8 Things Sellers Shouldn’t Reveal (Except to Their Realtor)

Let me start by saying DO NOT, in any way, shape, or form, attempt to deceive buyers! In fact, doing so could land you in legal trouble. (As the saying goes, disclose, disclose, disclose!) However, there is such a thing as saying too much. Sharing is the norm in the world we live in, but there are some things you should keep to yourself (like why you’re moving). Here are eight things you shouldn’t reveal to anyone besides your Realtor . . .

“I no longer feel safe here.” Buyers should absolutely do their due diligence with local police departments to verify the safety of a neighborhood. But what feels scary to one person might be the safest another has ever felt!

“I have to move for work.” Statements like this can affect any negotiating power you might have. When buyers find out that your move is a MUST, they might be inclined to “lowball” the offer. Don’t position yourself to be taken advantage of!

“The neighborhood is so noisy!”  Whether it’s the endless barrage of barking dogs or a neighbor with a killer garage band, you might be looking for peace and quiet. However, letting the buyer know you haven’t slept well in months is not a great tactic!

“My neighbors are crazy!” Perhaps they’re a bit . . . quirky. But crazy? Who knows? Their BFF might be looking for a home, and next door would be ideal!

“This house needs endless improvements.” Outdated kitchen or bathrooms? Maybe you’re tired of the linoleum floors. But to some, those projects are a DIY dream! Just because it’s not your thing doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it!

“I’ve had some pest problems.” Bees to termites to ants everywhere—if you’ve got pests, get them handled. This will undoubtedly come up in an inspection, but you have an obligation to disclose this situation unless it’s been addressed by a professional.

“Our property taxes are skyrocketing!” It’s no secret that property tax assessments are going up! (They trend with market values, which are also going up.) However, if you’ve lived in a home for a long time, seeing this upward trend can be frustrating, especially if you’re not taking advantage of amenities funded by tax dollars, such as public schools. Sellers who believe they’re grossly overpaying will likely cause a buyer to rethink their decision.

“We’ve outgrown this house.” Perhaps you have, but it could be just the right size for the next owner. Let the square footage speak for itself! And consider staging and “pre-packing” your home before putting it on the market.

Realtors are skilled professionals who can walk you through the process of selling—including what to say and what to keep to yourself!