Every Real Estate Agent’s Biggest Fear
Key Takeaways:
Clients who trust Zestimates over you? Yikes.
“Let’s list high and see what happens” is not a pricing strategy.
FSBO isn’t a flex — it’s a fast track to chaos.
Big banks and lowball offers often derail smooth closings.
Marriage is about compromise… but let’s leave the discount brokers out of it.
Humor can be your strongest marketing tool — especially when your audience sees themselves in the punchline.
We’ve all heard the saying: “Marriage is a partnership.” But if you’re a real estate agent, you know there are certain partnership dynamics that’ll have you questioning not just the deal… but the relationship too.
This post is for the agents who’ve nearly pulled their hair out when a client goes rogue. You know the ones: they come in hot with Zillow screenshots, outdated market ideas, and a cousin who “flipped a house once so they know what they’re doing.”
And what better way to cope than to laugh it off? Because if you didn’t laugh… you’d probably cry into your CMA binder.
Let’s break down the worst-case scenarios in every agent’s dating… I mean, client nightmares.
1. “What if they trust the Zestimate?”
There’s nothing quite like a buyer or seller who insists, “But Zillow says my house is worth $670,000.”
It doesn’t matter that:
The Zestimate doesn’t know about the half-finished basement
It hasn’t accounted for the power lines behind the house
The recent comp next door was $100K lower
They’ve seen a number, they like it, and now you’re the bad guy for bringing real data to the table.
Why it’s scary:
Because suddenly your years of experience, your local market knowledge, and your appraiser-level insight all get tossed aside for an algorithm that’s never stepped foot in their neighborhood.
Agent tip:
A great way to educate gently? Frame it like this:
“Zestimates are a good starting point — kind of like Googling your symptoms. But it’s not the same as having a professional look at the actual property.”
2. “What if they want to use a discount broker?”
Marriage is about compromise. But compromising on your representation in the biggest financial decision of your life?
Yikes.
The temptation is understandable. Everyone loves a deal. But working with a discount broker is kind of like:
Hiring a mechanic who’s never changed oil
Getting a wedding planner who only handles one guest
Ordering steak and getting tofu
Sure, the price tag looks good — until you realize what wasn’t included.
Why it’s scary:
Because good representation isn't about flashy ads — it's about negotiation skills, market expertise, and someone who actually answers the phone.
Agent tip:
Use analogies. “Would you want the cheapest surgeon working on you — or the best one?” When clients understand the real value you bring, price becomes less of an objection.
3. “What if they want to ‘price high and see what happens’?”
Ah yes — the classic pricing strategy from the School of Wishful Thinking.
You’ve run the comps. You’ve laid out the absorption rates. You’ve explained the danger of stale listings.
And they still say:
“Let’s just price it high. We can always lower it later.”
Which, of course, ignores:
The importance of hitting the market hot
The fact that the most serious buyers come in immediately
How overpricing can lead to fewer offers, longer time on market, and ultimately a lower sale price
Why it’s scary:
Because their ego-driven price strategy can tank your marketing strategy — and reflect poorly on your ability, even when it’s not your fault.
Agent tip:
Try the “glass of milk” analogy:
“If you put a glass of milk out for buyers and it sits too long, it starts to spoil. Same goes for overpriced listings.”
4. “What if they want to FSBO?”
For Sale By Owner.
Three words that send a chill down an agent’s spine — and maybe their soul.
They think they’re saving money. But what they often end up with is:
Underpricing (or wildly overpricing)
Legal issues from incomplete disclosures
Poor-quality marketing photos (hello, ceiling fans)
No strategy for handling negotiations or inspections
And let’s not forget:
Missed exposure on the MLS
Time wasted dealing with unqualified buyers
Stress that could have been outsourced to, well… you.
Why it’s scary:
Because you know the mess that’s coming — and there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll be called after things go sideways.
Agent tip:
Be proactive. Offer a free FSBO resource to help guide them. When they realize what’s missing, they’ll be more likely to call you back.
5. “What if they say, ‘Let’s lowball and see what happens’?”
It’s always fun when a buyer watches one too many HGTV shows and thinks they’re about to score a $600K home for $490K because “it doesn’t hurt to try.”
Actually, it does hurt:
It hurts your credibility in the eyes of the seller
It risks alienating the listing agent (especially in smaller markets)
It often closes the door to negotiations entirely
Why it’s scary:
Because when the client won’t listen to logic or market data, your job becomes part agent, part therapist.
Agent tip:
Show hard stats. “In this neighborhood, homes are selling at 98% of list price. A lowball offer will likely just get ignored — not negotiated.”
6. “What if they want to use a big national bank as their lender?”
Look, not all lenders are created equal. And while big banks may have name recognition, they often lack:
Responsive communication
Local market understanding
Flexibility for fast-paced offer timelines
Nothing derails a deal faster than a lender who ghosts during underwriting or refuses to issue a pre-approval on weekends.
Why it’s scary:
Because you are the one holding the bag when a deal falls through — even if the issue had nothing to do with your side of the transaction.
Agent tip:
Always have your preferred local lenders on deck. Educate clients early: “The lender you choose is just as important as the home you buy. We need someone who can move quickly and answer calls after 5pm.”
Don’t Just Sell Homes — Sell Your Personality
Part of what makes great agents stand out is the ability to mix expertise with personality. Humor is a shortcut to trust, relatability, and memorability.
The Agent Toolkit helps you simplify your content strategy, elevate your brand, and show up consistently — without spending hours brainstorming post ideas.
Because your job is already hard enough. Your marketing shouldn’t be.