5 Things Home Sellers Should Never Say

As we mentioned previously, buying or selling a home is much like your Miranda Rights: anything you say can – and will – be used against you.

And while there are some things you legally have to disclose to buyers – such as paranormal activity (yes, seriously) or emotional defects – there’s plenty more you may be inclined to volunteer but shouldn’t.

Taking a less-is-more approach to selling your home, here are few things many sellers are tempted to say – but should probably keep to themselves.

‘Our house is in mint condition.’

Sure. To you, someone with an emotional investment, your house may seem absolutely perfect. But nothing ever really is actually perfect, right? Because whether the home is brand new or a resale, every house has something that could use repair, replacement or improvement. And since selling your home is a legally binding transaction – and since a home inspection will reveal everything – it’s best to keep emotional hyperbole to yourself.

‘We’ve had it on the market for X … ‘

While you may just be making small talk, that kind of information is available on any house for sale – and needn’t be volunteered. If the prospective buyers wanted to know, they could look it up. And if they haven’t yet – and your home has been sitting on the market for a suspiciously long time – it’s probably best to not voluntarily draw attention to that fact. No one wants a home that has been rejected for weeks or even months and if they do, they’ll be expecting to get it for a steal.

‘We’ve never had issues with … ‘

Every homeowner since the dawn of time has had an issue or two (or ten) with their home. That’s the beauty of homeownership, isn’t it? So while you may be tempted to finesse the truth about any issues you’ve had, from leaks to pests, again, anything you say can and will be used against you – and may open you up to liability down the road if your ‘sugar coating’ is discovered. Do yourself – and your agent – a favor and keep it one-hundred or, better yet, keep it to yourself.

‘We had thought about *insert renovating / fixing / updating X … *’

You may think you’re giving inspiration to potential buyers by telling them all of your big dreams and plans for your home – knocking down a wall, renovating the kitchen, refinishing hardwood floors – but instead, you’re pointing out potential flaws, issues or imperfections they may not have noticed otherwise. Your good intentions sound like an old cash register dinging every time you point out something that you think needs attention – and that’s not a good look to a buyer prepared to make a huge financial investment.

‘We won’t accept less than X.’

Just because you spent a lot of money on that gorgeous Viking range or heated bathroom floors doesn’t mean prospective buyers will – or agree that’s it worth what you think it’s worth. Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it so all your fawning over certain investments or features may come off as desperation to justify your asking price. And announcing your reluctance to negotiate or consider reasonable offers is never a good look.

Selling your home is an exciting – albeit emotional and overwhelming – experience. But at DeLeon Sheffield, we’re here to help you, every step of the way, until the ink has dried – and beyond. So let our experienced professionals help you navigate the waters of selling your home so you can look forward to the next chapter ahead.

Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’