By Jerry Mac, Keller Williams Realty

PSA to all the homebuyers I meet along the way: you don't have to see the basement just because you feel bad telling me you don't like the house.

Seriously — if we pull up and you immediately know the location isn't for you, or we walk through the front door and the condition is disappointing, we can leave. I promise my feelings won't be hurt. Please don't worry.

Here's the truth: showings are for you, not for me. My job isn't to convince you to love a house the way you see in so many movies. My job is to help you find the right house.

Let's be real — showing houses takes a tremendous amount of time for everyone involved. And if you already know it's a no, there's absolutely no reason to spend another 30 minutes exploring a house you've mentally crossed off your list.

Now, there is one exception. If we're in the early stages of your home search, I might want all of us to slow down a little, because I'm trying to educate you along the way. There are many things to discuss and learn about — plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, basements, cinderblock versus poured concrete, septic systems, and more. All those little details matter, and I think every client of mine should know this before purchasing a home. I'm no contractor, but I am a long-time realtor and a long-time homeowner, and I've learned a lot over the years. I want to share what I know so you're as informed as possible.

In a follow-up to that — I promise I'll tell you if I think a home is in terrible disrepair or a horrible flip. I will not hold back my thoughts and opinions. Isn't that what you'd want your realtor to do for you? Why else hire me?

Anyway — when you know, you know, most of the time. So if we're on house #10 and you already know it's a no, grab your purse, grab your car keys, and don't forget your kids if they're with us, and let's go.

The moral of the story: you will never offend me by being honest about a house. In fact, I encourage it. The faster we figure out what you don't like, the closer we get to finding the one you love.

Jerry Mac, Keller Williams Realty — www.southjerseyrealty.com