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What Is That Seller Thinking? Just Read His Blog to Find Out!

Crystal BallHave you ever wanted to know what the "other party" in a transaction was thinking? Well, you may be able to find out, and you won't even need a crystal ball!

We just recently closed on a transaction for a home with a great first-time homebuyer and his family. We looked at several and identified "the one" in a short amount of time. Both the husband and wife are very computer and internet-savvy and do their research.

When they got home, they were able to pull up the property taxes online by the property address. This information is available to the public on the City's website and also lists the owner's name. A quick search on Google of the owner's name just happened to pull up his Blog.

The seller kept a blog related to his work and discussed his family, favorite books, and it just so happens....the sales process of his house. He talked about previous showings, mentioned offers, and even commented on our showing - we were a little early and they weren't quite ready for us and were disappointed.

We put an offer in on the house and it went under contract. The seller didn't make too many more references to the sale after that but it certainly made for an interesting transaction!

 
Posted by Monica Ray on 07/22/2009 07:53 PM   Comments (18)   Buyers in the ActiveRain Channel   blog, seller, buyer, sale, seller tips, buyer tips, buyers agent  
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18 Comments on What Is That Seller Thinking? Just Read His Blog to Find Out!

JUL
22
2009
325,065 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

At my real estate school they had a special day of training all about reading the buyers and sellers mind
8:04pm • #1
227,064 Points 25 Featured Posts

It is always interesting to hear what the other side thought of a transaction - whether blog, twitter or status updates on other social networks.  I often connect online and look for clues with my prospects as to which way they are headed.
8:04pm • #2
1 Featured Post

Great post and a reminder that we need to let our sellers know that anything they post on the net could be seen by potential buyers.  It makes me wonder if anyone has ever "shot themselves in the foot" by blogging about issues with their house, repairs, neighbors and whatnot.  I guess this is yet another reminder to give sellers at the listing appointment and beyond.  Thanks for sharing!
8:04pm • #3
698,525 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

For some reason I have a (bad) habit of googling buyer's and seller's and sometimes I find out some very interesting things.  I haven't come across anyones blog, but I have read a few facebook pages that weren't blocked to the public. 
8:05pm • #4
662,713 Points 113 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Wow, that is weird. I will have to check this out myself, wonder if I will get anything, LOL. It would be far easier than reading thier minds though. Thanks for the tip!
8:07pm • #5
1,194,235 Points 89 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

wow.... that would be odd.  A buyer or seller could do themselves serious damage by posting content during the transaction if they or the property are identifiable.  
8:09pm • #6
461,907 Points 47 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You must have found them on Facebook. This happened to my broker. He was representing buyers who wrote an offer on a property. He happened to know who the sellers are and managed to monitor the seller's thought process.

This reminds me of a philosophy that when you're at the negotiation table, and after presenting your case, first one who talks loses!
8:13pm • #7

Proof positive and a good testament to the longevity of internet comments!!!
8:14pm • #8
403,201 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I'll be sure to let my buyers and sellers know that their blogs may be read by interested parties.  I would think that they would know not to let that information out.  But, with Facebook and Twitter all over, you need to let your clients know that their every move on the internet can be scrutinized.  Thanks. 
8:16pm • #9
178,399 Points 10 Featured Posts Hit Router

Thank you for all of your comments, it really is a reminder for both buyers and sellers that what they post online is available to everyone.
8:45pm • #10
729,697 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kevin and Monica - I hadn't thought of using the internet in this manner.  Very useful information.
9:13pm • #11
178,399 Points 10 Featured Posts Hit Router

Thanks Marc - they were some savvy buyers for sure :)
9:28pm • #12
327,553 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Kevin and Monica ~ My clients often arrive at the office to put in an offer knowing more about the sellers than I do after googling them.  This takes the cake though.  Amazing!

Liz
9:38pm • #13
JUL
23
2009
248,300 Points 2 Featured Posts

Kevin & Monica,

Congratulations on the closing and thank you for the tip!  I will make sure to take the time to do some additional research and to also alert my buyers and sellers so that they are more conscious of the info which is available out there to everyone (and that most is probably the result of their own online activities).

Gerry's AR signature
10:47am • #14
128,356 Points Hit Router Called Shot Master

Wow!  That is interesting and kind of a negative for the seller and a positive for your buyers.  Like all social networking out there, you have to be careful what you post, don't you think?  Thanks for the great post.
5:00pm • #15
Localism Sponsor

I honestly never thought of Googling prospects. I will now. Thanks of the tip!
10:54pm • #16
JUL
24
2009
687,452 Points 83 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I wonder if you would have read the seller's blog before making the offer if it would have created anything negative or positive  about dealing with them.  I wonder what the listing agent would have thought if they realized their client might be spilling too many beans?
12:53am • #17
AUG
05
2009
238,317 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

We americans google everything! The internet is here to stay. Thanks for this information. I am going to google my listings now.
6:05pm • #18

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