OK, people.
On the real.
Is it a buyers market? Yes. HOWEVER - this is just beginning to change. Buyers are now starting to get the sense that we have hit bottom or at minimum close to it, so the tide may be turning just a hair.
When viewing a home where the seller or listing agent is present, do yourself and everyone else a favor by following these simple guidelines:
1. HAVE RESPECT FOR THE HOME
Especially if it is still owner occupied. Don't come trampling in the door as if it's a motel. Realize that someone still lives there and even though they've put the property on the market, it doesn't mean that it's a free sample at the fragrance counter. Ask if you should remove your shoes or not. Ask if it's OK to view the rest of the home. SHOW SOME COURTESY.
2. DO NOT BLURT OUT ANY NEGATIVE COMMENTS
It suprises me how many buyers and/or God forbid their agents will walk around and make negative comments. Just where do you think that will get you? You don't need to impress anyone by attempting to show how much knowledge you have. KEEP THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO YOURSELF UNTIL AFTER YOU LEAVE THE HOME. This should really be a no-brainer. All that will become of this activity is you will be remembered as the people who made a comment about the green carpeting. You never know, maybe the green carpeting was selected by their deceased grandmother because green was her favorite color. DON'T BE AN IDIOT!! Save your negativity until you leave the home and get into your car.
3. ALWAYS BE FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS TO THE LISTING AGENT
It amazed me how many times I get smart-ass remarks from buyers agents when I have a listing. Just because it's slightly more of a buyer's markeet right now (and as I stated, that is starting to change), doens't by any means give you carte blance to act like a self-centered fool. Where do you think that's going to get you when that listing agent has another listing that some other buyers of yours are madly in love with? THE WORLD DOESN'T REVOLVE AROUND YOU AND YOUR BUYERS.
Hi Ralph - I saw your featured post & came here to check out some of your other blogs. I agree with treating others' homes with respect. I certainly am sick of bad buyer behavior in this market.
As a listing agent, I actually like the buyers and buyers' agents to make comments, even negative ones. It's free information and it helps me tell the Sellers what others think. If it is way off base, I will ignore it. But if I hear the comment twice, I give it a lot of weight. We can't help rude buyers but no excuse for an agent to be rude.
Congrats on your feature.