,
I would expose all the issues that make you feel that way! Or as one of our clients said, if you buy this property, don't come back to me 3 years from now to list it! Of course, she had a long term relationship with them. A
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
1,771,867
I am just honest and try to do it without belittling them.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
280,599
Tell them what you think as their representative and then let them make the final decision.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
-
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
417,221
I would tell them. Location is something you can't change. The cost to cure items I can write a list (I do construction loans so this is an easy visual and financial way to demonstrate value)
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
231,224
as said below, let them know. i am curious the nature of their possible mistake? bad roof? pay too much? trains run by at 3 am?
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
979,496
Debbie - I just provide information to my clients and let them make their own decisions. I don't tell clients that they should buy a home, and don't tell them that they shouldn't buy a home. That is for them to decide, and I don't want that liability in case things don't work out either way. I will give them everything I know about the home, and my professional opinion if they ask.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
243,887
Last year, my first year as s REALTOR, I took a young couple to see a house they HAD TO HAVE! It was a disaster starting at the door. They HAD TO HAVE it though. I told them immediately that I thought it was not a good buy for them for the reasons they outlined that they wanted in a home. They put in a bid on the home anyway. After the inspection outlined several, and I do mean several, problems with the home, they backed out.
They remembered all of the reasons I told them that the house was not a good buy for them and thanked me allowing them to make the decision on their own. The second house they choose was in much better condition, even though it was a foreclosure and seemed to be exactly what they wanted.
They have been in the home for 6 months now and is loving every minute of it.
So, I would say, tell them honestly and hope they believe you, but realistically, allow them to make the choice and PRAY the inspection comes back reaffirming the reasons you outlined.
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Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
17,951
Amelia's answer is spot on. Listen, actively.
Also I tend to be very honest and once my buyers know me, they really appreciate that. So when there is a detractor they need to be paying attention to, I definitely make sure they hear me and understand.
But at the end of the day, they are making their own life decisions and spending their own money. In my market they also have a RE attorney who is watching their back.
Don't forget that what your buyer told you s/he wanted at the start of their search likely morphed several times before they landed on this property you don't think is the right fit for them. Maybe your buyer wasn't sure, clear or even fully-honest about their personal wishlist, timeline or motive. Let them tell you what they love about the property and see if you don't suddenly have an ah-ha! moment about why they are choosing it.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
69,134
It's actually not that hard. I show them the good, the bad, and the UGLY. I then quickly add, "Listen, I'm in it with you for the long haul. I'll sell you ANY house, but you may be in over your head with this one. I want to educate you on the things that can be costly or hazardous." If the home is too close to their upper end, I explain what "house poor" is, and how awful a place it is to be. I had an agent pushing me to my max, and I've been there, it's no party. That usually gets them to stick with you, and it's GENUINE. That's what's important.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
160,867
I had that happen recently. I didn't even want to show the house because I thought it was way overpriced. I agreed to show it to meet with a new potential client. We met at my office and went over all the disclosures and then went out to look. The house actually showed fairly well but I still tried to discourage them by telling them everything I could about the location, giving them the comps, knowing that they would probably never get their money out of it. They still decided to make a low offer. The seller would not even counter and they came up but the seller still would not counter. I told them it was a blessing that the seller would not consider their offer and we moved on to the next house. I was very respectful of their feelings and their thought process and did what they asked me to do but let them know the facts as best I could. They did not have any issues. All I can say is be respectful but be honest.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
4,572,117
Their money, their decision. We don't always know the reasons behind a decision. That said -- during the offer process, I review the comps with the buyer(s) and will bring up differences in the value.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
1,562,386
"Mistake" is such a vast and varied word. Is it a "mistake" from your personal prospective. If so, why? What would be the "mistake" if they buy the property?
Once upon a time I received a call from a young gal who was relocating. She found a property on her own, and wanted me to write up the offer. I went to the property and told her she should buy the property -- it would be a mistake. And then I rattled off why . . . it would be a money pit for her, and I could find her other similiarly priced properties that would require LESS work and be a better fit. Of course, I told her, I would be happy to write up the offer if she wanted me to. It took a month of searching, but I found a great home for her. That would have been the easiest transaction EVER, had I not told this young gal she was about to make a mistake.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
891,971
I definitely would point out all pros and cons and ask them to carefully consider their decision. Ask what they like best, and ask what they feel might be negative, and what they truly want out of a home.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
4,319,419
Debbie Reynolds we work for them. As much as it is our job to guide them to the right home, they make the final decision.
Tell him what you think and perhaps an email confirmation that it's okay to go ahead with home for him, despite your advice.
You do not want to be blamed for this.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
716,049
Good question Debbie. If you think your client is making a mistake, then you address it and do this professionally. I would suggest to start by asking your client if you may provide them with your opinion. If they agree to do this, you explain it from your professional perspective and explain the reasons why - and without steering or redlining.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
114,680
I always take it one further step and discuss "resale" as theyre the owner a few years up the road...so I let them know the "negatives as well as the positives...I disclose what would hurt the resale...before we submit the offer..if theyre still ok with the property...we move forward and thats that!
"cant say i didnt tell you"... sometimes Ive heard....You were Right Mike !
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
352,976
Before I even put a buyer in my car we have a discussion on the property they are looking for and with the information that I gather I choose the best ones that will work for their needs. Buyers always end up looking on line and sending me ones that they see and if it's a good match I tell them and if not I tell them based on their criteria that property is not a good match. If they insist on seeing it then it's their choice. I let them make the decision. I only make suggestions based on facts and not speculation, so no I won't tell them not to buy it however if I know anything about the home that would impact them on value or future resale I would tell them and let them decide on moving forward.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
1,711,988
I point out all the pros and cons, though I'm not the one who's going to live there, they hired me for a reason. I stay away from "personal" preferances but state facts that are screaming out but they may not see it with all the anxiety.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
428,933
I will state the reasons on a few occasions and I will reiterate the reasons when it comes time to write an offer. As long as I have done my job of providing information, I can rest easy. I assume Debbie Reynolds that you are referring to some type of defect and not just the lime green and purple paint in the living room.
If the buyer is a friend or relative.............I scream from the rooftops......ARE YOU CRAZY? LOL
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
273,237
I realy lik Michael Thacker reply.
I showed one particular client about 30 homes over the course of a year. In my opinion be purchased the "worst" one. After explaining the pros and cons and comparing to others he still wanted to go through with it. To this day he is extremely satisfied and referred 3 clients to me.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
921,504
This suggests to me there is something I do not understand regarding this buyer.
I would simply ask at least 4 linear "why is this important to you" sort of questions. Then challenge myself to listen, not prepare to respond.
There are some dreams you should not kill.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
552,408
First it depends on why I think its a mistake, there are many styles of homes with different amenities as there are many buyers with different ideas than mine.
Only if I thought the home had major and/or costly issues would I force my opinion on a buyer, get them all the information you can and let them make an educated decision.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
823,731
All these answers are great and valid. The one thing I would add into the mix is, talk about re sale.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
5,355
That's a good question. It's ok to be honest, but you also have a job to do. In the end, the decision is up to them. I try to help as much as I can and that's me doing my part.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
3,164,269
Pretty bluntly actually. I tell them my reasons and what I think and they they make their own decision. But no one will ever buy a property I think is wrong for them without my having told them so.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
856,010
Depends on if it is facts that they are overlooking or my opinion. I will give them the facts and do my best they are cognizant of what I am saying. My opinion I keep to myself. Mark
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
282,018
I ask them to sign a waiver, that they are buying this against my advice.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
3,854,886
When I first start working with a buyer, I tell them if they find a house they like, I will try to talk them out of it. If I can do that...it was not the right one.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
900,128
Depends what the issues are that are giving you pause. If you know something that the buyer should know, but does not, maybe he needs to find out. You could suggest he seek legal advice, perhaps, to make sure there are no problems down the road.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
3,727,873
I think you might be able to delegate that job to your favorite home isnpector.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
1,239,801
There are no bad properties here in Silicon Valley.
Some properties are worse than others. If it is not house defects. I execute the buyer's wish and keep my opinion to myself.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
1,622,432
I do not ever judge or think they are making a mistake in choosing a particular property over what I'd like them to choose. Our logic and experience can not always explain why they like what they like. If they are happy with their choice, my job is to get it to them on the best possible terms.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
1,577,943
Hopefully we've built some rapport. But I use question and answers to get them to think it through. Then it's up to them.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
1,390,113
Not my job to make decisions for them. I do help them weight the pros and cons of properties, but my opinion isn't a factor.
-
Roy Kelley
Gaithersburg, MD
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
1,209,215
I always point out the positive and negatives on any homes that I show my buyers. I've talked many buyers out of buying a house I knew wasn't right for them. I've also have a few buyers that were sure the house was for them when I knew it wasn't. It's ultimately their decision, I'm just their honest advisor, not their decision maker.
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Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
-
Sandy Padula & Norm Pa...
, CA
71,994
I would definitely point out the drawbacks and then leave it at that. If the buyer wants to move forward it is not your place to stop him.
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
851,242
Just experienced this... Circulated the Cancellation & Release form & with that experience they now know that I know what I'm talking about ;)
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Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
2,362,701
I talk about the goals that this purchase is intended to achieve - the reason we are looking - what he/she had said we were looking for - and try to engage the buyer in a discussion that leads him to analyzing the property in those terms.
-
Anna Hatridge
Farmington, MO
3,988,007
It is a fine line to walk. I will express my concerns and then let the buyer make the decision. Afterall it isn't going to be my house and I have no idea how long they will live and enjoy it.
3,626,530
Good morning Debbie. I have no tack. I tell it like it is and if they still want to go ahead I'll go with what they want.
7,835,407
You provide your best advice but the final decision is up to the buyer.
The lifestyle and perspective of your client may not match yours and that is okay.