Seeing a flat alone, when the broker says "decide today"
For seeing a flat alone: a kurta with jeans or a shirt dress, shoes that slip off, a ponytail, and the move of checking every tap and window before you answer with one calm line.
- autopilot
- hermes
- everyday
You are standing in a flat you have never seen before, and the broker is already at the door of the next room. He says, "Decide today, madam. Two more people are coming." You have been inside for four minutes.
The push is part of how the visit goes. Your job is to keep the pace yours.
The look
Keep it practical and neat, so you can bend, climb and walk through the whole flat.
- Modest option: a plain cotton kurta with straight jeans, in a colour you like, such as deep green or navy.
- Modern option: a shirt dress that falls to the knee, with the sleeves rolled to the elbow.
- Shoes: flats or sandals that slip off easily at the door. You will take them off and on many times.
- Hair: a ponytail, tied low and firm, so nothing falls on your face when you bend to look under the sink.
- One small detail: a cloth bag worn across your body, so both hands stay free for your phone and the taps.
The one confidence move
Do not answer yet. Walk through the flat at your own speed and open things. Turn on every tap. Open every window. Open the cupboard under the sink and look at the back wall. Take a photo of each one.
The broker may talk while you do this. Keep your eyes on what you are checking and let him wait. Your hands are busy, and that is your reason for not replying.
What to say first
When he asks again, say it once, in an even voice:
"I will confirm by tomorrow evening."
If it goes sideways
He may push a second time: "Madam, I need an answer now." Do not explain and do not argue. Say the same line again, word for word. Then ask your own question: "What is the deposit, and when does it come back?" Write his answer in your phone while he says it.
One thing to try today
Before the visit, write five things you will check in your notes app. For example: taps, windows, the cupboard under the sink, the switches and the door lock. Then send a friend the flat's address before you go in. Do both tonight, so the visit is only a matter of following your own list.
Each Sunday we send one moment coming up this week, the look for it and the one line to say first. You can see the moment cards at /moments.
One moment a week.
Each Sunday: one moment coming up this week, the look for it and the one line to say first. One click stops it, and the list is never sold or shared.