5 Things Your Buyer’s Agent Notices When They Walk Into a Home… and Why

When you’re looking at houses to buy, you’re probably sizing up if it’s the perfect fit or not by looking at the layout, the condition, and all of the features of the home.

While your agent is surely right there with you and chiming in with their take on the house, they’re also likely sizing up the situation in entirely different ways you might not even realize. Agents are often looking for certain clues that could make or break the deal if you decide to make an offer.

Here are five things real estate agents take note of while showing a house, just in case their client is interested in making an offer on it:

1) How Many Business Cards Were Left by Other Buyer’s Agents

Buyer’s agents often leave their business card behind to let the owner and the listing agent know that they were there. You might not notice them, but your agent is likely checking out how many business cards were left by other agents to gauge how many showings there have been, and how much potential competition you might be facing.

2) Which Agents Left Their Card

They may even take a closer peek at the business cards to see which agents have shown the property so they know who they’re up against in the negotiation ring if there are multiple offers.

3) Subtle Signs of Packing

Boxes tucked away in the garage, half-empty closets, or some missing furniture that they saw in the listing photos are all things your agent may notice, which could be subtle signs that the sellers are already packing up. It may just be that they’re getting a head start on their inevitable move, but it could also be a sign that they’re highly motivated, which is good to know when negotiating.

4) Signs That Someone Has Already Packed

If it looks like one family member’s clothes are conspicuously missing from the closet, or there’s only one toothbrush in the en suite bathroom, yet the tax records indicate two people own the home, that will be something an agent picks up on. It could just be that one of them has already moved due to a job relocation and their significant other will move once the house is sold… but it could also be a sign that they’re splitting up. Either way, it gives your agent insight into the seller’s situation and could be a sign that they’re motivated to make a deal.

5) Any Indication About the Seller’s Occupation

Seeing signs of a seller’s occupation—whether it’s a home office that looks like it belongs to a sales person, or a degree on the wall that indicates they’re a doctor, lawyer, or a teacher—can be more than just a fun fact. Your agent can use this info to get a feel for who they’re dealing with, and tailor how they present your offer and handle negotiations.