What Not to Say When Buying a House

Introduction Homeownership has been a key part of the American Dream for decades and the housing market in the US is on a steady rise. In the year 2000, the average price of a home was $124,000, whereas in 2022, it reached $322,000 – an increase of over 200%. The housing market is one of the consistent markets and also one of the most profitable to invest in.  If you are planning to move and looking to buy a house, you should be aware that there are things you should never say. The impression you create in the minds of the seller and their agent determine whether your offer is accepted. So, here is what not to say when buying a house.  

1. “Yikes, that couch definitely belongs in the 80s.”

When you are looking at a potential house, it’s important to be supportive of the existing decor. Even if you’re not a fan of the style, it’s best to keep your opinion to yourself. It is actually not wise to criticize the house which you are planning to buy. The seller may be offended by your negative commentary and can even refuse to sell it. Sellers don’t like when potential buyers point out faults in their property. They might not want to sell the house if they feel that they will have a hard time finding someone who will want it .  

2. “This is the one honey, we’ve found it!”

If you find your dream home and already see yourself relocating to it, don’t make it evident! This will give the seller hope and make them think they still have a chance of getting more money out of you.  Do your research and find out what the house is worth and look for similar houses at a better deal before making an offer on it. You don’t want to overpay for the property and end up regretting your decision later.  

3. “We definitely need to knock down this wall.”

Before you buy a house, it is important to have a vision for what you want to change about the property, but the best way to do this is to discuss them privately with the owner or their agent. It is important to keep in mind that renovations are a long-term investment.  You should never mention what you plan to do with the house in front of the seller. This can be an awkward conversation and it’s best to do it privately.  

4. “‘Why are you selling?’”

  You might be very curious to know the reason why the homeowner decided to sell their house. Nevertheless, you should never ask this question to the seller. It could be inappropriate and create an uncomfortable situation since it can involve personal reasons such as a change in family status (for example a divorce), a job relocation, or they may just have outgrown their house. In all cases, you don’t need to know these personal details from the seller to make your decision.  

5. “This house is way too overpriced.”

One of the most common mistakes is to say that the asking price is too much. This is because when you say that, you are basically telling the seller that you are not willing to pay for it.  The best way to negotiate a better price is by saying that you want to buy the property but not at a higher price than what it’s worth. It’s best to negotiate by being polite and friendly. Comments about pricing can cause the seller to become defensive and believe that you are not serious about buying their house.      

Conclusion 

When buying a house or a condo, it is essential to remember that you should never say anything that can be taken as an insult and that your words can be used against you. You should also keep in mind that your agent has your best interest in mind and will not steer you wrong. Once you do find a suitable house to buy, then moving is the next step and constitutes a stressful process. It can be made even more difficult if you don’t have the right help. To make your move easier, ensure you enlist the right assistance when loading, packing and unpacking, finding a new internet plan and changing your address, just to name a few.