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Learning More About Real Estate

After finally saving up enough money to use as a down payment, I decided that it was time to hit the market. I met with a lender, got pre-approved for a loan, and then started visiting different properties. However, I quickly realized that I didn't know as much about real estate as I would have hoped. I wanted to find a great neighborhood and know what to ask the professionals, but I could tell that I needed a little help. To point me in the right direction, I started working with a great real estate agent who was familiar with the area. This blog is all about educating the general public on real estate matters.

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Learning More About Real Estate

The Do's And Don'ts Of Handling Intrusive Questions At An Open House

by Nathan Olson

When you are trying to sell a home, having an open house can be one of the best things that you can to attract buyers and inspire interest in your property. However, it is not without its challenges. One of the most frustrating aspects of having an open house are the inevitable uncomfortable questions from potential home buyers. You don't have to take that lying down, though. If home buyers ask you a question that is invasive, be prepared with the optimal response by considering these do's and don'ts of the situation.

Do Repeat the Question

Simply repeating the question is one of the best ways to recover from a shock of an intrusive question and give you a little extra time to formulate your answer. Also, when you repeat the question back to the potential home buyer, they may realize that the question was a bit out of line and take it back when they hear it from someone else. Just keep in mind that you don't want to repeat it in a way that could be perceived as condescending. Be polite but matter-of-fact in your delivery.

Don't Ignore What They Want to Know

A common mistake that home sellers make is simply ignoring an invasive question and changing the topic. However, that can frustrate the home buyer and make them feel like the seller has something to hide. Since the person who asked the question may not even realize that it was an inappropriate choice, ignoring their concerns can scare a potential buyer away from having any further interest in your home. When at a loss for how else to proceed, simply say, "Thank you for asking. Although there aren't easy answers to that question, would you like to hear some interesting things about the house?"

Do Elaborate on the Topic

Although you may not want to answer the exact question that is posed to you, you should still speak on the topic. For example, if the home seller asks why you put the home for sale at Christmastime, you don't have to reveal your actual reason for doing so. The home buyer may be asking that because they want to know if it is a special circumstance that can cause you to accept a low bid on the home. However, you shouldn't dismiss the entire topic. You can answer it in a way that doesn't reveal personal info. For example, you may choose to talk about the benefits of selling at a certain time of year or talk more generally about selling a house in the area.

Finally, keep in mind that many home buyers do not mean to frustrate a seller. They are simply trying to get the upper hand or find out a way to get the property for less. Try to let go of frustration when you are asked an intrusive question. Since you are armed with methods of handling these questions, you can soon move on to the next topic of conversation and focus on selling your home on your own terms. 

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