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Two Words That Grate My Nerves: I Can't

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

Two Words That Grate My Nerves:  I Can't

There are some things in life that are physically impossible.  When it comes to any suggestion I make to a client, I know better than to suggest the impossible.  I'm not going to suggest you buy more than you can afford.  In fact, I'm not going to suggest that you do ANYTHING you can't afford.   However, from time to time, you may hear an uncomfortable suggestion come from my lips.

 

ME:  Mr. Seller, the Buyer wouldn't have you by the shorts right now if you didn't need a post settlement occupancy agreement.  Have you thought about packing up your stuff in three days and moving into an extended stay?  I know it's a pain to move in a hurry and live in temporary housing...

CLIENT:  I CAN'T.

 

ME:  Mrs. Seller, the home would show a lot better and go under contract faster if you could put some of this stuff in storage.  How about calling 1-800-PACK-RAT for a mobile storage....

CLIENT:  I CAN'T.

 

Having a knee jerk reaction and blurting out those two words without actually considering something that may be short term pain for long term gain is simply shooting yourself in the foot.  If you don't want a buyer to be able to push you around, don't put them in a position to.  If you want your home to go under contract quickly and for top dollar, get rid of the junk.  The solutions may be headache inducing, but who ever said life was going to easy...especially when you are trying to sell your home.

 

 

 

 

Comments (7)

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

Hi Chris Ann.... I Can't means I don't want to ..... it's an inconvenience..... it's too much effort..... hmmmmm

Jul 27, 2012 10:03 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Barbara:  Yep.  And it's a shame because the suggestion that is being shot down usually equates to saving money in the long run.  

Jul 27, 2012 10:19 AM
Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate
Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR
Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

I agree... I can't means I don't want to. My kids tease me that I say "I'll see" too much, but at least it means I'm not saying no right off the bat.

Gretchen

Jul 27, 2012 10:43 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Gretchen:  Sub in, "I'll think about it," to give them something different.

Jul 27, 2012 10:58 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Chris Ann --- yet one more of my pet peeves --- it really is all about motivation or more like the lack thereof.   Sometimes I want to say --  Do you want a for sale sign in front of your house indefintely??  You know it's suppose to be temporary -- we didn't actually plant it there.

Jul 27, 2012 02:40 PM
Kathryn Maguire
GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA
Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

"I can't" is usually just their way of saying "I don't want to."

Jul 27, 2012 10:21 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Michael:  You made me chuckle with the sign comment.  Yeah.  It's frustrating when you know that your client is shooting themselve in the foot with those words.

Kathryn:  Maybe we need to rephrase the situations or questions.  For instance, "So you are telling me you don't mind being pushed around due to the need for a Post Settlement Occupancy Agreement?"

Jul 27, 2012 11:56 PM