Home Buyers: Watch What You Say! 5 Things You Should NEVER Say During a Showing (and Why)

When you’re touring a home as a potential buyer, what you say—and don’t say—can impact your negotiating power. While it’s exciting to explore homes, it’s important to be mindful of your words. Here’s what you should never say while inside a home and why.

1. “I LOVE this house! We have to have it!”

It’s great to find a home that feels like the one, but gushing about it in front of the seller’s agent or within earshot of a security camera can hurt your chances of getting a good deal. If the seller knows how badly you want it, they’ll be less likely to negotiate on price or terms.

2. “We can totally afford this—no problem.”

Even if you’re financially prepared, avoid sharing details about your budget. If the seller’s side knows you can stretch your offer higher, they might counter at a higher price than they would have otherwise. Keep financial discussions private between you and your agent.

3. “This place is awful. It needs to be completely gutted.”

You might think a house is a total fixer-upper, but harsh criticism can offend the seller and make negotiations harder. Even if you plan to make an offer despite the home’s flaws, it’s best to keep negative comments to yourself.

4. “Let’s offer X amount.”

Never discuss your offer strategy inside the home. Many homes have security cameras or smart home devices that could be recording. Save price discussions for a private conversation off property with your REALTOR®.

5. “I can see us living here!”

It’s okay to envision yourself in the space, but saying it out loud might make you seem emotionally invested. Sellers prefer buyers who are serious but emotions can complicate negotiations—keeping your cool can help.

👂Is Someone Listening? Maybe. Probably. Just act as if they are.

Many homeowners have security cameras and smart home devices that could be recording your conversations. Ring doorbells, indoor nanny cams, baby monitors, and even voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home can pick up what you say. Some sellers use these tools for security, while others may be curious about buyer feedback or motivation. Assume that anything you say inside or near the home could be overheard—so save your real thoughts for a private conversation after you leave.

Final Tip: Keep Your Thoughts & Conversations Private

When touring a home, assume that someone could be listening. Save all pricing, offer strategy, and strong opinions for private discussions with your agent after you leave the property.

Thinking about buying a home in central Iowa? Let’s talk about how to navigate the process the right way! 📲 Call or text me today.

#CentralIowaHomes #HomeBuyingMistakes #BrandiNelsonREALTOR #BuyingAHome