Most business deals, like real estate sales, are executed between strangers via a liaison like a real estate agent. Over 87% of real estate sales are closed by a real estate agent. Potential home buyers are more likely to trust a real estate agent’s expertise, other than the stranger they represent, when buying a home.
I made the mistake of not expressively specifying whether or not I would be including my large appliances in a property I sold in an online ad. About 12% of homes are sold through online ads and 1% in newspaper ads. So, there is a small demographic of people looking to buy a home through direct ads. Ad mistakes, omissions, and bungling can ax a sale.
It turns out that saying that appliances are part of a sale can affect a deal. Forgetting to mention such can cause a lot of confusion and make you look ignorant. I looked really ignorant and lost a sale because my ad didn’t mention large appliances. The potential buyer didn’t want to deal with moving the large fridge and other appliances I would leave behind.
Home buyers are picky. You’re asking a stranger to pay you a lot of money for your home, so every word must be chosen well. Phraseology matters. So, never, ever say these things in your real estate ad.
“Lots of Space!”
Don’t say that in a real estate ad unless you can back it up. Serious buyers don’t buy real estate sight unseen, so lies in your ad will be exposed. Get professional help accurately assessing your square footage. If the vertical clearance above any floor is less than five feet, it can’t be counted in square footage assessments.
The “Motivated Seller!”
Desperation emits an overpowering stench that can be realistically imagined, if not literally smelled, on a blind date, job application, and even in a real estate ad. Never say you’re a, “motivated seller.” It sounds desperate and you’ll get lowball offers. Who isn’t motivated to sell real estate as quickly as possible? Stress what makes your home valuable in your ad.
“Appliances Come with House!”
Over 80% of all the lawyers on planet Earth live in the United States. Think about that when writing your real estate ad. Buyers arrange their own tour and hire inspection professionals to assess a property before purchase. If you say large appliances come with the house, then they legally must be up to code or updated before closing.
You could be sued by a buyer who has to upgrade appliances you leave behind. People file frivolous lawsuits for matters of less import. Just say that appliances with no-guarantee are part of the deal in contracts and the ad.
“Absolutely No Contingent Offers!”
A contingent offer is a buyer who requires extra time to raise funds or sell their own home before buying yours. Just implement a, “first right of refusal,” clause in your ad or contract. Accept contingent offers but reserve the right to refuse the contingent offer if a better offer appears within a pre-set period. Why limit your selling potential?
Words In an Ad Are Ultra-Scrutinized When It Comes to Money
The average asking price for a home is about $265,000. If you ask for more than that in a real estate ad, you must
know what you’re talking about. Talk to someone who has sold homes before and get their advice. When you write a real estate ad, every word comes under the microscope to a buyer. Your words mean the difference between a sale and an ignored ad.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.