This Time, I’m The Buyer (Perspectives on Real Estate and More From a Home Staging Pro)
My Yetti and I have been interested in buying property in the country for the last couple of years. Prices on country property did not drop with the rest of the real estate market but recently they started to come down to a place Yetti and I can afford, and we finally found the property we wanted. Rolling hills, beautiful oak and cedar trees, a seasonal creek; the property spoke to us. We responded with a rousing, “Yes! We want you”, and we prepared to make an offer.
The property has been on the market for over a year, but I’m guessing we must be the first seriously interested party. Before submitting our offer we asked a series of questions.
Us: “Does the property qualify for an agricultural exemption?”
Agent: “Let me check on that.”
Us: “What were the taxes last year?”
Agent: “Let me check on that.”
Us: “Any material deficiencies we should know about?”
Agent: “Let me check on that.”
Us: “Is there a survey we can look at.”
Agent: “Let me check on that.”
After the third request, we finally did receive the 2010 survey. At that time the agent called and said, “The seller wanted to make sure you know that over 2.5 acres of the property are outside of the fence.” Um, that’s the road, the public road. Maybe I’m naïve, but that is probably information that should have been shared from the very beginning. We also learned of two more restrictions that were never brought up before even though we had discussed restrictions. My head hurts.
When we pointed out that part of the property (public road) that was being sold was in front of property that the Seller was retaining title to, the agent said, “Oh, you caught us on that one.” We walked away…
As we continue our search for our retirement heaven, I wanted to share what I’ve learned and would like to share with Seller’s Agents.
1) Be prepared. A good seller’s agent anticipates what questions the buyer will have and is ready with information.
2) You can never offer too much information about the property. Buyers love information and the more we have on the property you are selling the more our comfort level will increase.
3) Avoid surprises. No property is perfect, but if you have information that may be perceived as a negative, share it early in the process. If you don’t, the buyer is likely to feel deceived and it could kill the deal.
Wishing you a quick sale! 
Kathy Strader, ASP
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