Keep Quiet: Things You Shouldn't Mention During an Open House

By
Real Estate Agent with PureWest Real Estate RRE-RBS-LIC-79897

 

 

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An open house is an opportunity for sellers to showcase their property to a potentially large number of interested buyers, and a great way to generate buzz. While you want to be as open and honest about the property as possible, you also want to make a good impression – and that means there are some things that you don’t want to say during an open house. Here are five things that you should definitely keep to yourself during your next open house.

This Is Where The Dog Did His Business

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There is a good chance that the new owner of a home is going to do something about stained carpet or hardwood. At best, the honesty is providing too much information to the buyer. At worst, the honesty could turn a potential buyer off. If it’s an issue a flooring credit at closing is always a good way to solve that issue.

The Candle Is Covering Up For Last Night’s Fish Dinner

 

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A buyer wants to get a true feel for how he or she would enjoy living in the house. If a candle is covering up an unsavory scent, it could cause the buyer to ask what else a seller may be hiding. Too many aire fresheners, and burning candles is always a turn off.

The Neighbors Tend To Be Noisy

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What one person may consider excessive noise may not bother another person. The last thing that a seller wants to do is create the impression that a home is not a peaceful place for the buyer to spend their evenings and weekends in. Let buyers judge for themselves how noisy your neighbors are.

The Schools Around Here Aren’t Very Good

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Having good schools in the area is a feature that boosts property values for everyone in the neighborhood, and mentioning that the schools are poor or anything less than the best could turn buyers off. If the schools aren’t great or aren’t up to the seller’s standards, it is best to not mention them at all. Again, let your buyers decide whether or not they like the schools.

There Isn’t Much To Do Around Here

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Although most buyers know what kinds of attractions are nearby, there is no reason to be negative about a house located in a more rural area. The concept of “boring” is subjective. If buyers are looking at your property, they have likely already researched the community – and they like it enough to come have a look at your house.
An open house is your opportunity to create a great impression. Don’t waste it by pointing out all of your home’s flaws. Beter yet, leave it to your Realtor and leave them to do what they do best! For more advice on how to sell your home, contact me at Jeff@arizonasrealty.com or call me at 602-531-0435.

www.arizonasrealty.com

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Jeff@arizonasrealty.com

Comments (3)

Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

I thing it is common sense.  However, some just say some things that really do defy logic.

Nov 08, 2014 06:21 AM
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Sunset Properties, Powered by Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

Candles are a huge red flag for a big cover up.  Even if the candles are there just to make the place smell pretty, buyers and agents often suspect it's to cover a bad odor.  For those of us who are allergic to scented candles, it's a sure way to make it a short showing.

Nov 08, 2014 07:47 AM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi Jeff,  That is why we don't want Sellers present during an open house, but it is a great idea to prep them before hand if they must be present.

Nov 15, 2014 01:46 PM

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