10 Things You Should Never Say to a Real Estate Agent
Buying or selling a home is nothing like placing a quick order for food. It relies on timing, paperwork, and a working relationship built on trust. Agents cannot guess what you want, yet they notice signals that show how prepared or committed you are. Some comments, even if said casually, can change their impression of your approach to the process. The list below covers ten statements that are better left out of any conversation with a real estate agent.
“I Want to Work With a Few Agents and See Who Finds Something First”
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It may sound practical, but agents usually take it as a sign that you want their time without offering any real commitment. Since they only earn a commission when a deal closes, they focus on clients who show they are serious. If you are not ready to sign a buyer’s agency agreement, you cannot expect steady attention or priority service.
“Can You Just Tell Me How to Sell My House Myself?”
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It comes across a bit like asking a lawyer how to win a case without hiring them. Selling a home relies on market insight, experience, and negotiation skills, so expecting an agent to hand over the full process for free can feel dismissive of their work.
“We’re Not in a Hurry, So We’ll Wait for the Perfect House”
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While patience sounds mature, this line often bumps you to the bottom of an agent’s list. Agents invest their time in clients ready to act. Saying you’re flexible on timing is fine, but without giving the impression that you’re here to window-shop.
“Zillow Says My House Is Worth $750,000”
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Agents hear this often, and they usually take it in stride. Zillow’s estimates rely on algorithms that cannot account for a home’s condition, upgrades, or the feel of a specific street. Even Zillow acknowledges that their numbers can miss the mark by a wide margin. A real pricing assessment comes from studying real comps, current demand, and the details that make your home unique.
“We’re Approved for $600,000!”
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That number helps your lender, but broadcasting it gives away negotiating power. If sellers know your ceiling, they’ll expect you to hit it. A better approach is to share your range. Something like “We’re looking in the mid-to-high 500s” helps your agent stay on track without giving sellers ammunition during offers.
“Real-A-Tor”
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The correct term is “Realtor,” pronounced Real-ter, two syllables. It’s a trademarked title used only by members of the National Association of Realtors. While most agents won’t correct you, the mistake makes it clear you’re unfamiliar with the profession—and in a negotiation-heavy industry, that matters.
“Can You Show Us This House Even Though You’re Not Our Agent?”
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If you’re already working with someone, going around them to a listing agent is awkward and professionally disrespectful. The agents involved split commissions, and protocols prevent confusion and conflict. Want to see a place? Let your agent arrange it. They know how to navigate that process fairly and legally.
“We’ll Offer $400,000, But We’re Willing to Go Higher”
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This is like showing your poker hand before the first card is dealt. If you hint at wiggle room, the seller has no reason to negotiate. Let your agent present your offer cleanly. If it’s rejected, then you can reassess. Playing coy usually guarantees you’ll spend more than you planned.
“If Someone Else Bids, Let Us Know So We Can Beat It”
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Agents have a legal duty to keep offers confidential. Even if your heart’s in the right place, trying to outbid unknown numbers creates confusion, and sometimes resentment. Focus on your strongest offer from the start, and let your agent guide you through fair, legal counter strategies.
“Why Is This Neighborhood So Safe or Unsafe?”
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Fair housing laws prevent agents from discussing neighborhood safety, school quality, or anything that could lead to discrimination. Instead of putting your agent in a tight spot, check public databases or talk to local office departments. Agents can guide you toward research tools, but they can’t make those judgments for you.