When buying Orlando real estate, you must focus on a few things to ensure a smooth sale. These include negotiating with the seller, securing financing, and doing a final walk-through. Whether you will be a homeowner depends on how you communicate with the seller.
For most people, this isn’t something they need to pay attention to, but if the current homeowner does not like you, you can kiss a good deal goodbye. Following are some dos and don’ts that will help you understand the importance of building a relationship with the seller:
Dos
Be Courteous
Let’s say you are visiting an open house. You fall in love with the hardwood floors, spacious bathrooms, and the master bedroom. However, a few things don’t catch your fancy, such as the backsplash in the kitchen, the moldy smell in the basement, and the layout of the guestroom. You still think the house is a catch and want to buy it.
However, when you talked negatively about the house, the seller listened, and you hurt their feelings.
Be Prepared to Adjust
A seller will haggle as a vendor does in the farmer’s market. They will try to talk their way out of repairs, but you must stand firm. However, consider the bigger picture. If a few kitchen appliances are not working properly and there’s mold on the ceiling, ask to get the latter repaired. If you have played your cards right, the seller will agree.
Ask About Problematic Neighbors
This might seem like such a slight nuisance, but things can turn ugly when you have a nosy neighbor who is forever getting into your business. While it’s best to talk to the neighbors yourself, asking the seller will get you the dirty details. Consider this a deal breaker because you don’t want to live next to someone who blasts music late into the night.
Don’t
Talk to the Seller Alone
One of the biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make is negotiating with the seller alone, feeling confident they will kill two birds with one stone: Make a deal based on their terms and not pay the Orlando realtor’s commission.
Since you are not represented by a professional, the seller assumes you are a novice, and they can manipulate you. No matter how much research you have done, you don’t know the current market condition, which will work against you.
Say No to Home Inspection
A common tactic sellers adopt to negotiate the sale price, making you think they favor your quote, is asking you to forego a home inspection. However, we suggest you don’t forego the inspection. The house might look amazing on the surface, but you don’t know what’s happening behind the walls and underneath the foundation. A home inspection usually costs $300, saving you thousands on repairs after the sale.
Forget to Ask About Past Problems
If the seller has gotten done some major repairs, such as renovation after a storm destroyed the house, get full details about it. This will allow the home inspector to determine if quality work was done and assist you in buying home insurance.
In conclusion, communicating with the seller is a game of chess. You need to be strategic with your questions to get the truth. So, better let a real estate agent do the talking. If you are looking for a qualified Winter Garden realtor, visit Megan Dowdy Realty‘s website. For more information, call 407-509-9279.
