When it comes to selling your home in San Jose, there are certain things you should keep to yourself. While it’s important to provide full disclosure about potential issues like asbestos or pest infestations, there are personal circumstances that you shouldn’t reveal to buyers. These details can compromise your negotiating power and potentially cost you the sale. In this article, we’ll discuss seven things you should never say to buyers when selling your San Jose home.
1. Length of Time on the Market
One of the first questions buyers may ask is how long your home has been on the market. While this information is often listed on the home’s information on the MLS, it’s best to avoid bringing up this topic to potential buyers. Discussing the length of time your home has been listed can send the wrong message. Buyers may assume that you’re desperate to sell, which could lead to lowball offers or complicated negotiations. Instead, focus on highlighting the unique features and benefits of your home to attract buyers.
2. Reasons for Selling
Buyers may also inquire about your reasons for selling your San Jose home. While it’s natural to have personal circumstances that prompt a move, it’s best to keep those reasons to yourself – and anyway, they are private, personal, and completely immaterial. Sharing details such as job loss, financial problems, or a divorce may evoke sympathy but can also make buyers think you’re desperate to sell. This perception could lead to lower offers or buyers trying to take advantage of your situation. Present yourself as confident and focused on getting the best deal for your home.
Everyone wants to know…
3. Neighborhood Preferences
Each buyer has their own preferences when it comes to neighborhoods. Avoid saying anything negative about the neighborhood where your San Jose home is located. Mentioning that you want to move to a peaceful neighborhood may imply that there’s something wrong with your current neighborhood or neighbors. Likewise, stating that the area is quiet may not be helpful if the buyer is looking for a vibrant nightlife. It’s best to avoid discussing the neighborhood altogether and let buyers form their own opinions based on their needs and preferences.
4. Future Home Plans
If you have already found your next ideal home or have purchased it, it’s best not to disclose this information to potential buyers. Sharing that you have already found your dream home and your sale is contingent on selling your current San Jose home may signal a sense of urgency to buyers. This could lead them to make lowball offers or negotiate less favorable terms. Instead, focus on your ongoing search for a new home and maintain a sense of flexibility during negotiations. It may be that the sale of your current home is contingent on the purchase of the replacement property (your next home), but you can keep that under your hat until after a buyer has made an initial offer.
5. Offers and Interest
During the selling process, buyers may ask if you have received any offers or if there has been significant interest in your San Jose home. It’s best to provide vague responses such as “We’ve had a lot of interest” and “we’re negotiating offers as we get them, so we could go under contract at any time” Avoid disclosing anything about offers you’ve received, or admitting that you haven’t entertained serious buyers since listing your home. These details should be kept between you and your listing agent to maintain a position of negotiation strength.
Change Happens
6. Home Improvement Plans
While you may have dreams of renovating or repairing certain aspects of your San Jose home, it’s best not to mention these plans to potential buyers. Expressing that you intended to address certain repairs or renovations may give the impression that there’s something wrong with your house. Additionally, if you mention specific areas like the bathroom or bedroom needing renovation, buyers may assume they need to factor in additional costs. Buyers may prefer the home as it is and disagree with your renovation ideas.
7. Inflexibility on Price
When selling your San Jose home, it’s essential to be realistic about price negotiations. Stating that you are not open to negotiating the home’s price can deter buyers from making offers or exploring acceptable terms. Buyers want to feel that there is room for negotiation, and inflexibility may lead them to avoid your home altogether. It’s important to signal that you are open to reasonable offers and work with potential buyers to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Bottom Line
When selling your San Jose home, it’s crucial to be mindful of what you say to buyers. Loose lips can sink the sale, and sharing certain information can jeopardize your negotiating power. Stick to providing essential details about the property and focus on its unique features and benefits. If buyers ask personal questions or inquire about sensitive topics, keep your responses vague, or redirect them to your listing agent. By maintaining a sense of confidence and professionalism, you can increase your chances of selling your San Jose home for the best possible price.
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