Selling a house in Chicago can be exciting, but there are certain things sellers should never say when closing a home sale. Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can quickly turn a warm lead cold. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or selling an inherited property, knowing the things sellers should never say when closing a home sale in Chicago can be the difference between sealing the deal and watching it fall apart.
Imagine this: the doorbell rings, and a hopeful buyer stands at your doorstep. They’re eager, interested, and perhaps even picturing themselves living in your home. But then, you make one of those classic seller mistakes—offering too much information or saying the wrong thing—and suddenly their enthusiasm fades. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think.
To help you avoid losing a deal in the final stretch, here are four things you should never say when closing a home sale in Chicago.
#1 “Our house is in perfect condition.”
Even if your home is in great shape, claiming it’s “perfect” is risky. No house is flawless, and buyers know that. This kind of statement can raise red flags, prompting buyers to wonder what you’re trying to conceal. Inspections often uncover minor issues, so saying your home is in “mint condition” could backfire when the report proves otherwise.
Instead, stay honest and let your home speak for itself. Highlight recent updates or improvements, but avoid exaggeration. Let your real estate agent guide the conversation.
#2 “You’re our tenth showing this week.”
Buyers interpret this kind of information in various ways, and not always positively. If you’ve had a lot of showings but no offers, they may assume something is wrong with the house or price. If you’ve had very few showings, they might think it’s overpriced or unpopular.
Either way, there’s no real benefit in discussing how many showings you’ve had. Keep the focus on the buyer’s interest, not on your sales history.
#3 “We’re open to negotiating on price.”
It’s fine to be flexible, but saying this too early can weaken your negotiation power. Buyers may assume you’re desperate to sell and could lowball you. Remember, price is only one component of an offer—timing, contingencies, and terms also matter.
Instead, defer questions about price to your agent. A simple response like, “You’ll need to speak with my real estate agent,” keeps you protected and professional.
#4 “I won’t take less than $xxx, xxx.”
On the flip side, being too rigid can also kill a deal. If you set a hard line in the sand before negotiations begin, buyers may walk away entirely. Most people expect some back-and-forth when making an offer. If they sense that negotiation is off the table, they might not even try.
Keep things open and let your agent handle those tough conversations. Flexibility often leads to better results, not just in price, but in the overall terms of the sale.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the home-selling process in Chicago requires more than just putting a sign in the yard. It’s about presenting your home in the best light while avoiding verbal missteps that can scare buyers away. Knowing what not to say when closing a home sale in Chicago could save your sale—and your sanity.
At Heartland Funding Inc., we specialize in helping homeowners across Chicago and the surrounding areas sell their homes quickly and hassle-free. Whether you’re facing a time crunch, dealing with an inherited property, or simply want to avoid the stress of traditional sales, we’re here to help.
Call us today at (800) 255 – 8250 or fill out our online form below to start your home-selling journey with confidence.