I'm tiptoeing around right speech now, as we received an offer on my brother's house last night, and I don't want this offer to fall through as the first one did. That means being careful what I say to my realtor, who is pretty emotional and reactive, and not going along with everything she suggests either. I was really doubtful about counteroffering, as the last time that killed the deal. But I have, picking a mid-figure from his offer and the list price. A lot of non-rational interactions happen over such a big deal as buying a house. People get superstitious and their fear of such a commitment can cause a quick backing out. I've got to soothe my realtor, praise her, and yet not encourage her to get too defensive on my behalf that she alienates the buyer. And I am several thousand miles away, so this is tricky, must be done by phone, text and email, and there is no reading of body language or really much time to figure things out. This buyer wanted a response within twenty four hours, which is pushing us.
I also resent having to "gear up" when I had other plans for today, it's summer outside, and the last thing I want is to stay by the phone and fax machine. I don't want to rush or be sloppy with my language. Yet I'm put in a box because of this house I inherited but didn't want or ask for. A lot of stuff comes up for me to sort through.
I'll do the best I can and not beat myself up about the outcome. I know my realtor is doing her best as well. If I stay calm everyone benefits, but there is this tiny urge to unplug the phone and disappear from this process. There is a falsity to this moving the chess pieces that I feel trapped by, but if I want to get free of the house, then I must play the game.
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