Seller is a Realtor

[Denray]

Looked at a pretty nice house the other day. This is what the owner/Realtor emailed me: Thanks Denny. I saw parts of my house that I've never seen before! A very detailed report with a few surprises.

I am a bit disappointed that there are not some less-clinical comments about the property, i.e. "This is a well-built home that has been maintained ...", etc. I know that Buyers appreciate hearing equally of the positives alongside the negatives and shortcomings--kind of a validation and re-enforcement that they have made an offer on a worthy property. Does that make sense?

Thanks Denny

Here's what my client said: Denny,

Just wanted to say thanks for a great report. Appreciate your work.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

[AHI in AR]

The seller/agent is asking you to be "less clinical" ??? As I suspect you already know, you aren't there to be a cheerleader for the seller (via the house) or to "validate the feelings of the buyer" either.

You're there as a totally objective 3rd party.

[hausdok]

Usually,

When I'm wrapping up I say something to the client like,

"I know that you learned things about the home today that have probably disappointed you a great deal. I'm sorry that it had to be me to be the one to disappoint you with that news; but the fact is I don't get paid to tell you what you like about the house (Now looking squarely at the realtor) - you already knew what you liked about it which is why you made your offer - I get paid to deliver the bad news to you and I've done the best I can to inspect the home as thoroughly as possible and provide you the most complete information that I can."

If I were you, I'd respond to the seller with something similar.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Jim Katen]

No, no, no.

*I* kill the deal.

*You* go get the next one.

It's a Lion King, circle-of-life kind of thing.

[Denray]

The sellers tend to always feel that way. And the seller turns out to be the listing agent. There are a ton of agents who have never hired/called me cause they know I write em up dis way. She would just like me to change my evil ways. I've heard it from another agent who likes me otherwise, somewhat. That's why there are some good ol boy 1hr specialists who do extremely well here. I am having my best year yet.[:-party]

[Jerry Simon]

If it's a well-built house, I'll tell my buyer during the inspection. IMHO, that's being *objective*.

'Course, comments like such won't be in my written report.

[Marc]

I sometimes include positive comments in my reports if that would make the report better represent the house. It's quite unusual though.

I'd tell the seller/agent that the report represents the condition of the house as best I can describe it and that's my job description. No more, no less.

Marc

[Scottpat]

I'll tell my client that I like the house, if I truly do like it.

I would respond back to that agent like this:

Hey, I got your email and it is always nice to hear other opinions.

Thank you and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving..

[Bill Kibbel]

"Buyers appreciate hearing equally of the positives alongside the negatives and shortcomings".

Does the agent point out all the negative issues of the homes and their surrounding environment when showing to clients?

"This is a well maintained 4 bedroom home. The basement is known to become an in-ground pool each Spring. The registered sex offender and sewage treatment plant are only a block away".

[Jim Baird]

I'll tell my client that I like the house, if I truly do like it.

So do I, but, on a percentage basis, that number would be very low for me.

[John Kogel]

How about "I like this house, but I hate the price"? []

[gtblum]

How about "I like this house, but I hate the price"? []

Perfect!

I point out the good, all of the time, verbally. Never in the report.

I also get a kick out of showing people things someone else who's supposed to be a professional salesperson, should have pointed out.

[Erby]

So, which one is important to YOU, Denny?

[Garet]

How about "I like this house, but I hate the price"? []

You might add .... "and the real estate agent is being over-paid."

[Denray]

Erby, It's like I tell my wife. If you don't know by now why I am beating you, you'll never know.

[Erby]

Guess I forgot the dripping sarcasm emoticon!

[Mike Lamb]

I am in the bad news business. It pays the bills. I am sticking with that.

I did expert witness work on a case where the HI reported problems but did not report on some big ones. He wrote in the report for God knows what reason (I think I know) that it was a well maintained home. Bad idea. That isn't why he was hired.

[Eric B]

Denny, I'll wager that the seller was not at the inspection and didn't hear any positive remarks that you may have made. I can understand the seller's position - as homeowners none of us like to hear negative comments about our homes. Empathy can go a long way in soothing the situation.

[Denray]

Yep, I replied to her saying that her house was very nice, appreciated her input (I think my wife told me to put that in there), and the liability reason for not putting it in the report.