What People Are Telling First-Time Buyers

I finally found a home for a pair of first-time buyers that took their time (they lost two homes they liked by waiting too long to make their offer - I wrote another post about this) until they finally purchased real estate in Tinley Park.  It was a very nice single family residence and in my opinion the nicest house they saw. 

We had the home inspection and I was very happy with the inspector we had.  He explained things very clearly and did not scare my buyer.  He explained maintenance and kept repeating what a nice house it was.  He did find two problems that the buyer asked the seller to repair.  I just found out today that the seller agreed to the repairs and everything is going forward.

However, during a phone conversation with my buyer after the inspection, he told me that someone told him to ask the seller to paint the interior of the home white.  I guess I was so surprised I asked him to repeat himself just to make sure I heard correctly. 

I explained that if we had wanted the seller to paint the home we needed to put that in the contract when we wrote it up.  I also told him the seller would have scratched it out.  I told him in all the years I've been selling real estate I have never asked a seller to paint the entire interior of a home. 

The most interesting aspect of this request is the fact that this home was in great condition.  These buyers can move right in and if they want to paint and decorate that is their option, but the home is clean and move-in ready. 

It's always interesting to hear what friends and family tell first-time buyers to offer or suggestions such as this.  In fact, the offer that was made was laughed at by the listing agent because it was so low.  I told my buyers and "Dad" that they will most likely not accept the offer and I was correct.

I give my buyers full representation but that doesn't mean I can get lowball offers or ridiculous requests accepted.  In fact, I stand by the true meaning of our inspection paragraphs in our contracts where the items (major items that are explained in our contracts) need to be "broken" or a health hazard before buyers can request that the sellers make repairs or replacements.

Well meaning but misinformed friends, family and acquaintances of first-time buyers can cause problems but an experienced agent can explain what is acceptable and what isn't as far as negotiations.

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