Simple Form Can Aid Sale

Robert Bruss contributes an immense amount to the Real Estate section, and I am grateful for what his columns have taught me. In fact, Bruss has helped me to become so real estate savvy that even subtle examples of his use-an-agent bias scream out.

For example, a man whose letter was printed in the Dec. 19 “Real Estate Q&A;” got incomplete advice.

The man and his wife were selling by owner (the ultimate Bruss no-no) and couldn’t understand why one interested couple had come three times to inspect their home without making an offer.

Bruss’ response was that the “prospective buyers are probably timid about making an offer because they are dealing directly with the sellers and there is no middle-person realty agent to prepare the written offer and help with negotiations.” No argument from me there.

What Bruss should have added is: “If that interested couple comes to inspect the house a fourth time, give them an offer to purchase real property form, available from stationery stores.”

These forms are also available in a variety of do-it-yourself books, similar to the one my husband and I used to sell our condo ourselves last year. In fact, we assisted the buyer in filling out the form, going through it step by step while making sure everyone’s interests were protected.

In an uncomplicated sale, honest people can complete a win-win real estate transaction this way and shouldn’t be discouraged from trying.

VICKI PARIS GOODMAN

Via e-mail