Home sellers should avoid talking to Buyer’s agents. It’s never a good idea and can only lead to no good, in my opinion.
I practiced real estate in Florida for fourteen years before moving to Texas in 2014. The way showings were set up in Florida were a lot different than the way they are set up here in Austin. It’s not uncommon here for Buyer’s Agents to set up showings directly with the seller. This sometimes leads into a conversation.
Buyer’s Agents work for the buyer
Unknowingly, Seller’s sometimes engage in conversation with Buyer’s Agents and that ends up working against them. I always warn my Seller not to engage in conversation with the other agent because they work for the buyer!
Anything a Buyer’s Agent can find out about the Seller’s motivation will be used against them when it comes to negotiating an offer. Buyer’s Agents are trained to find out all they can about the property and the Seller’s motivation. Their duty is to their client and they will use whatever information to get their client the best deal.
Don’t talk to the buyer
I also encourage my clients to avoid talking to prospective buyers as well. What may seem like an innocent question could easily work against a seller. For example, here’s some questions that often come up.
- Why are you selling? This question goes directly to the motivation of the seller. If the buyer finds out that you’ve accepted a job in another city it’s likely that the offer will be lower. They know that you must move and soon.
- How soon do you need to move? Again, if the buyer thinks you’re getting desperate, it will be used against you.
- How old is the roof (the A/C, the deck, etc.)? What seems like an innocent question can lead into a whole discussion about the condition of the property. The buyer may be trying to find issues to use against the seller during negotiations. The written Seller’s Disclosure answers those questions. No discussion is needed.
Let your listing agent work for you. Your listing agent is trained to have the right kind of conversations with the Buyer’s agent. You’ll be protected and well represented.
