Proper etiquette and being mindful of others can help you better navigate a number of different life scenarios, and that includes buying a home.
But what, exactly, is the proper etiquette for buying property?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined etiquette tips buyers should be mindful of when searching for, and purchasing their homes, including:
- Keep your emotions in check. When you find a home you love, you may be full of emotion and want to yell from the rooftop how excited you are to put in an offer. But making sure to keep your emotions in check is real estate etiquette 101, especially when touring homes. Once sellers know you’re interested, you lose negotiating power. So, no matter how excited you are, keep that excitement to yourself.
- Respect the space. When you’re touring a property, it’s important to remember that it’s not just a potential home for you to buy in the future. In many cases, the property is someone’s present home, and you need to treat it with the respect it deserves. For example, don’t touch or move any personal items, and only use the bathroom if you get permission.
- Say thank you. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in a home sale. One of the most impactful “little things” you can do is to say thank you. It seems simple, but writing a thank you note to the seller and their agent can leave a positive impression, and can help your offer stand out in the case of a bidding war.