real_estate Objections

"Your commission is too high / I want to negotiate the commission"

Commission is the only cost that's 100% negotiable on both sides. What's your target rate — let's see if we can make the math work.

4 responses

"I want to sell it myself (FSBO)"

FSBO works — for the 11% who don't end up using an agent anyway. Want to know the data before you commit?

4 responses

"The other agent said they'd list it for less"

Less per listing fee means nothing if they sell for $30K less. What did they estimate your home would sell for?

4 responses

"I think we should wait until the market improves"

Waiting for a better market is the most expensive timing decision in real estate. What's your carrying cost per month — mortgage, taxes, insurance?

4 responses

"We've decided to rent it out instead"

Being a landlord is a job — what's your plan when the toilet breaks at 11pm and the tenant hasn't paid in 60 days?

4 responses

"My neighbor sold for more last year"

Last year was a different market — interest rates were lower, inventory was tighter. Want to pull actual comparable data for today's conditions?

4 responses

"Zillow says it's worth more than your CMA"

Zillow's estimate is a starting point — it doesn't account for your specific floor plan, recent upgrades, or neighborhood nuances. I've seen it off by $80K on this street.

4 responses

"I need to talk to my spouse / partner"

Absolutely — this is a decision you should make together. What do you think the biggest concern is going to be?

4 responses

"We already have an agent in the family"

No pressure — family agents can be great, and they have the best intentions. The question is whether you're getting the full market strategy or just a transaction.

4 responses

"Let's just try it at my price for 30 days"

Overpricing and then dropping is one of the top reasons homes sit on market. It also signals to buyers that something's wrong. What's your real motivation for that number?

4 responses

"The inspection came back with issues — buyer wants to walk"

Buyers walk when they feel surprised. The fix is often not the inspection findings — it's how they're communicated. What did the report show?

4 responses

"Buyer's financing fell through"

Financing issues happen — but they're rarely the final answer. What type of loan were they using, and what did the lender say the problem was?

4 responses

"Cash offer is too low"

Cash is worth a premium — but not infinite. How far below ask is the offer? Sometimes the gap is closer than it looks.

4 responses

"I don't want to do any repairs / I want to sell as-is"

As-is is fine — but even cosmetic fixes often return 3x their cost at sale. What are the areas you'd be most worried about a buyer flagging?

4 responses

"We're not in a rush"

Not being in a rush is great — but your mortgage doesn't know that. What are you actually paying per month to hold this property?

4 responses

"What if it doesn't sell?"

It will sell — if it's priced correctly and marketed well. The real question is: what would make you feel confident this won't sit on market for months?

4 responses

"Can you guarantee it sells in 30 days?"

No honest agent can guarantee that — but I can tell you what I'll do in the first 72 hours to give it the best shot.

4 responses

"Why do I need a buyer's agent — I can go direct to the listing agent"

The listing agent legally represents the seller — they're already taken. If you walk in solo, you have no one in your corner.

4 responses

"Dual agency makes me uncomfortable"

That's a smart instinct — and in most markets you can decline it. The listing agent can still represent the seller while you bring in your own buyer's agent.

4 responses

"Open houses don't sell homes anymore"

Open houses are the worst way to sell a home — except for all the other ways that are worse. What have you heard specifically?

4 responses