I was reading an industry article just now about how home buyers can sell themselves to sellers, especially in multiple offer situations. There were a few key points, like buyers making sure they are pre-approved (not just pre-qualfied) from a lender, and they should have all their financial paperwork ready to go before they begin shopping. (Having a great lender will prepare buyers for this! Ask me if you need to talk to one!) But the one point that stood out the most to me was the first:
Buyers should prepare their social media, just like they would for getting a job.
Now it’s true: There’s all kinds of Fair Housing laws out there, federal, state and local levels, that are designed to help people live where they want. And sellers Googling their buyers can get themselves in a whole mess of trouble if they decline an offer based on one of those laws. It’s why I advise sellers not to even open a “Pick me!” letter from the buyers – be objective! It shouldn’t matter who the buyers are; it should only matter they can afford the home. Sellers: Please read that line again! As hard as it sounds, I further advise when they put their home on the market, sellers should have it in their minds it’s already sold, but they just don’t know yet who the buyer is.
With that being said, buyers should be aware sellers can and do Google buyers all the time, whether they’re selling their home on their own or are represented by an agent. People have their own reasons for doing things, and it’s a good idea to be conscious of it. The reason sellers look up the buyers could they are wanting to sell to someone who wants to love their home in its (near) current state over an investor who wants to gut it out or even tear it down.
They may be looking to see that buyers are generally agreeable and won’t make the negotiation process a nightmare. One clue to sellers might be public posts about how many deals have fallen through, which could also make the buyer seem desperate – and that lessens their negotiation powers!
The sellers may also be researching the buyers genuine ability to afford the home, especially in cash offers situations. A clue would be the buyer talking about making a lot of pricey purchases. It’s a long stretch between the time an offer is made and the deal is closed, so sellers may not want to gamble on a buyer who is a big shopper or leisure traveler.
Just a few thoughts on a Friday morning! If you’d like to learn more tips and ideas on getting the home you want, or if you know of someone who’s looking to buy (or sell!), I’m always available.
Lori Dake, an IL licensed broker
www.LoriDake.com
P: (773) 697-4474
F: (773) 717-5500
E: LDake@KaleRealty.com
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Kale Realty
2447 North Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
www.KaleRealty.com
(312) 939-5253