Expert warns home buyers against common estate agent tricks

This is often not helped by some estate agents who are more interested in closing a deal than making sure the right person and home have been matched.

This is why a property expert has revealed 6 common estate agent tricks used against home buyers when viewing or discussing a house or flat.

Property expert reveals 6 very common estate agent tricks to watch out for when buying your next home

(Canva) While most estate agents are honest, some may use trickery to pressure you into buying a home (Image: Canva)

While most estate agents are helpful and want to assist buyers, the expert over at Land of Rugs has warned of 6 common tricks used by some agents.

Being vague on the price

One of the most common tricks agents use is to be vague on the price as some may want to create competition on the cost to create competition with other buyers.

This can lead to buyers paying more for the home than if the agent was more upfront about the price.

Fear of losing the purchase

Some estate agents will create a sense of urgency by encouraging the buyer to act quickly or risk losing the property to someone else.

Using code words

Agents will sometimes use other words or positive synonyms to mislead buyers.

For example, using words like ‘petite’ or ‘homely’ as code for 'small' or ‘in need of work’ can mean ‘there are no floors or plumbing.’

Listening closely to how agents talk about a home is essential to work out if it has something to hide.

(Canva) Some agents will be extra chatty so home buyers divulge personal information (Image: Canva)

Being extra chatty

Buyers will sometimes be extra chatty to make the buyer open up about their personal lives and financial situation.

It is important that buyers don't divulge too much as this may provide the agent with information like how badly they need the home and their income.

Encouraging you to raise your offer

Some estate agents will create fictional rival offers to encourage you to raise your offer for the home.

It's critical to remain confident and not let the estate agent pressure you into paying more than you can afford.

Encouraging you to skip property surveys

Many agents will assure the buyer that there is nothing wrong with the property and pressure them to not undertake a survey.

This is especially common if the property has been on the market for a long time as previously interested parties may have been aware of the issues.

This is why undertaking a survey is crucial as such properties could have issues that may be worth knowing about when you make an offer.