Working with a real estate agent is one of the best ways to find a home that fits your needs. They are there to guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and help you get the best deal.
But to get the most out of this relationship, there are a few things you should avoid saying. Some information can accidentally harm your negotiation power or give the wrong impression, even when you mean well.
Here are three things to avoid saying to your real estate agent when buying a home.
1. "Here's How Much I Make"
It's natural to want to be open with someone helping you, but discussing your income with your agent can create challenges. Agents don't need to know how much you make to help you find the right home-they just need to know your budget range.
Revealing your income can affect the negotiation process, making it harder to stay within your desired budget. Sometimes, a seller's agent could use this information to ask for more, assuming you have more flexibility than you'd prefer.
Instead, focus on being clear about your budget limits. Talk with a lender beforehand to get a pre-approved mortgage approval, then share the target price range with your agent. This keeps everyone on the same page without sharing more financial information than needed.
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2. "I'm Looking for Homes on My Own, Too"
While browsing listings on your own is fine, telling your agent this might cause some confusion. Real estate agents work hard to find properties that match your needs, and when they know your preferences well, they can often find listings you wouldn't spot on your own. If they think you're searching alone, they might feel less motivated to dig deep for the best options, assuming you'll let them know if you find something.
To avoid mixed signals, let your agent handle the search. You can always mention if you come across a listing that interests you, but framing it as a one-time find rather than an ongoing effort helps keep your agent actively invested in locating the perfect home for you.
3. "I Love This House!"
Loving a home is a natural reaction when searching, but saying it out loud can impact your negotiation power.
If your agent senses that you're emotionally attached to a particular property, it may make negotiating a bit more challenging, as they might hesitate to push for a lower price or other concessions.
To keep things balanced, express interest but stay neutral in your language. A simple "This home has a lot of what I'm looking for" shows your agent that you're interested without giving away too much. This way, your agent can confidently negotiate with the seller without feeling pressured by your attachment to the home.
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