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Buying or selling a home is often one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re trying to get top dollar for your listing or secure the best possible deal as a buyer, communication with your real estate agent is everything.
But not all comments help your cause—some can actually undermine your goals without you even realizing it. Realtors are your advocate, your strategist, and your negotiator, and what you say to them matters.
“I’m not really in a rush.”
While this might seem like an innocent comment, it can seriously affect how aggressively your agent negotiates on your behalf. If a realtor thinks you have unlimited time, they may not push as hard to get the best deal or move quickly on a great opportunity. In real estate, timing can mean everything—especially in competitive markets.
Buyers and sellers who appear flexible can unintentionally send the message that they’re not serious. That perception can bleed into how the other party negotiates as well.
“I’ll take whatever offer comes in.”
Saying this sets the stage for settling. It suggests you’re willing to compromise your financial goals just to get the deal done, and that can encourage your agent to lower their expectations. It also gives the impression that you haven’t established a clear bottom line, which can weaken your stance in negotiations.
A good agent thrives on understanding your boundaries, not navigating vague intentions. Stay decisive, even if you’re feeling uncertain on the inside.
“I don’t want to stage the home—it’s fine as is.”
You might love your quirky decor or minimalist furniture, but potential buyers might not. Staging isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s a strategic move to increase the perceived value of the property. Ignoring your agent’s advice to stage could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Realtors know what sells—and how fast it sells when a space is presented properly. Trusting their staging suggestions can be the difference between a quick, full-price offer and months of stale interest.
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“Let’s price it high—we can always lower it later.”
This tactic can backfire in a big way. Overpricing often leads to a home sitting on the market too long, causing buyers to wonder what’s wrong with it. Once a property goes “stale,” even a price drop might not revive interest or excitement.
Realtors aim to price properties competitively from the start because that’s when the listing gets the most attention. Ignoring their pricing strategy can ultimately net you less, not more.
“I don’t want to do any repairs—let the next owner handle it.”
While it’s understandable not to want to invest more money before selling, this mindset can hurt your sale price. Buyers typically overestimate repair costs and use them as leverage to negotiate down the price. Worse, an “as-is” attitude can signal neglect or lack of care, scaring off otherwise interested buyers.
Your realtor’s job is to help maximize the home’s value—and sometimes that means encouraging strategic upgrades. Small investments now can pay off big later.
“I saw this house on Zillow, and it says it’s worth more than your estimate.”
Online estimators might give you a ballpark figure, but they don’t know your home the way your agent does. Realtors factor in local market conditions, recent comparable sales, and the nuances of your specific property. Bringing up automated estimates can come across as a challenge to your agent’s expertise.
It’s perfectly fine to ask questions—but frame them as curiosity, not confrontation. Your realtor is working with real-time data, not generalized algorithms.
“Don’t show it to anyone below a certain income level.”
This kind of request can raise red flags—not just ethically, but legally. Realtors must follow fair housing laws, and discriminating based on income or other protected characteristics can get everyone into trouble. Plus, you never truly know who the right buyer might be. Some people qualify for substantial financing or have other sources of support that don’t show up on paper. Trust your agent to screen buyers professionally without alienating potential offers.
“Can we skip the open house? I don’t want people in my home.”
While open houses can be inconvenient, they serve a very specific purpose: exposure. More eyes on your property means more chances for the right buyer to fall in love with it. If privacy or safety is a concern, your realtor can discuss other strategies, but outright refusing viewings limits their ability to do their job.
Every missed showing is a missed opportunity. Let them guide the visibility process—they know what draws attention in your market.
“Let’s not bother with professional photos—my phone takes great ones.”
There’s a big difference between casual snapshots and professionally shot, well-lit real estate photography. In today’s digital-first market, photos are often the first—and sometimes only—impression buyers get of your home. Skimping here could result in fewer showings, less interest, and ultimately, lower offers. Realtors recommend pro photos because they know how much presentation influences perception. If you want top dollar, the visual appeal of your listing needs to match the price you’re asking.
“I want to handle negotiations myself.”
Real estate negotiations are complex, emotionally charged, and filled with legal landmines. By sidelining your agent in this crucial stage, you risk saying the wrong thing or missing out on leverage points. Your realtor brings experience, composure, and objectivity—things that are hard to maintain when your own home or dream property is on the line. They know when to push, when to pause, and when to walk away. Let them be your buffer—it’s what you hired them for.
Let Your Realtor Work For You
Great realtors are like skilled chess players—they anticipate the next move, protect your position, and work tirelessly to secure a win. But they can only be as effective as the information and trust you give them. Saying the wrong thing, even unintentionally, can complicate the strategy and cost you money. The next time you’re tempted to go off-script, take a breath and remember that your agent is there to advocate for your best interests.
Have you ever said something to a realtor and regretted it later? Or maybe you’ve learned a lesson the hard way during a sale or purchase?
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