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Real Estate Bits and Pieces

Blog by Susan Pruden
Cheverly, Maryland

Informal observations about Prince George's County Real Estate and happenings around our local area. I'm Susan Pruden, in Cheverly Maryland and I welcome your comments and participation.

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RE: Writing the Home Inspection Addendum
So, if my home inspection was written poorly by my...
RE: Talking Myself Right Out of Business
one thing i learned is that always let the borrowe...
RE: Talking Myself Right Out of Business
 I commend on you on being honest and helpful...
re: Drama in Real Estate
Ardy commented that he thought he would have to co...
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Talking Myself Right Out of Business

Friday, March 14, 2008
Categorized in: Choosing an Agent

Occasionally a buyer will want to buy or a seller will want to sell -- and I will suggest that they may want to consider other options. Nothing seems to surprise buyers and sellers more than when I help them find an alternative to buying or selling.

For example, a couple called me some years ago saying that they were close to being behind in their mortgage and that they felt they had to sell in order to get out from under an unbearable debt. I helped them refinance instead. They had gotten bad advice from other agents and lenders and didn't think they had any other options. They managed to reduce their monthly payment by a large enough amount that they were able to stay in the house.

I've also begged buyers to wait until they were in a better financial position before buying. Sometimes they listen and sometimes they don't. Okay, usually they don't. It's not that I don't think they can buy, it's that I think they would be in a stronger position -- qualify for better interest rates or lower downpayments -- if they wait until their job situation has settled down or they've fixed their credit. A plan for increasing savings or for fixing credit can make a world of difference even just a few months later.

It's not that I don't want the business, 'cause I really do. The litmus test is this -- what advice would I give to my son, daughter or my mother-in-law. If I wouldn't give a particular recommendation to them, I won't give it to my clients. Putting commission first is a sure way to burn bridges. If the choice is to move forward with buying or selling, then I'm happy to move forward with them, but at least I know they've explored the options.

(C) Susan Pruden.

User Comments

1. RE: Talking Myself Right Out of Business

Written by: Nancy Hodge
Saturday, March 15, 2008
 I commend on you on being honest and helpful to each sellers and buyers. 

2. RE: Talking Myself Right Out of Business

Written by: Robert Enriquez
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

one thing i learned is that always let the borrower talk more, and try to be quiet when he/she are telling you about their dream home!

North Mortgage Carolina

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