Ok,
this is not the used car business and
your home should not be treated as such.
Houses sell houses. I hate it when I'm
viewing a home and some real estate agent
is following me around pointing out every
obvious detail hoping to close the deal.
Don't!
Just show buyers around and answer any of
their questions. Be informed and ready to
answer anything. I always found the best
real estate agents were the ones that
stayed a few steps behind and let you
discover the home on your own. But,
were informed enough to answer your
questions on the spot.
One
of the biggest misconceptions to selling
your own home is that just because
someone calls you on your advertisement you
need to invite them over for a showing.
Don't
become like the "needy
person" without a date
on Saturday night!
You
must ask prospective purchasers some
qualifying questions. Do they need to
sell their home before they can purchase?
Are they renting or buying right now?
What kind of work do they do? Have you
looked at many other homes? You must ask
these questions and prioritize them. Do
not be afraid, it's your house, you pay
the mortgage! If they don't want to
answer your questions, then bye-bye, they
were just going to waste your time
anyway. You can tactfully ask these types
of questions without getting one's shirt
in a knot, I obviously lack that quality.
You have seen the hidden camera shows
where a homeowner is trying to sell their
own home and what the people say when
nobody is watching, talk about
the real truth. It's a shame
folks don't really say what's on their
mind. If you are selling privately, you
may feel very confident when people are oohing
& aahing and happy that you had
25 people through your open house. You
might think you have it wrapped up right?
In most cases you will never see them
again, so don't get too encouraged by the
fake smiles. The name of the game
is quality over quantity. Lots
of people make a hobby out of going to
open houses for decorating ideas, nosy
neighbors or have such a sad life they
have nothing better to do. Stay the
course, make sure your price is realistic
and you'll be fine.
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