One of the first things I tell buyers when we start looking at homes is that I'm probably going to be the devil's advocate during our showings.

That usually gets a laugh.

Then I explain what I mean.

If you fall in love with a house, I'm not going to try to talk you out of it. In fact, if you decide it's the right house for you, I'll do everything I can to help you get it.

But I'm still going to point out the things you may not love.

Not because I want to ruin the excitement.

Not because I want you to keep looking.

And certainly not because I don't want you to buy the house.

I do it because buying a home is emotional, and sometimes emotions can make us overlook things that will matter later.

When buyers walk into a home, they naturally notice the beautiful kitchen, updated flooring, fresh paint, and backyard they've been dreaming about.

Meanwhile, I'm often looking at the ceiling for stains.

I'm opening cabinets.

I'm checking under sinks.

I'm looking inside the dishwasher and microwave.

I'm pulling down the attic stairs.

I'm checking water pressure.

I'm looking under the house when possible.

I'm paying attention to things that aren't nearly as exciting as quartz countertops or a gorgeous view.

Because my job isn't to help my clients fall in love with a house.

My job is to help them understand the house they're falling in love with.

Sometimes I point out storage limitations.

Sometimes it's a lack of privacy.

Sometimes it's an HOA restriction.

Sometimes it's a repair issue.

Sometimes it's simply something I know will affect their daily life after the moving truck leaves.

The goal isn't to find reasons not to buy the house.

The goal is to make sure there are no surprises after they do.

I've never believed that serving buyers means convincing them to purchase a home.

I believe serving buyers means helping them make informed decisions.

If they decide the positives outweigh the negatives, wonderful.

Let's write an offer.

But I want them making that decision with their eyes open.

Because beautiful houses aren't perfect.

No house is.

And sometimes the best thing a buyer's agent can do is point out what everyone else is ignoring.

Bonnie Wicks, licensed as Bonnie Jean Wicks Bertalot, is an Associate Broker with Carolina One Real Estate serving Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and surrounding Lowcountry communities.