Buyers, Leave your family home

I always get weired looks and catch some flak from my buyers when I ask them to leave their family at home for the first showing of a property. Buyers, especially first timers, always want to feel protected and have every one's opinion. They even want to show off a bit for family, "Hey, look at us, we're looking to buy a house, aren't you proud."

Now there is nothing wrong with getting your families' opinion but the first time viewing a property is NOT the right time. The first time you set a showing for a home it should be just the people who are going to be making the purchase. If you are single, just you and your Realtor. If you are married, your spouse and the Realtor, etc... You can always invite, Mom , Dad, Uncle Joe, Aunt Sue and all your cousins for a second showing. But the first showing should be all about you and the house.

If you have kids, try and arrange for a baby sitter. Again, your first showing should be about you and the house. You want to pay attention to the details of the home, not chase little Billy around the house or worry about what he might get into. Even if the kids are older, bring them on the second showing once you identified the home as a possible keeper.

No offense Mom and Dad, but you are the worst to have at a first showing. Parents are always looking out for their children. NO home will ever be good enough for their child. Parents have a way of scrutinizing every little detail of the property and the price is always at least $100,000 too high. View the property with your Realtor first and make an informed decision. If you like it, bring Mom and Dad back for the second showing, after you formed your opinion.

I never like having Uncles, Aunts, cousins, nephews, etc... I'm trying to pay attention to you, not Uncle Bob. I want to answer your questions about the home, not his. Many times, relatives have a little jealousy when you're buying a home and believe it or not will try and steer you away from a good deal because they either can buy it or missed out on it.

I'm sure people are again thinking, I don't know anything about buying a house and need all the help I can get. Well, this is WHY you hired a Realtor. You should be working with a Realtor you trust and have a good rapport with. If you feel you need someone with you on all showings, you need a new Realtor.