My clients' home was definitely atypical of a house built after 1980.  

It was quirky with funny hallways and tiny bedrooms. The bathrooms could be modernized somewhat; the master bedroom could only house a small dresser and big bed; the master bath had one pedestal sink. There was a beautiful formal dining room and a gracious living room, but there wasn’t really a family room.  

In short, the house was a classic design of the 1920's.

As someone who grew up in that type of house, I loved the place. I enjoyed the quirkiness and thought the older bathrooms somewhat charming with their floors of little black and white tiles.

Who needs a family room? We lived in our living room.

Unfortunately, for my sellers, I wasn't in the market to buy a house. This was family home and it needed a family.  

After each showing the first thing my client would ask was, "What was the feedback..."  

And I always was expected to give the answer in great detail. I couldn't just say, "They weren't the buyers for your house."

My client wanted specifics.  

It's such a tricky question for Realtors. In some cases, if you were to repeat verbatim the words actually spoken by the potential buyer or their agent, your client might burst into tears. But if you minimize the comments, the seller really doesn't appreciate the buyers' perspective...

Some agents seem to have the knack of delivering less than enthusiastic feedback. I really admire their skills.  

Somehow, when I give feedback, I find my clients start arguing with me. For some reason, they believe the words spoken reflect my opinion.... like somehow I didn't have just the right words. It’s almost as if they are saying, “Why didn’t you convince them to buy our house?”  

"Did you tell them, what a great location it is?"

"Oh, yes.  I told them it was a fabulous location...."

"Did you tell them that we have 9 foot ceilings?”

"Yes, yes, yes..."  

Remember, I was the one who loved your house.

Our homes are so special to us that it's nearly impossible to understand that others look at our homes with different eyes. We find our creaky floors charming and having character; while buyers may see them as flawed or dated.  We love the coziness and warmth of little rooms, while they see them as too small or inadequate.

For sellers, a house is a home. It’s a refuge. It's shelter.

It's memories and it's personal. For buyers, it's just a house. It's something to critique and either find to their liking or not.  

I try to say comforting thoughts ..."If those buyers don't like it, so what?" They'll like something else.  "There is a buyer for every house." Each of us likes something different – it’s as it should be.  I try to find the right words.

So if the feedback is negative – it is what it is. I would ask, do you really want these people to buy your house? I guess, I would want people to love my house as much as I do.  It is personal.  

So sellers, when your agent gives you the feedback, they are just repeating the thoughts of another person.  Listen to the comments. Do try to understand the buyer’s perspective.  If there is something that can be addressed simply – then think about it and address it. If not, c'est la vie.

Just, please, don't shoot the messenger.