Sellers Beware! 5 White Lies That Can Jeopardize Your Home’s Selling Price

We’ve all come to accept—and perhaps even expect—some of the enhanced language sellers use in real estate listings. You know the ones we’re talking about: “Cozy” can be code for small, “charming” likely means old, “efficient” often stands in for small, and “unique” might suggest it’s hard to sell.(1)

And we can say that sellers are always tempted to lie so that they can close the deal. But they don’t really know that the truth will always come out at some point. And when it does, the home selling price will be affected and the deal can even collapse. So to be on the safe side (as a seller) you need to know white lies that can jeopardize your home’s selling price. Keep reading to learn these lies you should avoid when selling your house.

The Home Hasn’t Been on the Market for So Long 

Limited Market Exposure and Reduced Buyer Pool

Most sellers lie that their homes have just hit the market. And they know very well that the house has languished in the market for so long. They know that if they reveal this information to a cash home buyer Milwaukee, many questions will be asked. The buyer would want to know why the house has stayed for so long in the market without finding a buyer. And the answers might shock the buyer and make them lower their offer on the home. Probably, the home has structural issues or the buyer has set an unrealistic price. 

The seller will also lie to create a sense of agency so that the buyer can provide an offer and close the deal quickly before other potential buyers, including we buy houses Wauwatosa companies can present their offers. However, smart buyers will look at the listing date and property history to know exactly when the house was put on sale. And when they find that the seller lied, they might lower their offer or even change their mind about buying the property.

We ‘Just’ Installed a Brand New HVAC System/Plumbing/Roof 

Most sellers also lie about home upgrades and improvements. They tell potential buyers that they recently installed a new plumbing system or HVAC system. Others will even repaint the roof and tell buyers that the roof was recently installed. Others will even refinish or repaint cabinets and say that they are new. All these lies are aimed at convincing the buyer that the home is in perfect condition and they should buy it sooner before other buyers can do so.

However, these lies give a wrong perspective of the home and that amounts to deceiving potential buyers. But buyers will likely hire a home inspector, who will uncover all these lies. The inspector will inspect all components of the home and inform the buyer if the plumbing system is new and whether the HVAC system is functioning correctly.  They will even inspect the roof to find out if it is new or old.

After inspection, the buyer will likely lower their offer if the seller gave the wrong information on the home description or during showings. Some may even leave the deal and look for another home to buy. And the seller will be forced to sell the home to a Milwaukee cash home buyer. The good thing is that a cash buyer will buy the home as is and will close the deal fast. So avoid lies about home upgrades and improvements when selling your home.   Real estate agents possess extensive knowledge and expertise in selling, including pricing, marketing, negotiation, and legal requirements. FSBO sellers may need more specialized knowledge, leading to pricing inaccuracies, ineffective marketing strategies, and potentially unaddressed legal loopholes. With professional guidance, FSBO sellers may be able to accurately value their property, navigate complex paperwork, and understand local regulations.

This House is in a Great Neighborhood 

Most sellers lie about the area their homes are located. They lie that their homes are located near amenities like schools, hospitals, roads, and shopping centers. They put this information on the home description. Others share this information when showing the house to the buyer. In addition, they lie about crime rates just to please the buyer. 

You should not lie about your neighborhood when selling your home. Why? The buyer will research, tour the area, and even talk to the locals to know the area better. And if they find that you lied, they will likely abandon the deal or lower their offer. So be honest about the amenities, security, and other details of the neighborhood that can help the buyer make an informed decision.  

We Have Never Had a Water Damage or Mold Problem

Sellers know that when they disclose presence of mold or water damage in their home it will turn off many buyers. Disclosure of mold also means a reduction of the home selling price. And considering that they want to sell the home at the highest price possible, they lie to potential buyers. 

But they forget the mold problem can lead to serious health issues and the buyer can hold them liable if they get sick after purchasing the home. In addition, inspection can reveal presence of mold and other water damage issues. So don’t lie even if you are selling your home to a first-time home buyer or cash home buyer Milwaukee.  

The Neighbors Are friendly, Helpful, and Respectful 

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