1. “Your Home’s Price Is More About Emotion Than Market Value”
Real estate agents know that buyers often make emotional decisions, which can inflate home prices. They may encourage sellers to stage homes in ways that pull at heartstrings rather than focusing solely on market data. This strategy can lead buyers to pay more than they initially planned.
2. “We’re Juggling Multiple Clients at Once”
Most agents work with several buyers and sellers simultaneously, meaning they can’t always give your transaction their full attention. While they may assure you that you’re their top priority, the reality is that their time and focus are often divided.
3. “Open Houses Rarely Lead to Sales”
While open houses are often marketed as a key selling tool, they’re more beneficial for agents to attract new clients than for selling your property. Most serious buyers schedule private viewings, making open houses less effective than you might think.
4. “The Commission Is Negotiable”
Agents rarely advertise that their commission isn’t set in stone. Sellers can negotiate for a lower percentage, especially in competitive markets, but many agents avoid bringing this up unless asked directly.
5. “We Prefer You Use Our Recommended Lender”
Agents often have relationships with specific lenders, inspectors, or contractors, which may benefit them more than you. While these recommendations can be convenient, it’s always a good idea to shop around for better options.
6. “The Asking Price Isn’t Always Realistic”
Sometimes agents suggest listing a home at a higher price to please the seller or test the market, even if they know it’s unlikely to sell at that price. This can lead to longer time on the market and eventual price reductions.
7. “We Prioritize Quick Sales Over High Offers”
Agents earn their commission faster when a sale closes quickly, so they may subtly push you toward accepting a lower offer to expedite the process. A higher offer may take longer to negotiate or risk falling through, which could delay their paycheck.
8. “Staging Is About Optics, Not Necessity”
While staging can make a home more visually appealing, it’s often an upsell tactic that doesn’t always guarantee a higher selling price. Agents may not tell you that staging is optional, depending on your property and market conditions.
9. “We’re Not Always Market Experts”
Not all agents are well-versed in the specific neighborhoods or markets they serve. Some rely on generic market trends and may lack the hyper-local knowledge needed to make the best recommendations for your situation.
10. “Dual Agency Can Be a Conflict of Interest”
When an agent represents both the buyer and the seller, their ability to advocate for your best interests may be compromised. They’re incentivized to close the deal quickly rather than negotiate aggressively for either side.
11. “The Final Sale Price Depends More on Timing Than Anything Else”
Market conditions, seasonality, and even local events often dictate how much a home will sell for. Agents may not emphasize how important timing is, as they prefer to keep transactions moving regardless of market fluctuations.
12. “The First Offer Is Often the Best Offer”
Agents know that the first offer you receive is frequently the strongest because buyers are most motivated early in the process. However, they might not share this outright if they think you’re holding out for more, risking a longer time on the market.
