Maine Real Estate Expressions, What Buyers Sellers Really Mean

Maine real estate expressions, what buyers sellers really mean.

Here are some common phrases Maine real estate buyers and sellers might say, along with what they often actually mean. First, zeroing in

on folks on the hunt for a home for sale in Maine. Let’s decipher the property listing jargon.

Maine home buyers tell their agent or broker….

1. “We’re just looking.”
   • Meaning: “We’re serious but want to avoid pressure from agents until we’re sure.”
2. “We want a fixer-upper.”
   • Meaning: “We want something affordable, but not a total money pit. Cosmetic issues are okay, structural problems aren’t.”
3. “We need something move-in ready.”
   • Meaning: “We don’t want to deal with major repairs or renovations. Minor touch-ups are fine.”
4. “We’re not in a rush.”
   • Meaning: “We don’t want to seem desperate, but we’d move quickly if the right home comes along.”
5. “We’re looking for a good deal.”
   • Meaning: “We want a house under market value but in a great neighborhood with all the amenities.”
6. “We want an open floor plan.”
   • Meaning: “We like the idea of space, but it shouldn’t feel too cavernous or lack definition.”
7. “We’ll know it when we see it.”
   • Meaning: “We don’t have a clear idea of what we want yet, so we’re relying on emotional impact.”

Sellers tell their Maine real estate agent or broker

1. “We’re not in a hurry to sell.”
   • Meaning: “We want to sell for the right price, but we don’t want to undersell even if it takes longer.”
2. “We’ll leave the appliances.”
   • Meaning: “We’ll leave the ones we don’t want to take, but the good ones might come with conditions.”
3. “We’re firm on the price.”
   • Meaning: “We’re hoping to get full price but might negotiate if pushed.”
4. “The house sells itself.”
   • Meaning: “I’m relying on the agent to do all the heavy lifting.”
5. “We’ve taken great care of the home.”
   • Meaning: “We’ve done the basics, but don’t look too closely at what’s underneath.”
6. “We had some work done.”
   • Meaning: “We did some DIY fixes that may or may not be up to code.”
7. “We’ve outgrown the home.”
   • Meaning: “There’s a major reason we’re moving that we’d rather not disclose.”

By understanding these “translations,” Maine real estate professionals can better navigate client conversations and provide what they truly need.

Out of state local market traditions don’t always translate into the same situation up here in Maine.

Every local real estate market in Maine behaves just a little differently too. It’s my job to help the new to the area or first time home buyer in Maine know what to expect. To navigate from house listings to real estate closing around the long conference room table with all the chairs.

Here are examples that showcase the old adage in real estate that “buyers are liars” and “sellers act like they’re in no hurry”—when the truth is often the opposite:

Buyers are Liars (Unintentionally or Otherwise)

1. What they say: “We’re not pre-approved yet, but we want to see some houses.”
   • Reality: They’ve likely already been pre-approved and are testing the waters to see if they like you as their agent. Or no no, they won’t go near a bank until they find a house they like. Problem is by the time this buyer does get off the fence and obtains the all important bank approval letter, the new house listing is under contract because of the pre-qualification delay.
2. What they say: “We’re not ready to buy right now.”
   • Reality: They’re actively searching for homes online, have a list of favorites, and might jump on the perfect home tomorrow. Playing their cards close to the chest.
3. What they say: “Our budget is $400,000 max.”
   • Reality: They’re willing to stretch to $450,000 for the right home, but don’t want to admit it upfront. Often wife says one thing totally the opposite of what the husband is relaying.
4. What they say: “We’re open to any location.”
   • Reality: They’ve already ruled out half the city and will veto Maine homes based on things they don’t mention, like school districts or commute times.
5. What they say: “We want a fixer-upper.”
   • Reality: They mean “a home that just needs paint,” but they’ll walk away from a property that needs a new roof or HVAC. Bank underwriters not cranked about “handyman special” houses that are low cost but needing everything updated or repaired.
6. What they say: “We’ll know it when we see it.”
   • Reality: They’ve already mentally committed to a specific style or feature but don’t know how to articulate it. Or the couple are not on the same page for “the one” Maine house of their dreams.

Sellers Act Like They’re in No Hurry

1. What they say: “We don’t need to sell; we’re just testing the market.” Been looking for a buyer off and on for last decade. Four real estate brokers have planted their sign out front but over priced and lots of contingencies making a sale nearly impossible. Some sellers don’t want to sell, can not when it comes right to the point of accepting an offer, signing a real estate contract.
   • Reality: They’re under financial strain, moving for a job transfer, or need the equity for another purchase.
2. What they say: “We’re fine if it takes a few months to sell.”
   • Reality: They panic if there are no offers in the first two weeks and start asking for price reductions.
3. What they say: “We’re not going to negotiate on price.”
   • Reality: They’ll lower the price the moment a serious offer comes through because they’re eager to close.
4. What they say: “We’ll wait for the Maine home right buyer.”
   • Reality: They’ll take the first reasonable offer if they feel the market is cooling.
5. What they say: “We want to sell as-is.”
   • Reality: They’re prepared to make minor fixes or even negotiate credits during inspection if it gets the deal done.
6. What they say: “We’re not emotionally attached to the house.”
   • Reality: They overprice it based on sentimental value and balk at feedback from potential buyers. Overpriced house listings don’t sell. Some sellers really don’t want to sell.

This dynamic is part of the real estate game—people often downplay their urgency or stretch the truth to maintain control or avoid appearing desperate.

Skilled Maine real estate agents learn to read between the lines and address what clients really want or need. Buying, selling, just looking? How’s the Maine real estate market? Always posting on that all important topic. Learn about the past, current, future Maine real estate market dynamics.

Every market in Maine is not experiencing the same carbon copy behavior. Here to help you with the Maine home work on property listings, the unique flavor of each small town friendly region in this big state called “Vacationland“.

With over 45 years of listing, marketing, selling, you run into a lot of different Maine real estate markets.

Expressions real estate buyers and sellers use. You see many different property list and sell scenarios and know what is required. Can give expert advice on Maine real estate buying or selling. It’s all good and please reach out to talk about the local Maine real estate market.

I’m Maine Real Estate Broker Andrew Mooers, ME REALTOR

207.532.6573  |  info@mooersrealty.com   |  MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA