Insight: What buyers and sellers are thinking
The New York Times today has an interesting and thought provoking article, A Real Estate Deal Seen From 2 Sides, which has fictitious letters, one from a buyer to a seller, and the response from the seller.
Part of the seller’s response:
That said, your offer disappointed me. You seem to believe that I’m not aware of how bad things are out there or that I’m in denial. But I do read the headlines, and I priced the house accordingly. I knew I might have to wait awhile to sell it.
The Times writer invites readers to send in their own versions.
I’ve never dealt with letters but I’ve certainly had both buyer and seller ask me to pass on statements that express their position or reasoning. It would be helpful for both buyers and sellers to consider what the other is thinking. It may be easy to assume a buyer or seller is unrealistic (certainly there are more than a few out there…) but I’ve seen buyers try to negotiate down an already terrific price, and I’ve seen sellers obstinately failing to recognize that buyers don’t feel their home is worth as much for valid reasons.
Just thinking about having that shoe on the other foot, may save time and stress.
Tags: buyer, letter, negotiating, New York Times, seller