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Should You Break The Tie For Your Buyers?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Lake Oconee 152707

Should You Break The Tie For Your Buyers?

I have a couple that has recently restarted their search for their first home. They have narrowed it down to two foreclosures homes that are close to each other. One home is in a much better area with a cul de sac for the 2 kids to play, plus 5 acres. But, the house is very outdated and needing much more work to get it up to date - about $50,000. The other home is in much  better condition, with an awesome new kitchen, but smaller, and needing baths replaced. And, it backs up to a not-so-great area of homes.

After making offers on both homes, and anxiously awaiting the banks to make up their minds, they decided to look at them again last night. The wife really wants the home on 5 acres, since she always wanted to live there. The husband really wants the other home, since he will spend less time and money making renovations.

So, he looked to me to help him make the decision. I told them "I have to stay neutral on this issue, and it is up to you two to make the decision!" All I would do is give them some pluses and minuses of both homes and areas.

What would you do?

Comments (6)

Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Alan.....you gave the right answer.....this is a decision that can only be made by the buyers.....if you interject with an opinion, you'll be the bad guy to someone and they may not want to use you at all....it will be downhill from there.

May 16, 2010 01:54 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

I agree with Barbara.  If you interject and they both end up unhappy, it is easy to blame you at that point.  Tell them to really weigh it out and write down all the pros and cons.  If they can't make a decision, perhaps neither is the home for them.  It may be time to hit the streets looking again.  Lots of luck!

May 16, 2010 01:59 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Encourage them to make a list of important things in one column and then 2 more for how those 2 homes meet their requirements...black and white can help a bunch !

May 16, 2010 02:08 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Based on what they told you in the beginning what their top 7 items were --- and go from there.   If the smaller house is TOO small and they will grown out of it soon, then it is the other one!   

May 16, 2010 02:37 AM
Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

Good advice here...I always have them make a list as well...of the positives and the negatives...usually it will be come apparent which is best for them!

May 16, 2010 03:24 AM
Alan Kent
Keller Williams Realty Lake Oconee - Greensboro, GA
Lake Oconee Real Estate

I feel the same way. I told them to make a pros and cons list. Thanks for the posts!  

May 17, 2010 01:10 AM