Part 1: “It’s Best Not to Put a Price on Your Property”
Welcome to the first post in our new series, “Why Did That Agent Say That?” – where we lift the lid on some of the cryptic, confusing, or downright manipulative things real estate agents say to buyers and sellers.
If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with an agent scratching your head or feeling unsure about what just happened, you’re not alone. The truth is, most people only buy or sell a home a few times in their lives. Meanwhile, agents do this day in and day out – and unfortunately, some use that imbalance of experience to push their own agenda, rather than supporting yours.
Here’s the kicker: if someone is genuinely good at communication, it should feel easy to talk to them – not intimidating or confusing. And yet, we all know that in real estate, that’s not always the case.
So, let’s get stuck into the first red flag phrase you might hear:
“It’s best not to put a price on your property.”
This one gets thrown around a lot. Agents tell sellers that not putting a price on the home will attract more buyers, create more competition, and allow the “market to decide the value.”
Sounds harmless enough, right? But here’s what’s really going on – and none of it has to do with helping you get the best result.
💬 Reason #1:
The seller wants a big number, and the agent doesn’t know how to deal with it.
Instead of having an honest (and potentially uncomfortable) conversation about market value, the agent avoids it. They don’t want to risk losing the listing, so they promise the world – “If it’s out there, we’ll get it!”
But they know they can’t give that high number to buyers with a straight face. So they tell the seller, “Let’s go without a price – that way we don’t limit ourselves.” It sounds like strategy, but really it’s avoidance.
💬 Reason #2:
They don’t understand pricing themselves.
Pricing a property is part art, part science – and it takes real experience. With around half of the real estate industry having been in the game less than four years, many agents simply haven’t had the time (or mentorship) to learn how to price properly.
If you’re not confident in pricing strategy, hiding the price altogether can seem like a safe option. But it’s a lazy one – and it doesn’t help you, the seller.
💬 Reason #3:
They’re fishing for their next listing.
Let’s be blunt: some agents aren’t marketing your home to find buyers. They’re marketing your home to find sellers.
By leaving off the price, they guarantee more enquiry – not necessarily from serious buyers, but from curious locals who want to know what the house is worth. Then comes the follow-up: “Out of interest, do you live in the area? Are you thinking of selling?”
This strategy isn’t about getting you the best result. It’s about getting them their next lead.
So… Who Does No-Price Marketing Actually Help?
Not you.
Buyers hate it. They feel strung along, confused, and frustrated when they can’t get a straight answer. Many won’t even bother enquiring – they’ll skip straight to the listings that are clear and upfront.
And that’s a real problem, because it means you’re missing the perfect buyer simply because your agent was trying to cover up their own lack of confidence or experience.
Here’s What We Do Instead
We price 99% of the homes we bring to market. We believe in transparency, in clarity, and in giving both buyers and sellers the tools to make informed decisions.
When we work with you, we’ll give you honest advice about where your home sits in the current market – even if that means having a tricky conversation. That’s our job, and we take it seriously.
You deserve to make future plans based on realistic expectations – not vague promises.
Want to chat about your home’s value?
Give me a call anytime on 0458 912 906 – I’m always happy to talk straight.
Stay tuned for the next instalment in “Why Did That Agent Say That?” – where we’ll uncover more real estate smoke and mirrors… and help you see straight through them.
