Selling your home is a significant milestone, and choosing the right realtor is one of the smartest moves you can make. Realtors bring expertise in pricing, marketing, and negotiations, but there’s a fine line between transparency and oversharing.
Believe it or not, some things you tell your realtor could work against you when it comes time to list, show, and negotiate your property.
In this guide, we’ll explain precisely what not to tell your realtor when selling, why it matters, and how to keep your best interests front and center.
1. I Need to Sell Fast, No Matter the Price
One of the worst things you can reveal is desperation. If you tell your realtor you’re willing to accept “any offer” or are desperate to move quickly, it may unintentionally signal that your bottom line is flexible. While your realtor must act in your best interest, that information can subconsciously affect how they position your home and negotiate on your behalf.
👉 Instead: Emphasize your timeline but remain firm about your goals. For example, “I’d like to sell in 60 days, but I’m focused on getting market value.”
2. This is the Lowest Price I’ll accept
Disclosing your rock-bottom number right away can hurt your leverage. Real estate is a negotiation game, and your realtor doesn’t need to know the absolute floor unless you’re at the final stage of an offer. If your realtor knows your lowest number, they may settle too quickly instead of pushing for more.
👉 Instead: Share your desired price range and let the market test the waters before setting strict limits.
3. I’ll Take the First Offer That Comes In
It’s tempting to want a quick sale, but announcing that you’ll grab the first offer signals you’re unwilling to negotiate. Many buyers make low initial offers, testing your flexibility. If your realtor believes you’ll accept anything early, they may not push back as hard.
👉 Instead: Stay open-minded, but evaluate every offer with care. Before deciding, ask your realtor for a breakdown of market comps, terms, and contingencies.
4. We’re in a Rush Because of Personal Issues
Divorce, debt, or job relocation are private matters that don’t belong in the negotiation room. If your realtor knows you’re under personal or financial strain, even unintentionally, it could shape their sense of urgency. The wrong buyer or agent may also sense your vulnerability, which could cost you money.
👉 Instead: Keep personal motivations brief. A simple, “We’re planning a move out of state,” is enough detail.
5. The House Has a Lot of Problems
While sellers are legally obligated to disclose known defects, oversharing every squeaky hinge or cosmetic flaw can scare off potential buyers before they even tour the property.
Your realtor doesn’t need a running list of every tiny imperfection; focus only on issues that must be disclosed legally.
👉 Instead: Fix what you can, highlight the home’s strengths, and disclose required information honestly but strategically.
6. I Already Know What My Home Is Worth
Many sellers pull a number from online calculators or neighborhood gossip and assume it’s accurate. Telling your realtor you’ve already decided your home’s value can limit their ability to market effectively. Overpricing often leads to longer time on the market, while underpricing leaves money on the table.
👉 Instead: Listen to your realtor’s comparative market analysis (CMA) and use their expertise to set the right price.
7. I’ll Handle Marketing Myself
Some sellers think they can save money by snapping phone photos or posting the home on social media. However, professional marketing, from high-quality photos and staging to MLS exposure and digital advertising, gets top dollar. If you dismiss your realtor’s marketing plan, you risk weakening your listing.
👉 Instead: Ask how your realtor plans to market the property and work with them to maximize visibility.
Why It Matters
Your realtor is your partner, not your confessor. Sharing too much about your finances, personal life, or hard limits could weaken your negotiating position. The goal is to collaborate while controlling what truly affects your home sale.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll give your realtor the room to do their job while keeping your financial interests safe.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home is equal parts strategy and patience. Your realtor doesn’t need to know every private detail; they need just enough to guide you through pricing, staging, and negotiations effectively. Protecting your information ensures you maintain leverage and secure the best possible outcome.
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