1. “We’re Not in a Hurry—Take Your Time.”
Telling your agent you’re in no rush can unintentionally move your search to the back burner. Agents often prioritize clients with clear timelines because urgency affects how quickly they scout properties. If you actually have a preferred move-in date, this statement can work against you. It’s always better to communicate honestly so they can plan strategically.
When agents think they have unlimited time, they may not alert you to homes that sell fast. In a competitive market, that can mean losing opportunities that fit your needs. A clear timeline helps your agent monitor listings more closely. It also ensures they’re ready to act quickly when the right home appears.
2. “We Can Go Up to $X If We Need To.”
Revealing your maximum budget in front of sellers or other agents can hurt your negotiating power. Even casual comments at an open house can give the wrong people leverage. Your agent only needs to know your budget privately so they can negotiate without exposing your limits. Oversharing can raise seller expectations unnecessarily.
Markets move quickly, and sellers often listen closely for financial clues. If they sense you can stretch higher, they may counter at a level you didn’t intend. Keeping your ceiling confidential protects your strategy. Let your agent decide what information strengthens your position.
3. “We’ll Offer Low Just to See What Happens.”
Starting unrealistically low can make sellers take your offer less seriously. In competitive markets, this approach can get your offer ignored altogether. Your agent knows what constitutes a fair range based on local sales data. Trusting their guidance helps you avoid losing out to stronger, more realistic offers.
Sellers often view extremely low offers as a sign you aren’t serious. That can hurt future negotiations if you try again on the same property. A smarter strategy is a well-calculated offer that reflects true market value. It shows respect for the process while still leaving room for negotiation.
4. “We Love This House More Than Anything!”
Expressing too much enthusiasm can weaken your bargaining power. If a seller hears you’re emotionally attached, they may be less flexible on price or terms. Agents need room to negotiate without appearing desperate. Keeping excitement measured helps maintain strategic leverage.
Sellers often gauge buyer emotion to predict how much they can push. Overstating your love for a property can telegraph that you’ll accept unfavorable conditions. Staying neutral gives your agent a better chance of securing concessions. Save the excitement for after the deal closes.
5. “We Don’t Need to Be Pre-Approved Yet.”
Skipping pre-approval early can slow your search. Agents rely on that letter to know your true buying power and to move quickly on new listings. Without it, sellers may not take your offer seriously. Pre-approval shows commitment and increases your credibility.
Many homes attract multiple offers, and sellers often favor buyers with documented financing. Not having pre-approval can put you behind buyers who are ready to act. Your agent needs that proof to negotiate confidently. Getting it done early makes the entire process smoother.
6. “Can We Tour Homes Way Outside Our Price Range?”
Viewing homes far above your budget can waste time and create unrealistic expectations. Agents want to help, but they also need clear boundaries to narrow the search. Touring unaffordable properties can make reasonably priced homes feel disappointing. Staying within range helps everyone stay focused.
Each showing requires coordination, scheduling, and sometimes agent fees. When the homes aren’t viable options, it diverts energy from finding something that fits. Your agent can offer alternatives that match your budget more closely. This keeps your search productive and grounded.
7. “We Want to Switch Agents If This Doesn’t Work Fast.”
Threatening to switch agents adds unnecessary pressure and rarely helps the process. Buying a home depends heavily on market conditions, not just agent effort. Good agents appreciate communication, not ultimatums. Expressing concerns respectfully leads to better results.
When agents feel threatened, trust and collaboration can break down. That makes it harder to work effectively together. Sharing what’s not working is far more productive. A strong partnership usually leads to better outcomes than pressure tactics.
8. “The Zestimate Says This Home Is Overpriced.”
Online estimates are helpful data points, but they’re not full appraisals. They can’t account for upgrades, neighborhood nuances, or current competition. Agents use detailed market analysis to determine fair pricing. Dismissing their expertise based on an algorithm can derail productive conversations.
Sellers also know online estimates are imperfect. Using them as leverage may make negotiations more contentious. It’s smarter to rely on recent comparable sales that your agent can explain clearly. This approach leads to more grounded and persuasive discussions.
9. “My Friend Said We Should Do It This Way.”
Well-meaning friends often give advice without understanding your market or situation. Their experience may not apply to your timeline, location, or financial goals. Agents base recommendations on data, not anecdotes. Mixing too many outside opinions can create confusion and delays.
Friends aren’t liable for your transaction outcomes, but your agent is accountable. That makes their advice more tailored and reliable. Bringing in conflicting guidance can undermine your strategy. Trust the professional you’ve hired to guide your purchase.
10. “We Don’t Want to Compromise on Anything.”
While it’s great to know your priorities, rigid expectations can limit your options. Most buyers need to balance must-haves with realistic market conditions. Agents can help you identify where compromise won’t hurt your long-term goals. Being open-minded expands your opportunities.
Housing inventory is rarely perfect, and waiting for the “unicorn home” can take months or years. Flexibility helps you move forward without sacrificing essential features. Your agent can help you separate negotiable items from true dealbreakers. This makes the search more efficient and less stressful.
11. “Don’t Tell the Seller We Found Problems—We Want the House.”
Hiding issues discovered during inspections can backfire legally and financially. Agents need honest information to negotiate repairs or credits properly. If you conceal concerns, you risk buying a home with expensive surprises. Transparency helps your agent protect your interests.
Inspection findings are part of the normal process and rarely threaten a deal on their own. Sellers expect negotiations around repairs, so speaking up is appropriate. Your agent can request concessions that save you money. Skipping that step means losing a major buyer protection.
12. “We’ll Just Figure Out the Money Later.”
Unclear finances can jeopardize closing. Agents need to know your down payment sources, loan type, and comfort level with monthly costs. This allows them to match you with homes that fit your financial reality. Hoping details will magically resolve creates unnecessary risk.
Lenders verify everything, so delays can occur if you aren’t fully prepared. Surprises at the last minute can cost you the deal. Your agent can help you anticipate and plan for every financial step if you’re upfront. Solid preparation keeps the entire transaction on track.
This post NEVER Say This to Your Real Estate Agent When Buying a Home! was first published on Greenhouse Black.
