These are uncertain times for many people. Projections are that many areas are going to continue to decline with regard to the real estate market. Gas prices are soaring, food prices are going up, home equity lines are being slashed, foreclosures are continuing…need I go on?

Buyers are worried about buying a home and having it decline in value and sellers are watching home prices go down around them. Who to believe, what to do…This ambiguity is troubling and overwhelming for many of my clients.

I take pride in making sure I lay out all of the options for my clients. I firmly believe in the power of choice for my clients, and respect that their choice may not be the same one I made.

Twice today, once by my buyers and once by my sellers, I was asked, “What would you do?”

Both times, I squirmed in my seat, dread filling my soul…how I loathe that question…

One of my buyers struggling with making a decision about a home purchase, asked me “What would you do?” I hemmed and hawed trying to get them to see all of the options, doing my best to avoid the question. The choice: They were trying to decide which home to write an offer on, between the final two. It was like comparing broccoli to pears. A solid home that was a serious cosmetic fixer in a GREAT neighborhood at below market value, or a great home in a GOOD neighborhood AT current market value.

I suggested they not write an offer, “You’re not ready,” I said. I don’t do “buyer’s remorse” with my clients, you are either solid and we write, or you think about it until you are solid. That’s when the dreaded question occurred…”What would you do?”

The second time with one of my sellers, we were talking about an offer. Should they take it?

“What would you do?” This question seems so simple. As agents we are constantly giving our opinions about homes, neighborhoods, and pretty much anything you let us. We froth at the mouth at the thought of giving our opinions on real estate. This is what we do. The problem with this question is that it can sway our clients into making a decision that may not be the right one for them. By answering this question, I was going to take on some responsibility for their choice.

I NEVER tell my clients what to do.

NEVER.

Their home, their decision.

I present data, information, and analyze it for them. They decide what the best choice is for them.

Today, I was pinned in a corner. Today, with our current economy, it is not easy to make choices. Today, clients can be so overwhelmed: are they making the right choice?

My clients were so totally overwhelmed with the massive amounts of information flying at them from all directions. It was clear to me that my clients were not going to be able to make a decision without my opinion. So, I caved in and told them what I would do.

After today, I can say, I almost never tell my clients what to do.

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