Your Mother Should Know

I have experienced a few deal breakers in my career. Just when you think everbody is happy, boom, the hammer comes down. Sometimes you can get people calmed down, sometimes you can't. It must resemble getting cold feet right before the big wedding day. What if, what if, what if.

The biggest deal breaker, with contract negotiations as well as marriages, is family. Once the family gets involved its almost like the blind men and the elephant. Everybody has a different idea of what "it" is and, even though all may be right in their own way, all involved are also wrong. And the ones who should actually be making the decision feel obligated to listen to the wisdom of their elders, usually with disasterous consequences. Okay, maybe not so much with marriage, but sometimes we just have to make our own decisions.

It is natural for someone when making a life changing decision to want a second opinion. But speaking as a realtor, do not, and I repeat do not get the family involved. Yes, they do have your best interests at heart but no matter how much they love you, they are still your worst critic. The exception would be your Uncle George who is a retired contractor and you need to know if the uneven floors will be a problem in the future.

So be specific. Ask specific questions of specific people. Don't just say to Aunt Sally, "So, what do you think?" because I guarantee she will tell you, and I guarantee you will not like it.

Need another opinion concerning a home that you love and just can't make up your mind? Ask a friend. They will be straight with you but also affirming. They will hold your hand and be with you no matter what you decide.

If you love a house and it meets most of your requirements (a house cannot be everything to everybody) then just hold your nose and jump in.

Your family will always throw you a life preserver when you are drowning. But as you are looking over the edge into the pool, your family will be stuffing your bathing suit with bricks!