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"Which House Should I Buy?" Ummmm - I Can't Tell You

By
Industry Observer

Sometimes buyers really want their real estate agent to help them make a decision about what house to buy.  Yes, I know it can feel like such a huge overwhelming decision - and  sometimes buyers think it would be easier if somebody just made that decision for them.  But....

I can tell you if I think the house is priced appropriately compared to similar ones (and you've already seen how it stacks up with the competing available homes).

I can tell you if there is anything about it that might make it really, really hard to resell (and we can look at days on the market to see if the current owner is having that trouble).

I can tell you if I know of any changes coming in the vicinity that might impact your decision (new factory planned for right across the street).

I can tell you if this house only matches 2 of the 10 things you told me were absolutely MUST have items in a home you would buy (but buyer lists and priorities can shift without notice).

But....when push comes to shove, I can't tell you which house to buy - it's your money paying for it, and you who will be living in it.  And it's you who must decide if this is THE one - the right one for you, not me.

(And if you really can't decide - let's keep looking.)

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For Info on the Communities of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater  WA and the real estate to be found here, just call me, text me, email me!  And I'd love for you to subscribe to my blog.

Nancy Conner, City Realty Inc,    360-701-1086     nancy@cityrealtyinc.net      

Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Nancy, I agree if they don't know then it's probably not the right house.

Mar 26, 2011 03:32 PM
Gwynn Carpenter
Gwynn Teal Carpenter-Broker: Home and Hearth Realty (Austin) - Austin, TX
: Broker, Home & Hearth Realty (512)467-6191

Nancy- you are so right....it's never the decision of the agent but buyers always think you should be part of that final decision.  I always tell clients, I'm not gonna pay your mortgage and mine too!!!  It makes them laugh and relieves some pressure....you give them the tools, they have to make the decision.  Good post so suggested it.

Mar 26, 2011 03:34 PM
Nancy Conner
Olympia, WA
Olympia/Thurston County WA

Hi Tammie - I think especially first time buyers often know it's the right one, but need someone else to validate their decision.  But if they truly can't decide - yep - time to look at some more houses!

Thanks Gwynn!  I love your line about paying their mortgage as well as your own.  That is a great way to make the point that is their decision in a way that does take some pressure off.   

Mar 26, 2011 03:51 PM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Neither. If it doesn't hit you right in the gut, then it will probably never get to closing anyway.

Mar 26, 2011 05:18 PM
Rose King
David Tracy Real Estate - Friendswood, TX
Friendswood / Pearland / Houston Bay Area

Nancy, it's always tempting to tell them which house I think they should go with, but I hold my opinions to myself. Everybody's tastes are different, and the house I think is kind of tacky might be the house they secretly love! Best to sit back and let them decide!

Mar 26, 2011 05:34 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Wise stand to take, Nancy!  You certainly don't want to be the one that they blame for talking them into a house they now regret buying!  When I can't decide on a major purchase, I ask myself how I would feel tomorrow if I found it that it was no longer available.  My reaction to that tells me if I really want it.

Mar 27, 2011 05:14 AM
Nancy Conner
Olympia, WA
Olympia/Thurston County WA

I think you're right Glenn - if there isn't a real commitment - then let's just move on...While holding out for a perfect house may be unrealistic, it should at least generate some excitement!

Rose - you are so right!  I learned early on that commenting on something I personally think is ugly or less than ideal almost guarantees the buyers look at me with a wounded expression 'cause it's something they DO like.

I use that same test Sharon - & tell buyers too that it can be a good way to gauge whether this house is THE one.  It can be interesting to see them realize they would really be disappointed to lose it!

Mar 27, 2011 07:23 AM