"Why do you want to sell?" – How to respond confidently to curious buyers
"Are you currently still living in the property?"
First things first: in emails and on the phone, it is better to be cautious with information that is not directly related to the property. Instead, indicate that you will answer any further questions during the viewing. Also, make sure that the person is a serious buyer before you give out your exact address and personal phone number. If the supposed buyer asks questions about whether you currently live in the property or what your working hours are, be careful, because burglars often use real estate listings to find out when a property is empty.
"Why do you want to sell?"
When the first curious questions come up during the viewing, it is advisable to remain relaxed. The question "Why are you selling?" is usually just a desire to make small talk and not a clever attempt to uncover any flaws. So you don't need to worry about saying the wrong thing. If you are selling because of divorce, financial problems, or other reasons you don't want to talk about, it is perfectly legitimate to simply refer to "personal reasons." This is a polite way of saying that you do not wish to discuss your reasons for selling, but that they have nothing to do with the property itself.
"And it wasn't too cramped with three children?"
Sometimes, prospective buyers may unconsciously question your taste or lifestyle through their questions and comments. In such cases, it is important not to take it personally. Remain calm and do not justify yourself. Prospective buyers often ask such questions to get a better idea of what it is like to live in the property. Even if buyers ask whether the noise from the street is disturbing or whether the neighbors' children are always so loud, it is best to be honest and point out, for example, that the noises are there but that you quickly get used to them.
"Do you need to heat a lot in winter and is there mold anywhere?"
Honesty is particularly important when asking about possible defects. You are legally obliged to disclose any defects that are not immediately apparent. If it later emerges that you deliberately lied or concealed defects, you can be held liable.
Experts advise sellers not to be present during viewings. This way, you don't have to answer any awkward questions about your private life and can leave it to the real estate agent to clarify any defects.
Don't want to deal with the stress of managing viewings? Contact us now. We will be happy to assist you with the sale of your property. Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific case.
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