Here are some of the things sellers should never, ever talk about with a prospective buyer:
One of the biggest reasons people sell their homes is out of necessity. You may have lost your job or got an offer to another city; you’re getting a divorce, having financial problems, or had a death in the family. No matter your situation and reason for selling your beloved home, you may want to keep that to yourself. Because while all these situations could evoke sympathy to your potential buyers, it won’t stop them from thinking that you’re desperate to sell.
Remember that the buyer’s goal is to get the best deal possible, and when you hint that you’re going through some difficult times, some buyers may attempt to take advantage of the situation. The last thing you want to show them is desperation. You need to always appear confident so you can fetch top dollar out of your biggest investment.
“Loose lips sink ships.“ “Anything you say can and will be used against you.”
These are just some expressions that hold true when it comes to selling a home, and those things, when blurted out, could jeopardize the sale. When you find yourself interacting with a buyer and they ask you questions, just give them short, vague, or neutral responses. Better yet, let your listing agent do all the talking. Part of their job is to handle all communication and negotiations with prospective buyers. If you can’t get away without answering a question, simply tell them that they will have to ask your agent. No more, no less.
