NEVER Say This To Your Real Estate Agent When Selling A Home!
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NEVER Say This To Your Real Estate Agent When Selling A Home!
Thinking of selling your home? Before you even think about speaking to an agent, read this. Too many sellers make communication mistakes that cost them thousands. In this guide, you'll learn exactly what NOT to say to your real estate agent to protect your negotiating power, maximize your sales price, and avoid costly slip-ups.
Want step-by-step help selling your home with confidence? Start here
Why What You Say to Your Agent Matters More Than You Think
You hire a real estate agent to represent your best interests—but here’s the kicker: what you say to them can influence how effectively they negotiate on your behalf. Not because they’re unethical, but because they’re human.
A poorly timed comment can kill your leverage. A throwaway remark can anchor negotiations far below your asking price.
1. "This Is My Bottom Line"
Revealing your lowest acceptable price feels harmless. After all, your agent needs to know where you stand, right? Wrong.
When you reveal your bottom line:
- You anchor the negotiation far too low.
- The agent may subconsciously adjust their expectations.
- Strong offers may be accepted too quickly.
Real-World Example:
In a recent negotiation, a listing agent let slip that their seller would accept $2,000 less than the counter offer. That mistake likely cost the seller $10,000 or more.
Pro Tip: A great agent doesn’t need to know your rock-bottom number to get you top dollar. Their job is to maximize price, not minimize risk.
2. "We Have to Sell Fast" or "We’re in a Hurry"
Urgency is leverage—but only for the buyer.
If you tell your agent you're on a tight timeline, you need to move due to financial stress, divorce, or relocation, that information could affect how they market and negotiate your sale.
Instead, say this:
"We’d like to sell within X timeframe. What pricing and strategy would support that?"
3. "I Just Got Divorced / Lost My Job / Need to Sell Because..."
Life events are real. But they don’t belong in listing conversations. Agents might disclose your situation without realizing the consequences. Buyers love to hear these stories. It gives them the upper hand.
4. "Our Roof Is Old / Water Heater Might Go / Electrical Panel Is Dated"
These aren’t legal disclosures. But when you mention them, buyers instantly think: more repairs, bigger price drops, time to walk away.
Best Practice: Be honest about material defects, but don’t overshare about functioning, older systems.
5. "The HOA Sucks / My Neighbors Are the Worst / Parking Is a Nightmare"
Even if these complaints are 100% valid, they are buyer repellants. You are selling a lifestyle, not just a property.
You must legally disclose nuisances, but don’t gossip or vent.
6. "Yes, I’ll Work With You" Without Interviewing Other Agents
Your cousin just got their license. Your friend has a "real estate side hustle." So you say yes. And sometimes? You lose thousands.
This is a business decision, not a favor.
Summary: What NOT to Say When Selling Your Home
- "Our bottom line is..."
- "We have to move by next month."
- "We just got divorced."
- "Our roof is old."
- "The HOA is terrible."
- "Yes, you can list it!" (without interviewing others)
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Home Sale
- Stay out of showings. Don’t be home when buyers visit.
- Let your agent do the talking. That's what you hired them for.
- Review offers based on facts, not feelings.
- Price based on market value, not emotion.
- Don’t rush. Don’t stall. Find the balance.
Great real estate deals are equal parts data, discipline, and discretion.
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Join the Conversation
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made (or heard about) when selling a home?
Share it in the comments. Let’s help others avoid the same pitfalls.
Related Video:
Before You Sign That Agent Agreement, Watch This:
Selling your home is a strategy game. The fewer cards you show, the more powerful your hand.
