The Real Estate Mistake That Costs You: Jumping the Gun
Jumping the gun in real estate is the real estate mistake that costs you—not just money, but time, energy, and credibility. Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, excitement over a new lead or offer can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decisions. In this episode, we unpack real-world stories about agents jumping the gun and the unnecessary pain that follows.
Overconfidence Leads to Disappointment
New agents especially fall into the trap of counting commissions before deals are solid. Seeing dollar signs too early leads to hasty decisions, bad client management, and wasted effort. It’s crucial to stay calm, think rationally, and keep expectations grounded until the deal has cleared major hurdles like inspections and financing.
The Danger of Not Vetting Offers Properly
In one case, a new agent accepted an offer without confirming the buyer’s financing. Two weeks later, the deal was falling apart—and the agent didn’t even know who the lender was. The real estate mistake that costs you here is failing to do basic due diligence. Always confirm loan type, check the pre-approval, and contact the lender before celebrating.
Jumping the Gun with Listings Hurts Everyone
Calling a seller too soon with the news of an offer can create false hope. Offers fall through. Buyers get cold feet. If you call your seller before verifying the offer’s legitimacy, you drag them onto the emotional roller coaster with you. Stay professional—verify first, celebrate second.
Write Offers with a Plan, Not on Emotion
Buyers often fall in love with a home and want to submit an offer immediately. Agents must slow the process down and verify financials, closing costs, and loan type. Submitting an offer before understanding the numbers is a common and costly real estate mistake.
Multiple Offers? Don’t Rush to Accept
Even if you receive an offer close to asking, pause. Contact agents who’ve shown the property and ask if their clients are still interested. Accepting an offer too quickly can mean leaving money on the table. Give everyone a fair chance before committing.
Prepare Your Sellers the Right Way
Don’t jump the gun by listing a property before it’s ready. No photos, no listing. No disclosures, no listing. Create a checklist. Require sellers to complete all prep work before booking a photographer. When agents skip this, they create unnecessary delays and stress—and that’s a real estate mistake that costs you.
Repair Requests Require Strategy
When repair requests come in, agents should not forward them blindly. Take time to break down the items, categorize them (HVAC, plumbing, DIY), and provide clarity to your sellers. This can prevent frustration and help avoid last-minute issues at final walkthroughs.
Be the Guide, Not the Cheerleader
Clients need a steady hand, not a hype person. Keep their emotions in check, manage expectations, and educate them every step of the way. If your client isn’t ready—financially or emotionally—don’t move forward. You’re not being a downer. You’re protecting them from making the real estate mistake that costs you both.
Set Standards for Listings
When sellers call with excitement about listing based on a neighbor’s inflated price, don’t rush out the door. Do your research. Share the real numbers. Require them to do homework before you step foot in their home. This sets a professional tone and ensures your time is respected.
Final Takeaway: Slow Down to Speed Up
Getting excited is natural. But acting too fast—without information, preparation, or confirmation—is the real estate mistake that costs you. Every case study in this episode proves that slowing down leads to better outcomes. So, temper the excitement, stick to your systems, and save the celebration for closing day.
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