November Tip of the Month

Genuine interest looks like engagement, not just politeness.
When an agent is serious about your offer, they’ll seek detail: asking when you can settle, whether your finance is unconditional, and how flexible you can be with terms. They’ll often call back multiple times in a day, clarifying minor details. If communication is infrequent or vague (“I’ll let you know how we go”), it’s likely you’re not the preferred buyer, at least not yet.

Watch the tone and timing.
Agents who want to progress a deal act quickly. They’ll often schedule a follow-up within hours, not days. Conversely, long gaps between responses, especially without updates, usually indicate they’re waiting on another party or holding out for a higher offer.

Ask direct, calm questions.
Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are we in serious contention?” or “Is there another offer you’re working with?” A professional agent will respect a confident, informed buyer. Even if they don’t reveal full details, their response tone and body language will tell you plenty.

Introducing an element of competitive risk
This one of the most effective ways to strengthen your negotiation position. When an agent knows you’re also considering another property and that your focus or funds may shift elsewhere it creates a sense of urgency and uncertainty on their side. The agent will almost always pass that information on to the vendor, prompting them to take your interest more seriously or move faster toward a deal. It subtly changes the dynamic: rather than you chasing their property, they start working to secure your commitment. The key is to communicate this calmly and credibly, not as a bluff, but as a natural part of your search process. When positioned well, it can turn hesitation into action and often leads to better terms or a quicker acceptance.

Keep emotion out of your communication.
Agents respond best to buyers who are prepared, respectful, and decisive. Being pushy or overly eager can hurt your position. Instead, maintain quiet confidence and keep your due diligence ready so you can move fast when a genuine opportunity arises.

At Buyer’s Advocate, we’re trained to read these subtleties and manage agent relationships daily. Knowing when to push and when to pause can make the difference between paying too much and securing the right property at the right price.