My DH and I have been looking at homes in the area. We are not sure if we are going to buy or not but will make a decision sometime around the end of January. Anyway, I have a friend who is probably going to be selling her home soon. She has made several comments on how we could just buy her home. DH and I really don't like it. It's not horrible or anything and I've only seen a small part of the inside but it just doesn't have the curb appeal for us. How can I tell her we are not interested without hurting her feelings or ruining our friendship?

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, December 9, 2007 - 09:53 am:

Mary, you are a dear friend, and we value your friendship. But your house is just not what we are looking for.

You don't have to go into why it is not what you are looking for. If she is a friend, she'll accept that and shut up. If she's more interested in saving the real estate broker's commission, she'll ask you why and try to persuade you, and you'll know what is more important to her.

By Debbie on Sunday, December 9, 2007 - 12:38 pm:

Ditto, Ginny. If she is a true friend, she will stop bringing it up once you say you aren't interested.

By Emily7 on Sunday, December 9, 2007 - 01:21 pm:

I would just say to her that as much as you love her house, you do not believe in buying major items (house, car) from friends or family. Something unforeseen could go wrong & that may cause a rift in your relationship & her friendship means to much to you.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, December 9, 2007 - 04:06 pm:

I like Emily's suggestion very much. Much better than mine because it doesn't indicate in any way that you wouldn't like her house.

By Reds9298 on Sunday, December 9, 2007 - 05:15 pm:

Ditto Emily! I honestly think that's a great 'rule' to follow.