When buying a house , sometimes you don't want to give too much away in the viewing process, because keeping your cards close to your chest can have some good benefits when it comes to the negotiating process.
However, estate agents might have a better idea about whether or not you plan to put in an offer than you first thought, according to 'Location, Location, Location' presenter Phil Spencer.
Speaking on his Move IQ podcast, the 49-year-old property expert explained how estate agents are trained to monitor their customers' body language from the moment they step through the door.
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"People assume that the negotiations begin when you ring up the estate agent and say this is what I’m willing to offer for the house," said Phil.
He added: "In fact, the sales agent has been sizing you up from the very moment that he met you."
The Channel 4 host then went on to reveal how, when you first enter a potential house or flat, you've got 10 seconds to make a good impression.
"As you walk around the house he'll [the estate agent] be watching body language and conversations between you and your partner," he told co-host Chris Ducker.
Explaining the benefits of keeping your cards close to your chest during a viewing, Phil said: "[Estate agents] are trained to sell the house for the most money possible.
"So don't give too many buying signals. Be honest if you like the house but don't say you love the house or that you'll do anything it takes to buy it.
"Buyers who show their hand too early risk being taken advantage of as the agent knows he or she is very keen to complete."
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