I had a very interesting experience some time ago when accompanying my Buyers on their Home Inspection. In fact, this particular deal (for reasons I won't go into) had caused my Buyers to wait longer than usual for their Home Inspection and now soon to be closing. They were very, very excited about what appeared would be, their NEW Home - better yet, their first home.
Perhaps I should preface what I am going to say by letting you, the reader know that the Sellers were home when my Buyers initially previewed and toured this house. At that time, I cautioned my Purchasers that Sellers generally overstate and overpromise when talking about their house. Nonetheless, my purchasers made an offer and the sellers said, "Yes" to their offering price.
Now it's time for the Home Inspection. I have always been a big proponent of Sellers being absent when the house is previewed, inspected or even on the final walk thru. Unfortunately, the sellers were home for this inspection. In fact, Mr. Seller was like a leech when the Home Inspector was going thru the house. At times, even through gestures, he was indicating that the Home Inspector didn't know what he was talking about. One of my Buyers pulled me aside and was quite suspicious asking, "Do you get the feeling Mr. Seller is nervous about this house and that perhaps he is trying to cover up something?" My response was to wait and see what the Inspector would uncover during his inspection.
In the final analysis, there were issues that surfaced, but none of them had to be a deal breaker. In fact, my clients asked me to negotiate with the Sellers agent to see what we could come up with in the negotiating process. Mr. Seller overheard, threw a hissy fit of how he wouldn't do one thing to his house. My purchasers responded with, "We want to withdraw our offer and void this contract?" My clients did withdraw and in a few days had a contract on another house, a house they have now closed on and moved in to.
Here is what I know and firmly believe: It didn't have to end this way, but the fact is - it did!
The question is: When will we agents finally realize that Sellers can do more harm than good when they are home either during the initial tour, inspection or even the final tour of the property? They may want to help but most often get in the way and like in the above story, have the potential of shattering the deal. Even my clients Home Inspector realized the Seller had blown the deal with his temper. How sad that this happened when in all reality, it didn't have to!
Listing Agents need to develop a list of substantial reasons to share with their clients, the Sellers, as to why it is highly recommended they not be present when their home is being toured or inspected. Maybe they should go and have a cup of coffee! Perhaps the greatest lesson learned is Sellers should leave the work of selling their house to their agent, the one they have employed for this task, who in all probability has the wherewithal to make the sale happen.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web Site: Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Buying a house involves commitment to the task before you. My definition of commitment is translated inconvenience. Expect the unexpected after you have a contract. Something always develops that you didn't expect to happen. When it does, remain calm and absolutely resolved to see everything through to the end. By the way, this is when you lean on your Realtor.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin? I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: Get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
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