Special offer
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730 (Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)

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Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

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.

Oct 29, 2015 05:55 AM
Rainmaker
32,051
Amelia Robinette
NoVa House and Home - Frankly Realty - Falls Church, VA
Education, Innovation, Service

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.

Oct 29, 2015 08:31 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

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.

Oct 29, 2015 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,731,203
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

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!

Oct 29, 2015 07:43 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,153
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

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!

Oct 29, 2015 09:53 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

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.

Oct 29, 2015 09:23 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

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.

Oct 29, 2015 07:22 AM
Rainer
28,413
Blanca Barajas
Winter Group - Las Vegas, NV

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. 

Oct 29, 2015 06:19 AM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

You are hired for your expertise, let them know the facts and your thoughts and they will make the best decision.

 

Oct 29, 2015 06:02 AM
Rainmaker
175,614
Spirit Messingham
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
Third Generation Full-Time Realtor® 520 471-6900

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.

Oct 29, 2015 06:01 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

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.

Oct 29, 2015 04:54 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

I also would go on record with whatever my concerns are. After that, it's up to the buyer! 

Oct 29, 2015 04:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,196
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

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.

Oct 29, 2015 04:46 AM
Rainer
392,768
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

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.

Nov 01, 2015 06:25 PM
Rainmaker
982,239
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

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.

Oct 30, 2015 05:27 AM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

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?

Oct 30, 2015 04:23 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,586
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

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!

 

Oct 29, 2015 11:38 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

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."

Oct 29, 2015 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I usually would start with "It is my professional opinion..."

Oct 29, 2015 07:40 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

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

Oct 29, 2015 06:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I am just honest and try to do it without belittling them.

Oct 29, 2015 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Tell them what you think as their representative and then let them make the final decision.

Oct 29, 2015 06:44 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

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)

Oct 29, 2015 06:41 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

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?

Oct 29, 2015 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

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.

Nov 01, 2015 10:32 AM
Rainer
243,887
Jaretta Buckholtz
Pearson Smith Realty, LLC - Manassas, VA
Passionate-Professional-Patient

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.

Nov 01, 2015 07:43 AM
Rainer
17,951
Marjorie Dybec
Douglas Elliman - New York, NY

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.

Nov 01, 2015 03:19 AM
Rainer
69,134
Christine Gerbehy
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox and Roach Northfield - Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Making waves, one home at a time...

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.

Nov 01, 2015 01:33 AM
Rainer
160,867
Don Taber
RE/MAX Complete - Wilson - Wilson, NC
REALTOR / BROKER / CRS / GRI

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.

Oct 31, 2015 01:26 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

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.

Oct 31, 2015 01:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

"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.  

Oct 30, 2015 11:34 AM
Rainmaker
891,971
Tamra Lee Ulmer
Arizona Resource Realty - Payson, AZ
NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!

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.

Oct 30, 2015 03:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

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.

Oct 30, 2015 02:49 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

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. 

Oct 30, 2015 02:07 AM
Rainmaker
114,680
Mike Schneider
10 YRS with Active Rain ! - Lake in the Hills, IL
ABR, CDPE, SFR

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 !

Oct 30, 2015 01:25 AM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

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.  

Oct 30, 2015 01:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,711,988
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

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. 

Oct 29, 2015 11:14 PM
Rainer
428,933
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

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

Oct 29, 2015 11:01 PM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

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.

 

Oct 29, 2015 10:25 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

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.

Oct 29, 2015 10:25 PM
Rainmaker
552,408
Doris Freeman
Zach Taylor Real Estate - Gallatin, TN
Broker/Agent, 615-961-7799

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. 

Oct 29, 2015 09:51 PM
Rainmaker
823,731
Cindy Edwards
RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN
CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

All these answers are great and valid.  The one thing I would add into the mix is, talk about re sale.

Oct 29, 2015 09:11 PM
Rainer
5,355
Dan Nguyen
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Tempe, AZ
Sales & Marketing of Residential Real Estate in AZ

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.

Oct 29, 2015 03:10 PM
Ambassador
3,164,269
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

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.

Oct 29, 2015 02:59 PM
Rainmaker
856,010
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

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

Oct 29, 2015 02:14 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

I ask them  to sign a waiver, that they are buying this against my advice.

Oct 29, 2015 12:44 PM
Ambassador
3,854,886
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

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.

Oct 29, 2015 12:20 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

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.

Oct 29, 2015 12:17 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I think you might be able to delegate that job to your favorite home isnpector.

Oct 29, 2015 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

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.  

 

Oct 29, 2015 10:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

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.

Oct 29, 2015 10:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,577,943
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

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. 

Oct 29, 2015 09:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

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.

Oct 29, 2015 09:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

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.  

Oct 29, 2015 07:51 AM
Rainer
71,994
Jack Wickham
Clarksville, TN
Building with Integrity

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.

Oct 31, 2015 12:43 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Just experienced this... Circulated the Cancellation & Release form & with that experience they now know that I know what I'm talking about  ;)

Oct 29, 2015 11:00 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,701
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

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. 

Oct 29, 2015 08:36 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

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.

Nov 01, 2015 11:06 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

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.  

Nov 01, 2015 08:26 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,407
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

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.

Nov 01, 2015 07:43 PM