Why Home Sellers Should Never Change Their Minds After Going Under Contract
Congratulations! You’ve accepted an offer on your home and are now under contract. But here’s a critical piece of advice: DO NOT change your mind about what you’re leaving or taking with you after going under contract. It may seem like a small decision, but making changes can have big consequences. Let’s dive into why sticking to your original agreement is essential for a smooth sale.
1. It Creates Confusion and Frustration
Once you’ve agreed on what will stay and what will go with the buyer, those terms are part of the contract. If you change your mind, it can create confusion and frustration for the buyer. Imagine walking into your new home to find that the chandelier you loved or the shelving unit you thought was staying is now gone. It can sour the excitement of buying a home, and buyers may even feel misled. This could lead to a breakdown in trust, which could jeopardize the sale.
2. It Delays the Closing Process
Changing your mind about what stays and what goes can delay the closing process. If the buyer and seller can’t come to an agreement about what’s staying in the home, it could delay finalizing the deal or even cause the buyer to walk away entirely. Any added delays are costly—both emotionally and financially—and could even cause you to lose out on the sale.
3. It Can Affect Your Negotiations
When you change your mind after going under contract, the buyer may feel the need to renegotiate. They may ask for a credit to make up for the missing items, or they may lower their offer to account for the inconvenience. Buyers expect transparency and consistency throughout the entire process, and making changes can cause tension in negotiations. This can be avoided by sticking to what was agreed upon initially.
4. It Can Lead to Legal Issues
If your contract states that certain items will remain with the home and you remove them after being under contract, you could be legally obligated to replace them or offer compensation to the buyer. The buyer could even take legal action to enforce the terms of the contract. Avoid this headache by honoring your commitments.
5. The Solution? Be Clear From the Start
Before listing your home, take a thorough inventory of what will stay and what will go. Make sure you discuss it with your realtor and the buyer before signing anything. Once you’re under contract, stick to those decisions to ensure a smooth transaction and positive experience for everyone involved.
Let’s Talk!
Have you ever had a situation where a seller changed their mind after going under contract? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below! If you’re thinking of selling your home, make sure to reach out to me for expert guidance and a smooth, hassle-free process.
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