Keep homebuyers committed by avoiding lengthy negotiations and maintaining clear, consistent communication.
Why are buyers suddenly backing out of home deals? In my 21 years in this business, I’ve never seen so many buyers who start strong but second-guess themselves and back out of deals. It’s happening more now than ever, leaving sellers scratching their heads. So, if you’re selling your home, I’ll share three tips to help you “bulletproof” your transactions and keep those buyers excited about closing day:
1. Don’t drag out negotiations. When a buyer writes an offer, they’re at their most excited. But time kills deals, and if negotiations drag on too long, that excitement can fade fast. You might be waiting for a better offer, or maybe you’re taking your time, thinking it’s a seller’s market and you have the advantage.
The thing is, that better offer might not come, and buyers don’t like to feel ignored or disrespected. If you take too long to respond, you risk upsetting them and losing the deal. The fix? Communicate clearly and quickly. Set expectations upfront, stay responsive, and keep both the buyer and their agent informed. Keep the buyer locked in by keeping everyone in the loop.
2. Get ahead of inspection issues. A bad inspection can derail a sale. A buyer might love your house until they see a long list of unexpected issues, making them question their choice and potentially backing out.
Being proactive helps. While I think having a full pre-inspection is too much, one of the things I’m excited about with our team is our partnerships and vendor relationships. We have contractors who can come out during the listing appointment to walk through the property and identify visible issues that may need attention.
Fixing these or having a plan in place can boost buyer confidence. If buyers feel you’re upfront and honest, they’re less likely to feel blindsided later, which reduces the chances of them walking away.
3. Combat buyer’s remorse. Even the best buyers can get cold feet after signing on the dotted line, as it’s natural to overthink big decisions like buying a house. While we can’t control buyers’ feelings, we can ask the right questions to understand their commitment. Check with their agent about how many offers they’ve made, how long they’ve been searching, and how many homes they’ve seen. This information can give you a sense of whether they’re ready to commit.
Encouraging second or third showings is also a smart move. It may seem like extra effort, but it helps buyers feel 100% sure about their choice, and happy buyers are more likely to stick around.
In the end, sellers want two things: the best price with favorable terms and a high chance of closing. Achieving this requires an experienced agent who communicates well and builds strong relationships with other agents. That’s where I come in. Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to help you strategize and succeed. You can contact me at (503) 522-0090 or sarita@asksarita.com. You can also visit our website, AskSarita.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
