Why does everyone think that real estate has to be filled with drama? Does it require days or weeks of dead-end frustrating negotiations? Does it really require misleading stories about why the house is overpriced and how the house is “unique” or “special”? And who can forget about the baseless assumptions and innuendos about why the seller or buyer responded this way or that way or why are they taking so long to respond-until someone ultimately loses their mind (it’s happened). The paradox exists when the negotiations go smoothly then some feel they could have gotten more from the deal and if it’s painstakingly difficult, they swear they will never go through that again-EVER. So what are we real estate agents to do? Should we play up the drama or downplay the nonsense?
A couple of weeks back I had a client that seemed to be distressed about something after I had negotiated, what I assumed was, a great deal for single family home. I asked, “you seemed disturbed about something, what is it?” He finally admitted that he felt we could have negotiated a lower price for the home because there was not friction between the 2 sides. He was under the impression that more drama equated to a better deal. If we didn’t put a fight, he explained, “then we ultimately did not get the best deal.”
WHAT? Really? Is that what your previous agent explained to you or is that what you read on the Zillow blog- that the process needs to be dramatic? Or perhaps that’s how some agents try to justify their paychecks.
I’m a low-key kinda a guy. I don’t like drama and I don’t like the endless nonsense involved with a real estate transaction. Is either there, or it isn’t. If my buyer does not end up with the house, then it wasn’t meant to be their house. It’s that simple. Move on. A better house awaits. If I end up negotiating a painlessly good deal for my client, then don’t question the fact that there wasn’t any drama. The house is meant to be yours. Stop wasting time, perform the inspection and sign the contracts before someone else realizes what a deal the house is, swoops in and outbids bids you. Unfortunately, in Westchester County the home is still up for grabs until the both the buyer and the seller sign the contracts. As a buyer, don’t think for a minute that the seller will not kick you to the curb if a higher offer comes in. The seller has no contractual obligation to take your offer until after he/she signs contracts. In fact, if the negotiations were difficult and full of drama, I bet the sellers are praying to the House Gods for another offer to come in so they can tell you to shove your offer. Unfortunately, it’s not a seller’s market-so the seller may just have to take it instead. The more drama now equals more drama later. It doesn’t end when contracts are signed! For example, what the deal involves an FHA mortgage and FHA guidelines require the patching/painting of the 6 inches of pealing paint in the living room. Who’s going to patch it and how much longer is that going to delay the closing? (that has happened by the way–and it delayed the closing for 4 more weeks).
These days almost every real estate transaction is filled with some drama no matter what. It boils down to what your definition of drama is. But at the end of the day, trust me it’s all worth it.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
i know…i’m thinking of taking some acting classes to play the starting role in the highly acclaimed drama called “Let’s Make a Painful Deal” !
Why would anyone want drama in their lives especially during the buying process? No disrespect to your client, but that’s the stupidest thought process I’ve ever heard.
I guess some people are never satisfied. Don’t feel obligated to add drama to our process. lol I like everything nice and low key too.