Are Men Better Real Estate Negotiators Than Women?

July 30th, 2008 categories: Cincinnati, Ohio, Real Estate News, Real Estate Selling

Why Can’t a Woman Be More Like a Man?

“Why can’t a woman be more like a man?” That was the question posed about Eliza Doolittle by Professor Henry Higgins in the play/movie “My Fair Lady.” Sometimes it seems very appropriate in today’s real estate market.

Owners in West Chester, Cincinnati and Fairfield have “done the drill” of preparing their home for sale:

preinspection
home staging
touch up/clean up
home warranty
de-cluttering

In short- everything required to neutralize a “home” to become a “house” in order to make it appealing for the next “home owner”. As a seller, you’re mentally ready to move on.

So who gets emotional when a very low offer to purchase arrives- usually (but not always) the woman.

Insulted that somebody could write an offer way below the list price, insulted that somebody doesn’t love the decorating, insulted the hours laboring on the landscaping goes unnoticed…….. just plain insulted. All sellers need to take a deep breath and remember that you are not selling “memories” or “happy times” or “lots of sweat equity”- you’re selling an expensive “piece of real estate”.

Identify the which one of the sellers is “Eliza Doolittle” and don’t let emotions get in the way of the real estate transaction. OK- it probably is the largest financial deal many of us make during our lifetimes- but sellers who can detach themselves from the emotional side of selling are more successful. The old adage in real estate “the first offer is usually the best offer” is as true today as it was when I got into the business 19 years ago.