Curious Newb

I didn't say you had to agree with me. Now you're just putting words in my mouth. You're showing alot of contempt for everything I'm stating. Whether or not you agree, this IS an opinion thread (seemingly geared to the general public) and as previously stated, I expressed my opinion thusly. I respect your thoughts, you should give me the courtesy of doing the same whether or not those thoughts or opinions differ from your own.

The others expressed their differing opions in a calm respectful manner however, I can't help but feel as if I'm being attacked by you for an opinion of all things!

I'm done. This has just gone too far. I will not be returning to this thread. - Wed Aug 12 2009, 11:16

Again, I'm not trying to argue here but your last statement enters an entirely different area altogether. I assume for those (multi)million dollar homes you'd also be checking ID at the front gate before allowing anyone to enter the perimeter of the home. In this case its completely understandable and even expected. My earlier comments were geared more so towards the modestly priced homes. There's no reason to treat a 200k home like fort knox.

This was an opinion thread and I expressed my opinion accordingly, thats all. There's really no reason to continue to bicker. - Wed Aug 5 2009, 10:18

Regardless that doesn't mean that the prospective buyer will be truthful on your forms. I have yet to put my correct phone number in the requested information section for the simple fact that I don't want to be pestered with spam (which ALWAYS seems to occur whether or not the agent tells you otherwise). I in no way am attempting to be abbrasive but in fact offer an honest opinion and possible suggestions from another point of view. There's a give and take that has to occur. In my opinion, some precautionary measures seem to be going a bit far. Although I wouldn't mind providing my ID, what if they don't have ID on them, does that mean they wouldn't be permitted to tour the home? Will you be installing metal detectors at the entrances and searching bags upon departure as well? I know I'm being a little extreme but really how far is too far? we can go on all day with this. I've toured homes that had rooms locked because the Seller did not want their privacy invaded. This defeated the purpose of our being there as we were not permitted to tour the home in its entirety. I understand where you are coming from but in the same regard you have to understand what its like in a Buyer's shoes. Just a suggestion but you may want to try touring a few out of the area open houses yourself. Dress casually, don't introduce yourself as an agent/broker but as a prospective buyer to analyze other agent mannerisms and tactics. When you come to see a home the last thing you want is someone attacking you with questions, no matter how seemingly innocent in nature or spouting off facts at every turn i.e. "those are oak cabinets" "Thats a new roof the seller had installed 2 years ago" "This bathroom was just remodeled"... all of that info can be presented in writing on a take home flyer. Again, just a suggestion. Take it with a grain of salt, I by no means am a professional in the field. - Mon Aug 3 2009, 11:19

Uh thanks Jed, I think?

I'm not a real estate pro just a paralegal who happens to be a first time home buyer. My husband and I have been looking since March and have seen homes ranging in size, style, price and asthetic ambiance. what I listed was what I found based on personal experiences.

As for the role of the agent. Again, I think the listing agent should be available to answer questions but not necessarily at tour guide level either. I want to be able to picture myself living in a space without someone interrupting that train of thought. My best suggestion is to make yourself blend. After the initial introduction, just stay out of the way. Keeping to the central living space might be best. If its reporting back to the Seller that you're concerned about, again the questionnaire may be suffice and it'll offer the opportunity to have feedback in writing to refer back to at a later date.

I understand that you naturally want to connect but as your making "connections", you're also disconnecting the prospective buyer from the reason for their visit, the home. Their concentration is now centralized on you and your discussions.

As for your concerns Joan, how about working in teams for the larger or multi-level homes? I know its an unconventional take on a problem but having an agent localized to a section or level may also help. Also, the Seller should be taking some precaution in removing visible jewelery, money or other valuables. Whether or not your present, the seller is taking a risk. What if you have multiple individuals touring the home at once, you can't be expected to follow them all. - Sun Aug 2 2009, 11:23

I forgot a couple.

Curb appeal is a biggie. Mention to the Seller that all weeds should be pulled, lawn mowed, hedges trimmed, driveway & sidewalks swept, raked or plowed or else you may inadvertantly be turning away prospective clients before they even see the interior.

Remove any wild, loud or out of the ordinary items, they may become a big distraction taking away from the home itself. - Sat Aug 1 2009, 20:58

I don't mind signing in as long as I'm not badgered for personal information other than name.

I don't like being followed around and pestered with facts, questions or even small talk, introducing yourself making yourself available to any questions as well as an easily accessable sheet of additional key facts would be suffice. Perhaps a print out list on the back of the MLS info flyer listing specific details of the home? I feel much more comfortable when left to wander on my own.

Snacks and bottled beverages such as water are a major plus. Going home to home especially around 1:00 (lunch time for many) on a Sunday afternoon I know I'm cranky, thirsty and quite possibly distracted by hunger.

Please NO HOMEOWNERS! I have literally refused to see a home because the homeowner was present. Its a major distraction and you can't help but feel your invading their space.

Cage and/or remove all pets. Several individuals have allergies or phobias and this can cause a major problem.

I do not like being verbally asked for feedback, I feel like I'm being put on the spot/attacked and will more than likely lie. Perhaps a short questionnaire with a cup of pencils at the entry (or on the snack table) would help? 5-10 questions but no more may do the trick? several people have short attention spans and are quick to move on. General questions regarding their family size, home desires and positives and negatives of the home will help you slim down your target consumers.

Declutter all spaces including the closests. As you know, clutter makes a space feel smaller than it actually may be and as a buyer I won't even bother entering a room if there isn't a clear path for me to do so. Climbing over furniture and/or personal items is out of the question.

Make sure all areas are well lit and doors unlocked.

Music is actually quite soothing if kept neutral, melow on a low volume in the central part of the home. Not so much classical but perhaps something like Norah Jones?? I hate entering a silent home, I feel awkward if and when I step on a squeaky board, shut a door or bump into a closet and I feel like someone may be eaves dropping on any discussions my husband and I may be having regarding the home.

I hope this helps. - Sat Aug 1 2009, 20:46

I agree that it depends on location, how long its been on the market, local market trends, size and above all, the motivation of the Seller.

Just to toss in my two cents, we just went under contract at $183k for a home that was originally listed at $263k. The difference is the local market has declined, stubborn seller who's been in no hurry to sell and its been on the market for two years! Since 2007 the seller has slowly and reluctantly come down in price and just recently came down to $199k in June.

Our original realtor refused to show us the property citing that our ceiling was 180K and it'd be a waste of his time as it'd be impossible to get the property for the price we wanted to pay. Well. we fired him and went through another brokerage. We came in with an offer of $160k with $7,500 towards closing, spent a few days negotiating back and forth and settled on 183K with a 7k seller's concession towards closing & prepaids. My point is it IS possible to talk the Seller down a significat amount but again, it depends on the above variables. Additionally as stated by others, you're taking a greater risk if there are other interested parties involved. In the end you've really just got to ask yourself what that house is worth to you and would you be willing to lose the home if in fact the Seller declines your offer or a bidding war ensues. - Mon Jul 27 2009, 07:35

I never understood this. May I ask why? As a Buyer I find it a waste of everyone's time to track down an address that could have been supplied from the get go.

Before even considering to actually walk through a property I always do a driveby to survey the neighborhood. Without the address this can't be accomplished without first contacting an agent to obtain the info which often leaves the agent with a false sense of interest on your part. I've been pestered by agents for weeks following up on address inquiries that I ultimately had no interest in once I found out the location. Honestly, unless I absolutely HAVE to see the property for some reason or another, I skip over those properties without addresses all together.

P.S.
Before anyone gets in a tizzy, I AM working with an agent who has since proven himself to be useless. Rather than sifting through the equally useless agents out there until I find one who could actually assit us I've chosen to just handle our search myself. - Wed Jul 15 2009, 07:12