House & Home
Tue, November 25, 2025
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Keep Your Language Neutral--Avoid Assuming the Sale Is Done
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Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 0:42 GMT by wjla- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
What Not to Say When Selling Your Home – A 500‑Word Guide
When you’re putting a house on the market, every word you utter can tip the balance between a quick sale and a prolonged, costly negotiation. The WJLA.com article “What Not to Say When Selling” (part of the channel’s “Money & Mortgages” section) is a concise yet thorough warning list that home‑owners and real‑estate agents alike can use to avoid common pitfalls. Below is a full summary of the key take‑aways, a look at the supporting resources linked in the piece, and some practical tips for keeping your conversations on the right track.
1. Keep Your Language Neutral – Don’t Make the Sale an Assumption
The article opens with the simple, yet powerful, rule: “Say what you want, but don’t assume the sale is done.” One of the most damaging statements a seller can make is “I’m going to sell this house for X dollars.” This can lock you into a figure that buyers may feel they can easily beat. Instead, say something like “I’m looking for an offer in the range of X to Y” or “Let’s find a fair price for both of us.” By keeping the conversation open, you allow the market and the buyer’s offer to guide the final figure.
Link highlighted in the article: WJLA’s “How to Price Your Home” guide. This resource offers an algorithmic approach to setting an initial listing price that reflects current market trends rather than a seller’s subjective wish.
2. Avoid “I Can’t Make That Deal”
Sellers often think that they can walk away from every concession, but the piece reminds us that buyers rarely agree to an “as‑is” or “no repairs” policy unless the price is dramatically lower. Saying “I can’t make any repairs” or “I can’t reduce my price” can cause the buyer to drop out or hold out for a lower offer. The article suggests instead that sellers frame their limitations in a collaborative way, such as “I’m willing to discuss a partial repair credit if the buyer finds an issue.”
Supporting resource: “The Negotiation Toolkit” (linked from the article) – a PDF that offers sample phrases to keep the negotiation constructive.
3. Don’t Reveal Your Financial Constraints
A seller might be tempted to say “I’m on a tight budget, so you can’t push the price any higher,” hoping buyers will lower their expectations. The article points out that this can make the seller seem inflexible or desperate. Rather than revealing how much you need to make, keep your statements focused on the property’s value: “This house has a lot of potential. I’m looking for a serious buyer who sees that potential.”
4. Avoid “I Think Your Offer is Low” Without Context
When a buyer presents an offer that falls short, the article cautions against a defensive “I think your offer is low.” The problem is that buyers rarely understand why the seller feels the offer is insufficient. The article recommends using the “value‑based” approach: “Here’s a quick breakdown of comparable sales that shows why this price aligns with the market.” This keeps the conversation objective and reduces emotional friction.
The piece links to WJLA’s “Comparables 101” article which explains how to research nearby sales for a data‑driven pricing argument.
5. Do Not Commit to a Closing Date Before the Offer Is Final
Sellers often say “I need you to close by the end of the month” to create a sense of urgency. However, the article explains that buyers have a right to negotiate a closing date, and making a firm statement can backfire if the seller suddenly can’t meet that timeline. Instead, say “I’m hoping to close in a timely fashion” and let the buyer propose a realistic date.
6. Avoid “I’m Only Working With One Agent”
The article notes that some sellers insist on using a single real‑estate agent, hoping that exclusivity will speed things up. In practice, buyers may have their own preferred agents, and a single‑agent approach can discourage other buyers from coming to the table. Instead, maintain openness: “I’m working with a top agent, but I’m happy to collaborate with other buyers’ representatives.”
7. Steer Clear of “I’ve Never Sold a House Before”
While many first‑time sellers genuinely have no previous sales experience, the article warns that saying “I’ve never sold a house before” can unintentionally convey a lack of knowledge or confidence. Instead, emphasize the research you’ve done: “I’ve looked at market trends and set a fair asking price.”
8. Avoid “You Need to Pay for My Closing Costs”
In some markets, it is common for sellers to request a “closing cost credit.” The article tells sellers that outright demands are risky: buyers may feel the seller is being unreasonable. A better approach is to mention the potential for a credit within a negotiated counter‑offer: “I can consider a small closing‑cost credit if we agree on the price.”
Supporting link: WJLA’s “Negotiating Closing Costs” guide. This resource offers a step‑by‑step flowchart for handling closing‑cost discussions.
9. Don’t Mention “I’m Not Interested in the Buyer’s Mortgage”
Sometimes sellers are skeptical of a buyer’s financing. The article explains that outright dismissals (“I don’t care about your mortgage”) can damage trust. A more productive approach is to say, “I prefer buyers with a confirmed pre‑approval,” or “Let me know if you have financing ready so we can move forward.”
10. Avoid “Let’s Call It a Day” When Negotiation Is Still Ongoing
If a seller says “Let’s call it a day” too early, it signals that they’re unwilling to consider any counter‑offer, even if the buyer is willing to adjust terms. The article advises using phrases such as, “I appreciate your offer, and I’m willing to discuss any adjustments that work for both sides.”
Key Take‑Away Lessons
- Language Shapes Perception – Every sentence you use sets the tone for negotiation. Neutral, data‑driven language wins over emotional or hard‑border statements.
- Transparency Is a Tool, Not a Liability – While you shouldn’t reveal every detail of your financial situation, you can and should communicate value and flexibility.
- Keep the Buyer Involved – Phrases that put the buyer at a disadvantage (e.g., “you need to pay my closing costs”) create friction. Instead, frame concessions as mutual benefits.
- Leverage Resources – WJLA’s additional articles provide templates, comparables, and negotiation checklists that sellers can incorporate into their conversation.
Supporting Resources (Linked in the Original Article)
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| How to Price Your Home | A step‑by‑step guide for determining an accurate listing price using market data. |
| Comparables 101 | Explains how to read recent sales data in your area to support your asking price. |
| Negotiating Closing Costs | A flowchart that shows common approaches to offering or requesting closing‑cost credits. |
| The Negotiation Toolkit | A downloadable PDF with sample dialogue and phrases that help keep discussions constructive. |
These links provide the practical framework that the article recommends, turning the theoretical rules into actionable strategies.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home is as much about psychology as it is about dollars. By avoiding the phrases highlighted in WJLA’s article and using the supportive tools it links to, sellers can maintain the flow of conversation, keep buyers engaged, and ultimately close the deal faster and at a price that reflects the true market value. Remember: the words you choose are not just a reflection of your intention; they’re a strategic tool that can make or break your sale.
Read the Full wjla Article at:
[ https://wjla.com/money/mortgages/what-not-to-say-when-selling ]
