Let’s set the record straight: real estate agents are not fragile beings. They’ve encountered it all and, for the most part, they maintain a fantastic sense of humor. This means you can share almost anything with them—actually, you really should if it relates to buying or selling your home. In fact, transparency is our greatest strength on The Zimmern Team and it’s a two way street.
In the spirit of Halloween, we thought we would share some phrases we hear that we maybe wish we didn’t. In other words, if there was a haunted house for realtors, these are the situations and sayings that will ‘haunt’ your realtor and why.
1) “What is a credit score?”
Understanding what a credit score is essential when buying a house because it directly influences your ability to secure a mortgage and the terms of that mortgage. A credit score reflects your creditworthiness, indicating to lenders how reliable you are in repaying borrowed money. If you have a high credit score, you’re more likely to qualify for a loan with a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands over the life of the mortgage. Conversely, a low credit score can limit your options.
2) “But Zillow says…”
Sure, Zillow’s Zestimates are quick, easy, and free… but so is dating advice from your obnoxious Uncle Larry. The point? Just let a local real estate professional from The Zimmern Team (who will actually see your home’s unique features in person) determine its fair market value. We have in-depth knowledge of the neighborhood, including market trends, property values, and community insights that algorithms simply can’t capture.
3) The day before closing, “I bought a new car.”
Yes, this has happened and happens more than you would think. Why is this an issue? Buying a car the day before closing on a house can throw a wrench in your plans. Lenders carefully review your financial situation before finalizing a mortgage, and a big purchase like a car can raise red flags. It may change your debt-to-income ratio or affect your credit score, potentially jeopardizing your loan approval. To ensure a smooth closing, it’s best to hold off on any significant purchases until after you’ve secured the keys to your new home.
4) “Our friend did the work for us, he’s not licensed, but does great work.”
We believe you, they probably do do great work! While it might be tempting to rely on a friend who does good work when selling your home, hiring a licensed contractor is crucial. A licensed professional not only brings expertise and experience but also ensures that all renovations meet local building codes and regulations. This can save you from costly mistakes and potential legal issues down the road. Plus, a licensed contractor typically provides warranties for their work, giving you and potential buyers peace of mind. When it comes to selling your home, investing in the right help can make all the difference in attracting buyers and getting the best price.
5) “I am planning to sell my home by owner.”
Don’t do this journey alone! Going solo often means navigating the complexities of pricing, marketing, and negotiations without professional guidance, which can lead to stress and mistakes. We understand that the idea of saving on commission might seem appealing, but the expertise we offer can ultimately lead to a smoother process and a better sale price. Our advice? Don’t choose an uphill battle, let us do the hard work and you just enjoy the excitement of becoming a new homeowner or selling your home.
6) “I didn’t want to bother you, so I called the listing agent to show me the house.”
Contrary to what you think, asking us to see a home is not bothersome at all. It’s our job and it’s what we love doing. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing your agent from showing you a home, we will have another Zimmern Team agent meet you no problem or even call the listing agent if it comes down to it. Don’t worry, you’ll get to view the home one way or another.
7) “My handyman handled the termites.”
Termites in general are not fun, but we live in Florida so it comes with the territory! While a handyman may be great for general repairs, they are not equipped to handle termite infestations. Termites can cause serious structural damage to all areas of your home — including your roof, and effective treatment requires specialized knowledge, tools, and techniques that only licensed professionals possess. Handymen might not recognize the full extent of the damage or the best methods to eliminate the problem, potentially leading to a quick fix that fails in the long run. When it comes to termites, it’s essential to rely on experts who can ensure a thorough inspection and effective treatment, protecting your home from further harm.
8) “Real-a-tor”
We know that extra ‘a’ just rolls off the tongue sometimes, but if we’re talking real here, the correct pronunciation is Real-tor. No need to throw that extra syllable in there.
There it is, our Halloween ‘haunting phrases.’ While we wrote this article in the spirit of Halloween, we hope you were able to take away some key points that will help you through your buying and selling journey. Just like any profession, real estate sees the good, the bad and the ugly; But at the end of the day, we love this industry because we are passionate about helping our community buy and sell their dream homes.
Happy Halloween, Pensacola!
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Our Community Real Estate Voices are brought to you by The Zimmern Team. The Zimmern Team Powered by Levin Rinke Realty is a team of experienced, licensed real estate agents serving the residential and commercial real estate needs of the Gulf Coast.
