When it comes to talking to a real estate agent, nailing the right vibe is everything. When you’re keen to purchase a property, knowing what NOT to say is equally as important as knowing what to say. Here’s the scoop on what not to drop in your conversations:

Stay Clear of the “Why Are They Selling?” Conundrum:
While you might be curious about the seller’s story, asking this early on might label you as a rookie. Agents usually won’t spill the beans on the seller’s personal matters right from the get-go. Instead, focus on stuff that really matters, like settlement dates and special conditions. These are your golden questions, showing you mean business without prying into the seller’s secrets.

No Need to Be a Negative Nancy About the Property:
You’ve probably heard that playing it cool is the name of the game, but don’t overdo it. When the agent seeks feedback at an open house, be a pro about it. Share both what you like and any aspects that don’t quite match your vibe. Being overly critical can rub the agent the wrong way, especially if they’re tight with the seller. If you do fancy the place but want to look nonchalant, watch your signals. Hiding your interest might lead the agent to forget you when the gavel’s about to drop.

Don’t Declare You’re in No Rush to Buy:
At open inspections, agents are on the lookout for serious buyers. They want to close the deal, and that’s where their focus lies. If you’re in no hurry to make a move and just there for a sticky-beak, it’s all good. But if you’re hinting at this to up your negotiation game, don’t expect the agent to put you at the top of their list.

Don’t Dance Around Your Budget:
Talking dollars with agents can feel like a tightrope act. At open inspections, save budget discussions for one-on-one or private chats, especially if it’s crowded. When it comes to disclosing your budget, have a consistent line ready, like “my budget is ideally sub $X, but I could stretch for the perfect place.” Evading the question or lowballing your budget without reason won’t get you far. However, if you’re confident a property is way out of your league, sharing your budget can be a smart move. Agents might hustle harder if they sense a chance the seller might play ball. Plus, it makes them more likely to ring you up with new listings.

Effective communication with the agent requires a fine balance between revealing important information and maintaining a degree of mystery.