There are so many potential scenarios that can take place between the negotiations of a Buyer and Seller for a property. Overall the majority are smooth transitions without too much aggravation.

Some Sellers never meet the Buyers and the only contact is between the agents.

Sometimes the negotiations become heated usually due to an oversized ego of one party or an emotional issue that is difficult to detach from the structure of the transaction.

This is where having an agent on each side is a benefit, because as real estate professionals they maintain a balance between the parties (this is assuming they keep their ego's in check as well).

We have had Sellers that left a basket of goodies for the Buyer and had the home professionally cleaned before the Buyers moved-in. That leaves such a nice warm fuzzy feeling for the new homeowners. On the contrary we have had a home left so dirty that professional cleaners had to be brought in to make the place livable. (Note: Most real estate contracts call for the property to be left broom swept clean). I'm just not sure how that applies to the refrigerator.

Some of our clients are very social and some not so social. It is a business transaction (with emotional issues), so either of these is fine.

What spells disaster is a social client that loves everybody and one who volunteers unnecessary information during the social Interaction. Information that was not originally disclosed as part of the terms of the agreement that both parties agreed to. The Buyer and Seller then become enemies over hurt feelings. It is sad but true.

The moral is, Let your agent represent you in the transaction (that is what they are trained and experienced for). Disclose everything up front in a Sellers Disclosure that you REALLY know about the house.

Lastly, save the cocktail hour for after the closing, when all of the keys have been distributed to their respective owners.