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Don’t forget the seller still lives at the home your client is buying

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Pacheco Realty & Financial Services

 

The conduct of a buyer sometimes reflects on how much his Realtor® has counseled him. During the purchase process, when an offer has been accepted, it is natural for the buyer, especially a first time home buyer, to get excited about the property that will soon become the fulfillment of his American dream.

 

Man on phoneOne week into the contract, I got a call from the buyer's agent to see if his buyer can go to the property and check it out one more time. They are planning on installing new blinds and wall sconce in the family room, and they just want to visualize the best color and shape of the fixture to plan on. Sure, I said, no problem, and I informed my seller to expect the buyer that afternoon.




MoverI was surprised to get a call again the following week, this time, asking if it would be alright for his buyer to deliver the set of stools that he ordered for the kitchen and store it at the garage. Huh?




I said no.


There is too much liability in looking after furniture that belongs to someone else. Add this to a scenario of packing boxes everywhere, and you get the picture.

But more importantly, I feel my clients/sellers deserve some respect, privacy and all the space the need in their own home - and, don't forget, it is still their home! Moving is not an easy undertaking. They do deserve a graceful exit. Let's give it to them.

 

James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Some people once they sign the contract thinks it's already theirs before all the paperwork is final never had that happen to me YET!!  :-)

Sep 10, 2010 10:27 PM
Noah Levy
Coldwell Banker - Highland Park, IL
Coldwell Banker Highland Park IL

Jane

I agree - the buyer gets so excited after they have gone through the process of agreeing on contract terms and inspections that they forget that it is not their home until the money has arrived at the closing table!!!

Sep 11, 2010 12:05 AM
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Good post Jane.  I almost lost a deal early this year because a buyer wanted to store their motorcycle, refrigerator, and a bunch of boxes in my sellers garage.  The buyer was initially offended that my seller said no.  Luckily, they got over their initial "shock" and went through with the deal.

Sep 11, 2010 01:07 AM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA - Eureka, CA
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA

Good Morning Jane, good post, this is always a problem with buyers.

Sep 11, 2010 01:16 AM
Chris Dugger
Real Estate Marketplace - Louisville KY - Louisville, KY
Louisville REALTOR

Jane - It's hard to control what they'll do sometimes. In July, a buyer of one of my listings drove by several times a day every day and they didn't live that close by. Not first-time home buyers...more like 3rd or 4th. They'd walk around the back yard unannounced and everything. Kinda creepy!

Sep 11, 2010 02:27 PM
Jane Pacheco
Pacheco Realty & Financial Services - Fremont, CA

There is never a better time to remind our buyers to respect sellers' privacy than when they are in contract, just when they think the house is theirs.

 

Jane

Sep 18, 2010 04:49 PM