The doorbell rings, and you’re ready, armed with your best-winning smile as you greet the prospective buyers of the home you’re selling. They step inside with a mix of nervousness and eager hope radiating from their faces, signaling potential excitement about your property. The conversation starts off promising, but then you unknowingly make one of the classic mistakes sellers often commit during closing a home sale in Effingham County and Savannah, saying something you absolutely shouldn’t.
Their expressions shift slightly, showing hesitation. Moments later, you make another misstep in your eagerness to connect, unknowingly creating discomfort. Before you realize it, the hopeful couple is hastily excusing themselves, making polite promises to follow up, and quickly walking to their car. The opportunity and possibly the sale are gone.
Don’t let this happen to you. Being mindful of what to say and what to avoid is crucial when closing a home sale in today’s market. With the right preparation and approach, you can secure the buyer’s trust and successfully finalize the deal.
4 Things Sellers Should Never Say When Closing a Home Sale in Effingham County and Savannah
1. Our House is in Great/Perfect/Mint Condition
Making absolute statements during the initial stages of transactional negotiations is generally a risky move and best avoided. For instance, you may believe your house is in flawless condition or want buyers to perceive it that way, but claiming it’s “perfect” can backfire. This type of statement sets unrealistic expectations and may lead buyers to view even minor issues as major red flags. The truth is that no home is truly perfect—there’s always something that could benefit from repair, replacement, or improvement.
In today’s market, buyers are often equipped with inspection reports and a critical eye, so transparency and a willingness to address concerns can go a long way in building trust. Instead of making absolute claims, focus on highlighting your home’s strengths while acknowledging its potential for small improvements. This approach can create a more productive dialogue and help you build the confidence needed to close the deal.
2. You Are Our Second/Tenth/Thirtieth Showing
Of all the things you could say to a potential buyer in closing a home sale in Effingham County and Savannah, this is the one most open to interpretation. The buyer will take it to mean whatever she wants it to mean.
If, say, you’ve had only a handful of showings, the buyer will likely interpret that to mean that the price is too high. If, on the other hand, you’ve had numerous showings, the buyer might take that to mean that something pretty major is wrong with the house. So you shouldn’t voluntarily offer any information about the number of showings (or any offers made).
3. Sure, We Can Negotiate on Price
Yes, being flexible and willing to negotiate is usually a good and necessary thing. But you don’t want to give the impression at the very outset that you are ready to give way on what was thought to be a pretty firm price.
Besides, the price is only one ingredient in a good offer. Giving way on price right out of the gate may mean that you lose money in other areas as well. You also don’t want to give a buyer any false hopes, because that can certainly backfire later on.
The best policy is, leave the showings and price negotiations to your agent. After all, that’s why you hired them, isn’t it? So here’s the best answer to buyers’ loaded questions about price: “You’ll need to speak to my real estate agent on that.”
4. I Won’t Take Less Than $xxx,xxx for Home
And here’s the other side of that pricing-proposition coin. If you let it be known right up front that you are intransigent – that you are unwilling to be flexible and negotiate – well, then, you have pretty much made sure that there will be no sale.
Negotiating is an integral part of selling a home. It’s expected by most buyers and even enjoyed by those who relish the process. However, shutting down the possibility of negotiating right at the start can backfire, leaving potential buyers feeling discouraged and walking away. If word spreads that you’re inflexible on price, it could further damage your chances of attracting serious buyers, potentially leaving your home sitting on the market longer than expected.
To maximize your success in closing a home sale in [market city], avoid making these common negotiation mistakes. It’s just as important to say the right things as it is to avoid the wrong ones, and this is where having a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference. A knowledgeable agent can help you strike the perfect balance between firm yet flexible, ensuring you keep buyers engaged while securing the best possible outcome.
We’re ready to help you sell your home as quickly as possible and at the best price possible. To discover more, contact us by phone at (912) 695-6932 or fill out our online form.
