Consideration could be the key to your new home

In a contract, “consideration” usually means price and terms. But a little ordinary consideration, being kind and courteous to the seller, can help you get the home you want.

Sellers are opening their private space to strangers. Comments that feel neutral to a buyer can land personally with an owner.

Here’s how to be the buyer a seller hopes for.

At the showing

• Be on time, or cancel if you need to. Sellers often rearrange their day for you.
• Be a good guest. Look at the house, not the owner’s things. There’s no reason to open fridges or dresser drawers.
• Focus on what matters: location, layout, size and condition, not paint colors that are easy to change.

During and after negotiating

• Skip the list of flaws. Presenting a list of defects usually makes sellers defensive, not flexible.
• Put concerns in writing in the contract, then live with the deal you made.
• Avoid “one more thing.” Repeated new requests after agreement frustrate everyone.
• Limit visits before closing. It’s still the seller’s home, and they’re moving too.

Why it pays off

Sellers want the most for their home and buyers want to pay the least. Kindness on everything else can tip a close call your way. See also Crafting an Acceptable Offer and Make Good Offers Better, then start with the buyer questionnaire.

A simple plan for your showing etiquette move

I’ve been helping people buy and sell homes across the west metro for about two decades, and I build and remodel luxury homes too. I’ll help you see both what a property is and what it could be.

Getting the house ready, or making it yours

If you’re selling and want repairs handled before buyers see them, Super Crew Contractors can give you an estimate. If you’re ready for something custom, Ivy Lane Homes does luxury home building and remodeling. And a quick coverage check with Intrinsic Insurance before closing can save you a surprise. For the local picture, read my Chaska homes guide or browse neighborhoods in Chanhassen and Victoria.

Your next step in showing etiquette

Every move is different. When you’re ready to talk about yours, I’m a call or text away.

Please note: I don’t handle rentals or property management. I work with buyers and sellers, and that’s where I can help you most in showing etiquette.

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