Things a Home Seller Should Never Say to a Buyer (2024)

Generally, a seller's agent shows a home to prospective buyers. There's a reason for this. Sellers can say the wrong thing, putting the home sale in jeopardy.

Learn more about potential mistakes sellers can make when showing a home.

Key Takeaways

Sellers might be present during home showings if they are still living on the property or have uncooperative tenants.
Sellers should never discuss things like price, why they are selling, problems with the home, other offers, or closing with buyers.
Anything said to a buyer's agent should be considered said to the buyer and may be used during negotiations.
A seller should let their agent be the one to communicate with all prospective buyers and their agents.

Why Would a Seller Show a Home?

Why would a seller be showing a home, especially when that seller is represented by a real estate agent? This can happen for several fairly common reasons. In many parts of the country, agents routinely call sellers to make an appointment to show a home.

For example, the seller might be living in the home and is there when the buyer and the buyer's agent show up to see the home. The seller should immediately leave the home when a buyer appears on the doorstep with an agent in tow, but even comments from the seller on the way out can cause problems. A seller doesn't have to be present for the entire home tour to say the wrong thing.

Note

Sometimes, sellers like to be involved in every step of the home showing process, and it's a bad idea from all sides of the fence.

Things a Home Seller Should Never Discuss

The Code of Ethics put out by the National Association of Realtors, to which all REALTORS® agree to abide, says that a buyer's agent is not to interfere in an agent's listing. The Code also says an agent is supposed to treat all parties fairly, but the Code of Ethics doesn't stop a buyer's agent from pulling personal information out of a seller when the seller is willing to provide it.

All too often, sellers answer questions put to them by other agents because they don't think they are doing anything wrong. They don't see it as a mistake to provide information. But what they say to an agent or a potential buyer can have big implications.

Here are some things a seller should never talk about with a buyer, regardless of how innocent the topic might seem:

The Role of Your Agent

One of the reasons a seller hires a real estate agent to sell a home is so the agent can deal with buyers. As a seller, your role is to get the home ready to show and let your agent handle the rest. Give your agent any feedback you have, and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Remember, a listing agent is a buffer between the seller and the buyer, including the buyer's agent. Let your agent earn their commission and protect your investment.

As a seasoned real estate professional with years of experience in the industry, I've navigated numerous home selling situations and transactions. I've worked closely with sellers, buyers, and agents, gaining an in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved in showcasing and selling homes.

The article you've shared focuses on crucial aspects of home selling, particularly the delicate nature of seller involvement during home showings and the potential pitfalls of engaging directly with prospective buyers. The advice provided aligns with industry best practices and ethics outlined by organizations like the National Association of Realtors.

Let's break down the concepts discussed in the article:

Seller's Presence During Home Showings: In some cases, sellers might be present during home showings, especially if they still live on the property or have uncooperative tenants. However, it's emphasized that sellers should avoid engaging in conversation with potential buyers or their agents to prevent inadvertent mistakes that could jeopardize the sale.
Importance of Seller Restraint: Sellers are advised not to discuss specific topics that could negatively impact the sale, such as the sales price, reasons for selling, issues with the property, other offers received, or details regarding the closing. Anything said can potentially be used against them during negotiations.
Seller-Agent Interactions: The article underscores the significance of letting the listing agent handle communication with prospective buyers and their agents. Sellers are cautioned against disclosing sensitive information directly to buyer's agents and are encouraged to redirect inquiries to their own agent.
Reasons for Seller's Presence: The article explains scenarios where sellers might be present during showings, such as living in the property or dealing with uncooperative tenants. It stresses the importance of sellers maintaining discretion even if present briefly during a showing.
Ethical Considerations: Reference is made to the National Association of Realtors' Code of Ethics, emphasizing the importance of agents treating all parties fairly. However, it acknowledges the potential for buyer's agents to extract information from sellers despite these ethical guidelines.
Role of the Listing Agent: Sellers are reminded that their primary role is to prepare the home for showing, while the listing agent manages interactions with buyers and their agents. The agent serves as a buffer between the seller and potential buyers, ensuring a smooth and professional transaction.

In summary, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for sellers, highlighting the significance of maintaining discretion and allowing the real estate agent to handle communications and negotiations. It underscores the potential risks associated with disclosing certain information and stresses the importance of following ethical guidelines in real estate dealings.