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Evelyn M Epperson, A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service] (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)

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Rainmaker
4,572,439
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Listen carefully.  And quietly.  Let them vent within reason.  Don't interrupt and don't necessarily agree.  I find that in some of these cases once they hear themselves speaking, a calmer voice surfaces and it's theirs.   

Nov 04, 2019 05:19 PM
Ambassador
5,049,477
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Listen as needed, do what needs to be done, but don't get sucked into the emotions.

Nov 04, 2019 05:54 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I'm guessing some "expert" told him/her they could have gotten more for the house. Maybe even another agent.

Nov 04, 2019 06:05 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Sellers remorse?  Try reminding them of all the reasons why they wanted to sell in the first place.  And discuss with them all the things they will do as they move on from this home.

Nov 04, 2019 05:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

UGH. Is it a fair deal? I mean, did buyer steal the home?

Is it possible that 'someone else' 'could have' come up more?

Or is seller simply inflating their value in their mind?

Deep thoughts. Truly though, it's a deal and now it's your job to keep it real. No participation in seller's angst.

This is where the value of the broker lies - in remaining above the emotions of the parties.

Nov 04, 2019 05:25 PM
Ambassador
3,125,842
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Get to the closing table and record quickly. Remorse is a real thing and can make people difficult to handle or deal with.

Nov 04, 2019 05:09 PM
Ambassador
5,230,119
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

What are your thoughts? Do you think the buyer got the 'better deal?' 

Have you thought about asking the buyers agent the appraisal value? Oftentimes when the sellers hear that the appraisal came in 'right on the money,' they stop moaning if they feel like they 'undersold.' 

Good luck!

Nov 04, 2019 09:22 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I agree with Michael Jacobs's suggestion. At the end of the day it seems sellers often feel they gave their house away, while buyers fell they overpaid. I would also raise a question as to whether the buyer is behaving in a way that is causing the seller to get angry or petty... I've seen buyers get a great deal and then make all sorts of outrageous demands on repairs.

Nov 05, 2019 04:30 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

Say less, listen more. This too shall pass.

Nov 04, 2019 09:11 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

What a difficult situation. 

I am sure, you will close. 

Reading answers, I agree with all of you! 

Nov 04, 2019 05:59 PM
Rainmaker
805,909
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Unfortunately most sellers think their homes are worth far more than they really are. It's their home full of their wonderful memories and letting it go can be hard. 

Nov 04, 2019 05:57 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I recently had a seller - who has never spoken with the buyer - start using terms like "petty" & "ridiculous".   I educated him.  The things he was responding to stemmed in the attorney approval process and for those of us who have such a thing in their market, you can understand that perception. 

Nov 05, 2019 04:25 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Let them vent, no one twisted their arm

Nov 05, 2019 02:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Well, do you represent a buyer or a seller? I suspect, it was something that made the seller upset, why not to ask and find out? It might not resolve the seller's issue, but allow the seller( or seller agent) to explain the situation. The fact that contract is accepted might not go too far when the buyer will try negotiate repairs and credits, if any.

 

Nov 04, 2019 11:01 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,800
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Seller is having remorse. Let him vent! It is all he can do with a valid contract.

Nov 05, 2019 04:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,197,272
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Pay it forward and try to calm the waters.

Nov 05, 2019 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
629,708
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

Listen with sympathy, and let it go in one ear and out the other 

Nov 04, 2019 11:10 PM
Ambassador
2,670,013
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

If you did a Seller consultation at the beginning, go back and review what the seller said was important and compare how this offer met their requirements.

Do really Listen to what they are saying now and find a neutral way to engage them in happily moving forward. And close fast!

Nov 04, 2019 10:41 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Great andices and answers.

Nov 04, 2019 07:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Sounds like Seller's remorse to me. I'd meet with them and listen to what they have to say

Nov 05, 2019 05:56 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I have seen this and i always have this talk when i list, have it again when we get offers and one more time when we sign the offer. It is not a war or competition, I say this is what to expect, this is what the buyer may ask and this is what you should do. 

Nov 05, 2019 04:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Part of our job is counseling. I've had more than my share of sellers with regrets. Listen but propel forward.

Nov 05, 2019 03:44 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

This is where you test your certainty. If you know and are certain that this is the best deal the seller is going to get - then let them talk and vent and what others have suggested here. If you're just "maybe" or there's a 50/50 chance of some better buyer or offer to come along, I recommend being tough on inspection items and align with your clients wishes. Even remind them that if they truly want out of the deal being tough on inspections is a good way to chase off  the buyer and they have a good chance of being back on the market if that's what they truly believe. And it's up to your professional judgement to know whether or not that is in their best interest. I had a deal fall apart a few months ago (not with a seller wanting more but the deal fell apart because of the buyer losing their job). We got a new offer within 5 days for $5G's more.

So my recommondation is to analyze all aspects of the scene and help your client do what's best for them. Sometime holding the deal together is best, sometimes it's not.

Nov 05, 2019 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I often finds this happens. Buyer got a deal so I'll make him miserable syndrome. ???? don't get it.

No one forced his hand to that contract, why treat others so poorly?

Make this a Members Only question like Wanda suggested. 

Nov 05, 2019 05:35 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

There is a line at which a person can not cross. It appears you and the buyer have pushed this seller to that point. 

If the agent or the buyer 'go stupid' the deal may go up in smoke. When the seller is pushed to the limit, insisting or fixing reverse polarity outlets is my example of 'going stupid."

"Acting angry and petty' suggests to me the seller is working with others who don't listen well. Such language is dismissive of the seller. No one likes that.

My advise?  'Don't rock the boat."

Are not agents to play the role of the emotional shock absorber? Pettiness and emotions should not breach the protective walls of two professionals who know what they are doing.

Nov 05, 2019 04:54 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Are you representing the seller or the buyer? 

I've had that and the sad part is, this seller used to be an agent.  He's selling his home as a fsbo.  Let him vent and as long as he didn't breach the contract, we are fine. 

Nov 05, 2019 10:25 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,242
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Not sure how closings are handled in your area; however, I would make sure the buyer and seller close at different times.

Nov 05, 2019 05:38 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

What Michael Jacobs said.  Sometimes people just need to be heard and FEEL that what they have to say is important even when what they are feeling is not supported by the data.  The seller will come around ... just listen and do not make the seller wrong for what they are feeling.

Nov 05, 2019 07:18 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

The presence or "now" is screaming at this seller saying: Where are you? I am giving you input & feedback along with life experience and you are not to be found. Bring yourself current as there is much more to be done. Lets go!

The Industry itself is saying: Be happy for anyone who wins & your turn to win is guaranteed. Put on the buyers shoes and rejoice plus you had a part in it!

Dark forces say: You are are being robbed, fooled & tricked. They would know this subject well. Ignore this invite to travel in the wrong direction

Nov 05, 2019 06:34 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

Keep the two parties seperate at all times. You have great advise about being a listener who doesn't add advice or agree. Pivot to their future plans and goals. 

Nov 05, 2019 10:07 AM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

It's a done deal.  Listen (briefly) but don't get sucked into the drama.Get it closed and let the seller work it out with a friend.

Nov 05, 2019 09:46 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

If you are the seller's agent (unsure who you are representing by the question) let him know that you understand how he feels.  Validate the emotions he has.  If you don't, you risk seller feeling you are on the buyer's side.  Also, look for opportunities to point out where the seller made great decisions in the contract or in future negotiations. 

Sometimes, with seller's like this, if they threaten to void a contract over some petty thing in the inspection, I will go along with that train of thought until THEY talk themselves back INTO the deal.

Nov 05, 2019 08:49 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

You did not indicate which side you represent, Evelyn M Epperson. In any event, come from kindness!

Remain professional and patient. You are not the cause of the sellers angst. Do what you can to bring the transaction to a successful conclusion to the benefit of your client.

Nov 05, 2019 07:49 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,425
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Emotions come into play all of the time. You are the calming force.

Nov 05, 2019 11:58 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,565
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Focus on their goal to move on, maybe the new house?

Nov 13, 2019 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
634,531
Jason E. Gordon
CMG Mortgage, San Diego, CA - San Diego, CA
Sr Loan Officer, CMA, CMPS, CDLP, CDRE, RCSD, CDPE

Use the "Feel, Felt, Found" method.  For example:

  • Yes, Mr/Ms Seller, I understand how you Feel
  • Many Sellers have often Felt this way when selling a house
  • But then the Found out that it is nearly impossible to time the market

If all else fails, remind them of contract law: Offer + Acceptance = Contract (and the fact that they accepted this offer)

Nov 06, 2019 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

Sounds like he has talked to an agent friend or friend of the family that said his home was worth more.  He is now under contract.  It could be a rough ride but just listen.  I had this happen and it was so miserable. 

The next thing will be,  he wants you to cut commission.  Good luck with this one.

Nov 05, 2019 08:08 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

keep the buyer and seller apart....and close as quickly as possible....

Nov 05, 2019 01:35 PM