Dear Urban Diplomat: when an open house visitor is rude, what’s a seller to do?
Dear Urban Diplomat,
I’m selling my condo without a real estate agent, and I recently hosted my first open house. I steeled myself for the onslaught of people who would be traipsing through my home, but I was not prepared for one lookiloo who uttered, “Waaaay overpriced” within earshot of other potential buyers. I almost told her to get the f— out! What’s a seller to do in this situation?
—Sell-shocked,
YONGE AND EGLINTON
It’s your home and you can ask anyone to leave at any time, but that’s a right best invoked only in extreme cases (theft, vandalism, the use of your bathroom to snort cocaine). As discouraging as her outburst may have been to potential buyers, a confrontation would have left an even worse impression. Next time, make like a real real estate agent and run interference the second she starts blabbing: thrust informational brochures into her hands, point out the expansive balcony or offer a homemade cookie to keep her mouth occupied. Defusing bombs is always better than dropping them.
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(Image: picturenarrative, from the Toronto Life Flickr pool)
In my experience, “For sale by Owners” are usually overpriced. When selling by yourself, your asking price should be lower because you don’t have to pay a realtor and prudent buyers know this. Business is business, and if you are trying to sell something doesn’t it make sense that buyers should comment on price? Don’t take it personal.
If you don’t want to hear “waaaaay overpriced” then don’t overprice your shoebox in the sky.
Stop crying
Hire an agent if your so hurt maybe you’ll sell your place
But make sure your agent knows how to spell you’re.