Things We Say to Clients
In real estate, communication is key. As agents, we rely on clear, consistent messaging to guide clients through buying and selling. There are many things we say to clients repeatedly, from listing appointments to closings. In this episode of Hustle Humbly, we share the phrases we use most often, why they matter, and how they help ease client concerns. Whether you’re a new agent looking for guidance or a seasoned professional refining your approach, these common real estate phrases can help improve your client interactions.
Pricing a Home: There’s No Magic Number
When discussing listing prices with sellers, one of the things we say to clients is, “There’s no magic number.” Pricing a home is an educated decision based on market data, but it’s never an exact science. We explain that the right price falls within a range based on comparable sales, condition, and market demand. Sellers also ask about minor price adjustments, but we remind them, “We will adjust accordingly,” meaning we rely on market feedback rather than guessing.
Another common phrase we use is, “We don’t want to miss the market.” If a home is overpriced, buyers may overlook it, and reducing the price later might not regain interest. Setting the right price from the start helps maximize visibility and offers.
Common Buyer Concerns
Buyers often feel anxious about making the right decision. To reassure them, we say, “You never know when the perfect house will pop up.” This helps remind buyers that new listings appear every day, and patience is important.
We also tell them, “No house is perfect.” Buyers often hesitate when a home isn’t 100% ideal, but we help them weigh pros and cons to determine if it meets their needs. If they struggle with deciding, we ask, “Would you be sad if it sold?” This helps clarify their level of interest.
If a buyer worries about future resale value, we acknowledge their concerns while being honest: “I don’t have a crystal ball.” We provide data and insight but remind them that markets fluctuate.
Helping Sellers Prepare
Getting a home ready for sale can be overwhelming. One of the things we say to clients is, “Your house looks totally different when you’re trying to sell it.” Sellers may love their décor, but buyers prefer neutral spaces. We use terms like “style-specific” to gently explain why some updates, like removing floral drapes, will increase appeal.
To emphasize staging, we say, “We need to increase our buyer pool.” A well-prepared home attracts more interest, leading to better offers. We also remind sellers, “If I can smell it, I can’t sell it,” highlighting the importance of eliminating odors before showings.
Negotiations and Market Adjustments
During negotiations, we emphasize flexibility. When clients ask about making repairs versus offering a credit, we advise, “Money is always better than repairs.” Buyers often prefer handling updates themselves, and offering a credit avoids unnecessary work for the seller.
When discussing price reductions, we say, “I don’t do a lot of price reductions, but when I do, I make sure they put us in a new bracket.” Small reductions often don’t attract new buyers, so price adjustments should be strategic.
Setting Expectations and Boundaries
Real estate transactions come with high emotions, so we set clear expectations. When a client needs more time to decide, we say, “It’s okay if you aren’t ready—I’m not going anywhere.” This reassures them that we’ll be available when they’re ready to move forward.
We also set professional boundaries. Instead of overcommitting, we say, “I have an appointment at that time,” maintaining a work-life balance while remaining responsive.
Conclusion
Effective communication is essential in real estate, and having go-to phrases helps streamline client conversations. These things we say to clients provide clarity, build trust, and ensure smoother transactions.
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