Mums the Word When House Hunting in Ottawa

Posted on July 25, 2008 
Filed Under Buying Your New Home, Valerie Zinger

In this age of technology, with nanny cams and voice recorders, it is best to say only positive things when looking at a house with your realtor. 

I know you are going to be surprised, pleasantly or otherwise, with things in a home.  In fact, what will give you most pause is how people decorate and the things they own and display.  It is always best to keep your reaction to yourself until you leave the house.  In some cases, it is because the owners are still there.  Why do they stay?  In other cases, it is because there is always a possibility that you are being recorded.  Shocking?  Yes.  I think owners are nervous about having strangers in their home and reduce their anxiety by recording the visit.  Whatever the reason, it is always best to keep quiet and touch nothing.

Now you have found the house you want to purchase.  Our buying strategy is best developed outside of the house.  The kitchen table looks comfortable and you want to sit and discuss next steps.  Don’t!  Go outside, go to the car, go to my office but do not have the discussion in the house you want to buy.  If there are recording devises, the owners will have an indication of how much you are prepared to pay and other terms that you may negotiate.   Why give away information?

 Finally,  if you are being recorded and you say negative things about the house, owners will take it personally and may decide not to sell you their home, no matter what your offer is.  Why be insulting and negative?  If the owner loves the home, then he or she will want you to love it as well.

Silence is golden.

Photo credit:  Silence! Foolish mortals! @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomecho/298010188/

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca

 

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