Buying or selling a home is already a lot to handle, and your real estate agent is there to help make it easier. But there are certain things you can say that might actually work against you — and most people have no idea they’re doing it!
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve done this before, these phrases can change how an agent works with you. Trust me, a few of them might surprise you!
1.) What’s the absolute lowest you’ll accept?
Asking an agent this question puts them in a really awkward spot. Their job is to get the best possible price for their client — the seller. So asking them to reveal the seller’s bottom line is basically asking them to betray the person they represent.
Even if they knew the answer, a good agent wouldn’t tell you. Instead, make your best offer based on market research and comparable sales in the area. That’s a much smarter way to negotiate without burning the relationship.
2.) I don’t need a buyer’s agent
Thinking you don’t need a buyer’s agent might seem like a smart way to save money, but it can actually cost you more in the long run. A buyer’s agent represents *your* interests, not the seller’s — and in most cases, the seller pays their commission anyway.
Without one, you could miss out on key negotiation tactics, miss red flags in contracts, or overpay without even knowing it. Telling an agent this right off the bat can also make the conversation a little awkward.
3.) Let’s skip the home inspection
Skipping the home inspection might seem like a smart move to speed things up or make your offer look more competitive — but it can come back to bite you hard. Hidden issues like faulty wiring, roof damage, or plumbing problems can cost thousands to fix after closing.
Your real estate agent will likely push back on this idea, and for good reason. An inspection protects you. Even in a fast-moving market, it’s one step you really don’t want to cut corners on.
4.) I saw this house listed cheaper before
Bringing up an old listing price is a quick way to put your agent on the defensive. Markets move fast, and a price drop from months ago could mean anything — a slow season, a motivated seller, or a fixable issue that’s since been resolved.
Instead of using it as leverage, ask your agent to walk you through the pricing history and what’s changed. You’ll come across as informed, not just trying to haggle, and you’ll actually learn something useful.
5.) Can you cut your commission?
Asking an agent to lower their commission might seem like a smart money move, but it can immediately sour the relationship before it even gets started. Agents work hard — showing homes, handling paperwork, negotiating deals — and that fee reflects their time and effort.
If cost is a concern, there are better ways to bring it up, like asking about their services or comparing agents. Coming right out and demanding a cut can make you look like a difficult client before the search even begins.
6.) I’m just looking, not serious yet
Telling an agent you’re “just browsing” might feel harmless, but it actually signals that you’re not worth their time. Agents work on commission, so they naturally focus on buyers who are ready to move. Saying this phrase can mean you get less attention, fewer callbacks, and slower access to new listings.
Even if you’re early in the process, try framing it differently. Say you’re “actively researching” or “planning to buy within the year.” That keeps agents engaged without locking you into anything.
7.) My friend sold theirs for way more
Every property is different, and what your friend’s home sold for has almost nothing to do with what yours is worth. Location, condition, timing, and a dozen other factors all play a role in the final sale price.
Bringing this up can actually work against you, because it signals to your agent that you might have unrealistic expectations. That makes their job harder before it even starts.
Trust the data your agent pulls from the market — it’s a much more reliable guide than neighborhood gossip.
8.) I don’t want to get pre-approved first
Skipping pre-approval is one of the fastest ways to frustrate your agent. Without it, they have no idea what price range you can actually afford, which makes it hard to narrow down homes worth your time.
Pre-approval also shows sellers you’re serious. In a competitive market, offers from pre-approved buyers often get more attention than those without it.
The process usually takes just a day or two. Get it done early, and your agent can actually do their job well.
9.) Can we write a lowball offer to test them?
Sure, you can write a lowball offer — but don’t announce your strategy to the agent like it’s some clever game plan. Saying this out loud tells them you’re not serious, and they may stop putting in real effort for you.
A low offer is a normal part of negotiating, but the way you frame it matters. Let the numbers do the talking instead. Work with your agent to justify the offer using market data, recent sales, or inspection findings.
10.) I’ll wait for prices to drop more
Waiting for prices to drop sounds smart, but real estate markets don’t always work the way you’d expect. Prices in many areas have stayed high or kept climbing, even when people were sure a crash was coming.
Saying this to your agent also signals that you’re not serious about buying, which can affect how much time and effort they put into helping you. If affordability is a concern, ask about other options like rate buydowns or negotiating closing costs instead.
11.) You work for me, so do what I say
Yes, your agent works hard for you — but treating them like an employee you can boss around will backfire fast. Real estate agents are licensed professionals who follow strict rules, market conditions, and legal guidelines. They can’t just do whatever you want on a whim.
A better approach? Treat it like a partnership. Share your goals clearly, ask questions, and hear them out when they push back. Agents who feel respected are far more motivated to go the extra mile for you.
12.) I found this house myself online first
Sure, you did the legwork and found the listing yourself — but saying this to your agent can come across as dismissive of everything they bring to the table. Their job goes way beyond finding properties.
Agents handle negotiations, paperwork, inspections, and all the back-and-forth that can make or break a deal. Even if you spotted the house first, their expertise is what actually gets you to closing day without major headaches.
Give credit where it’s due, and let them do their job.
13.) Can you tell the seller I’m desperate?
Telling your agent you’re desperate is basically handing the seller all the power. Once that word gets out, you can kiss any chance of negotiating a better price goodbye. Sellers will feel zero pressure to budge on anything.
Even if you absolutely love the house and need to move fast, keep that to yourself. Let your agent do their job. A good agent knows how to show serious interest without tipping your hand and giving the other side an easy win.
14.) What’s wrong with this neighborhood really?
Asking your agent “what’s wrong with this neighborhood really?” puts them in a tough spot. Real estate agents are bound by fair housing laws, which means they legally cannot share opinions about the people, demographics, or overall “vibe” of an area — even if they wanted to.
Instead, do your own homework. Check local crime stats online, visit the neighborhood at different times of day, and talk to residents directly. You’ll get a much more honest picture that way.
15.) I’ll use you to show houses then go FSBO
Using an agent to tour homes and then cutting them out of the deal to sell yourself is a pretty bold move — and agents know when it’s coming.
Real estate agents invest real time and energy into showings, paperwork, and market knowledge. When you hint at going FSBO after using their services, you’re basically saying their work doesn’t deserve payment.
If you’re considering selling on your own, be upfront from the start. Surprises like this damage trust fast and can burn bridges in a small market.
