This is great advice for home buyers. In Central Ohio you are usually not exposed to the listing agents at showings, unless you go through an open house. Thanks to Judy for allowing it to be Re-Blogged.
Via
Judy Jennings - Realtor® Serving Plymouth & Barnstable Counties (Cedrone and MacDonald Real Estate):
When I am working with Buyer's, I explain all of the benefits of working with a Buyer's Agent. I also warn them that they should NOT disclose any personal information or express too much interest or enthusiasm when touring a property, especially when the Listing Agent is present.
I tell them to put on their "poker face" and to be the one asking the questions, not answering them.
Afterall, you chose to tour the house and would like to learn more about the property and area. There is no need to talk about why or when you are moving, or where you are moving from. You are not there to be interviewed or to bond with the Listing Agent, right? Please do not forget your manners, there is no need to be rude or afraid to speak with the Listing Agent. Just try not to reveal anything that could impact your future negotiating power.
If you do not understand what I mean, then we will go over it again. After all, I will be representing you as a Buyer's Agent. I am working on YOUR behalf, not for the Listing Agent or Seller. Keep in mind, that a good Listing Agent is watching your every move, asking questions when they can, listening to what you say, and searching for clues to your interest in the property.
A good initial approach is to be inquisitive, polite and respectful, but most importantly be careful with what you say and how you act in front of the Listing Agent. Try not to be too enthusiastic or critical, especially if you are interested in the property. If you are overly enthusiastic in front of the Listing Agent, you MAY have revealed too much, and they will be prepared to call your bluff on your offer. They will know that your actions or conversation indicated that "this is the one!"
Hold your cards emotions close to your vest, find out what similar properties are selling for (Buyer's 
Agent will help here) and play it through.
In the fine art of negotiating, you need to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to run. Put on your poker face! The end result should be, you bought the house you wanted at a fair (or better) price.
You win!
Call on Judy Jennings for all your real estate needs. I proudly serve Plymouth county, Barnstable county and part of Bristol county in Massachusetts.
Call me: 508-947-2295, ext. 210
Email: Judy Jennings
Visit my website: FocusedonRealEstate.com
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Funny, when I first started blogging and was oh-so-afraid to write about anything I wrote about the poker face. It's definitely good to keep as much to yourself as possible. When the other side is looking for any bit of info that gives away your motivation and perhaps some negotiating power, it's good to keep things to yourself.