Lately, it seems that more and more deals are dying on the vine before ever getting to closing. Partly this is based on unreasonable expectations of buyers who feel emboldened to ask for outrageous concessions due to the market conditions.
First time buyers, nervous buyers, or buyers who want lobster at McDonald's prices seem to be driving the recent market.
As a home inspector who is an educator - very much NOT an alarmist - I have been stunned at how a simple description of the condition of an item as "fair" with normal "wear and tear" can be manipulated by buyers into a demand that the seller have the HVAC system replaced.
While it is not always the inspector's fault - all too often it is. There are many in our business that derives some strange sense of satisfaction out of being known as a "deal killer." The real problem is that they equate that label with having done a good job. Nothing could be further from the truth.
It's easy to point out issues in an older home.
It's easy to scare nervous first time buyers.
And it's easy to write a report that covers the inspector's hindquarters while needlessly recommending "further evaluations" and replacement.
It takes an experienced inspector, skilled in communication to help educate a buyer about their home, taking care to address their concerns, and helping them understand that every ungrounded outlet is not a screaming death trap waiting to strike.
And, it takes a skilled and professional agent to help manage their client's expectations before the bid is accepted.
With that in mind, over the next few days/weeks I will be offering some strategies that help you:
- Troubleshoot the home before the inspection, and even before the bid
- Set buyer expectations, and pre-educate them
- Understand the dreaded "Deal Killer" inspector and deal killing buyer and how to handle them
Stay tuned....or if you can't wait and want the whole thing all at once, email me and I'll forward it you.
Best wishes,
Sherlock Homes
Comments(2)