I'm Selling My Home - Why Can't I Talk to Buyers or Their Agents?

Agreed!  Even the most innocent of information can and will be used against you in negotiations.

I had one seller tell us they were getting a divorce and they would accept ANY offer that came their way. Wow ... really?

I've seen it before where an anxious seller will give away to much information.

Hi Laura

Great post so true. Most sellers do not have the training or experience not to hurt themselves during the home buying process.........Brad.

Absolutely true! Sellers don't realize how the most innocent comment can hurt their position. For that matter, there are far too many agents out there that don't know when to keep their mouths shut either. I can't tell you how many times I've heard an agent say something that compromised their client's position.

Laura, last night, I removed a post which raised the ethical concern of a buyer's agent initiating a conversation with a represented seller.   I've represented two clients who found themselves in a pickle over a very similar situation.  

I was getting emails for more information.  These inquiries should have been posted to your blog where you'd have been credited the points. I decided to delete my post to avoid being a distraction. (That explains the reason you're unable to find my remarks to Mr. Hammerstein's on dual agency)

To your credit, you and Lenn suggested reminding the seller of your representation of the buyer.  Even a verbal reminder works since no statutory obligation exists in that situation.  

The goal, of course, is to prevent the seller's agent from later making a fuss, something I've seen spiral out of control.   Most of the posts, today, are assuming a case of spontaneous diarrhea of the mouth which, naturally, poses no ethical concern.

Hello Laura, you just keep posting these great posts!  This one is excellent - true 100%!  Sellers just need to know they need to leave the building when their home is being shown!  Good reminder and excellent way for us to remind our sellers to leave and not be tempted to get into a discussion with the selling agent or buyer.

At one of my recent showings, the sellers did step outside of the home, most likely on their agents instructions. As we were leaving the home, they got into a chatter with my buyers on the driveway and kept them for about 15 (long minutes) as they "were selling" why this was the perfect home for my buyers. And through it, you could hear their anxiety and exasperation. My buyers had already dismissed the home based on features (& lack of) and layout.

Cheers.

Laura,

Not too different than asking parents to leave the room when the student competition is being judged and dissected - no one wants others watching them when they have to make critical decisions.

Sellers damage their own negotiation position when talking to Buyers more often than not.

Have a happy day,
Lynn

While Sellers can talk to anyone they choose to - a seemingly innocent remark could cost them dearly.

This is so important for our clients to understatnd on both sides of the transaction.

What a bang on point you made. Sellers need to be aware of how important it is to not discuss things with buyers and their agents. Too easy to tip the wrong card and possibly give out too much info. Well written.

It's amazing what info you can get out of a seller without them even having a clue. Great post.