Dangerous Question (No.1): "What Did They Think of My Listing?"
Updated: Jun 24
The listing broker asks, What did they think of my listing?" seems like a harmless question. Most agents answer it because they want to be helpful, liked, or perceived as "nice." They think they are building rapport. But in this business, "nice" can be a very expensive mistake.
Rapport is often the first step toward a serious error that can cost a buyer their dream home or land an agent in hot water with their client.
Silence is your fiduciary duty, and frankly, it's no one's business what the buyer thinks about a listing. The only "feedback" a seller's agent truly needs is a notification of a written offer.
A buyer’s budget, their timeline, and especially their emotional attachment to a house are confidential assets. As an agent, your job is to safeguard those assets, not hand them over for free just because the person on the other end of the phone asked politely. It is perfectly okay to be "un-nice" if it means protecting your client.
The most professional thing you can do is say absolutely nothing at all.
When that listing broker follow-up call comes, you need a practiced response that protects your leverage. Here are three ways to deflect without being rude:
The "Process" Deflection: "My clients are still processing the tour and discussing their options. I’ll be sure to reach out if we move forward."
The "Logistics" Deflection: "We appreciate the access. I’m currently reviewing the disclosures with them and will let you know if an offer is forthcoming."
The "Authorization" Deflection: "My client has not authorized me to disclose specific feedback at this time but thank you for following up. In the meantime, please let me know if your seller has decided on any price reductions or concessions."
An agent's duty is to protect the trust of the client. Before you even pull the lockbox key, ask your clients what type of feedback you are authorized to share with listing agents, if any. In a negotiation, information is currency. Don’t spend it without permission.
Your most valuable asset isn’t your ability to be "polite" on a follow-up call; it’s your client’s trust. Don’t trade it for a moment of rapport building.
Until soon enough,
Jeff.
Championing the Human Parts of Real Estate Since 1979™
About the Author: I am a self-retired real estate professional with a career spanning 47 years. Throughout decades of market changes, I remained dedicated to the idea that real estate is about more than square footage—it’s about the human element. Today, I write about the lessons learned from a lifetime of helping people find the place that truly feels like home, hoping that sharing these insights will help the next generation of agents better serve their clients and find fulfillment in their own careers.
(C) 2026 Jeff Sorg
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