A professional in the real estate sector, this agent explains to us the recurring mistake that most buyers make when visiting a property.
The French real estate market remains tense in all four corners of the country so it is better to put all the chances on your side when visiting a property. Have you finally found that bright apartment that you really wanted or that beautiful house with plenty of space to accommodate the whole family? Is this a real estate crush? Caution: between the moment you walk through the door and the moment you make an offer to purchase, your behavior may be enough to change the course of the transaction with the seller of the property.
Finding the ideal property remains difficult. After weeks of scrutinizing real estate ads, comparing prices per square meter in different neighborhoods and refining your budget alone or with the help of a broker, the long-awaited visit finally arrives. It’s time to plan ahead, to imagine your future life… At this moment, don’t forget that this visit is not just about sifting through the accommodation. From the first minutes, the buyer analyzes the property, but the owner also evaluates the person in front of him. Attitude, comments… everything counts! “During a real estate visit, everything often happens in less than an hour. And yet, many buyers make mistakes that can cost them the property,” explains Stéphan Rouart, real estate agent and founder of myproject-immo.
The most common mistake buyers make? “Wanting to ‘dismantle’ the home to better negotiate. Exaggerating the work or pointing out each defect generally does not lower the price. On the contrary: a seller who feels attacked will tend to close down. However, a real estate transaction remains, above all, a matter of trust”, confides the real estate expert. The strategy seems logical. However, it often produces the opposite effect. Because behind every sale, there is an emotional attachment. An owner who feels judged or devalued may unconsciously be less open to discussion. In certain cases, he may even prefer a buyer with a more reassuring profile, even if it means accepting an equivalent or even slightly lower offer.
“Another common mistake: coming alone when the purchase is being made by two people. A property that is half validated almost always requires a second visit. And in a dynamic market, this delay can be enough to miss an opportunity.” Indeed, in real estate, timing is crucial. While it takes time to organize a new meeting, another buyer can position themselves more quickly. And you will have wasted time.
To turn a visit into a success, here is the procedure to follow. Rather than hunting down imperfections with hostility, it’s better to show enthusiasm while asking relevant technical questions. Because beyond the numbers, real estate remains a human affair. So, the next time you walk through the door of a property for sale, remember: it’s not only your financial arguments that count, but also the impression you leave.
