Things Buyers Say That Make Home Sellers Nervous (And What to Say Instead)
By Jamie Hering, Hering Homes Team – Northern Illinois
Buying a home is emotional.
But selling a home? That’s a whole different level of stress.
As a top Northern Illinois Realtor, I see this every day: sellers are sitting at home refreshing their phones, waiting to hear how a showing or negotiation went. And sometimes, totally innocent things buyers say can accidentally send sellers straight into panic mode.
Here are some of the most common phrases buyers use — and what sellers really hear when they do.
1. “We’ll decide in a week.”
This sounds reasonable. You’re making a huge purchase — of course you want to think.
But from the seller’s point of view, this sounds like:
“We kind of like it… but we’re still shopping.”
In a competitive real estate market like Northern Illinois, a week is a long time. Other buyers are touring. Other offers may come in. And suddenly the seller starts worrying:
• Is the price too high?
• Is something wrong with the house?
• Are they waiting to see if something better shows up?
What to say instead
If you’re truly interested but need time, say something like:
“We really like the house and are seriously considering it. We just need a day or two to review the numbers.”
That shows interest without creating unnecessary doubt.
2. “We love the house… but want to think about it.”
This one causes serious seller anxiety.
When a seller hears this, what they’re really hearing is:
“We’ll only make an offer if nothing better comes along.”
And for someone trying to plan their next move, that uncertainty is stressful.
What to say instead
There’s a big difference between:
• “We’re thinking about it.”
and
• “We’re interested and reviewing everything tonight.”
One sounds hesitant. The other sounds committed — even if you don’t ultimately write an offer.
3. “Can they throw in the furniture?”
This one happens all the time. Buyers fall in love with beautifully staged homes and ask if everything can stay.
From the seller’s perspective, that can feel awkward. Some furniture is sentimental. Some belongs to a stager. Some is already promised to someone else.
Pro tip
Instead of asking the seller directly, ask your Realtor. A good agent can quietly find out what’s available and negotiate it without creating tension.
4. Changing lenders mid-deal
One of the biggest red flags for sellers is when a buyer starts the transaction with a strong local lender… and then switches to a large online lender halfway through.
This instantly raises concerns:
• Will this delay closing?
• Is the buyer still fully approved?
• Will anyone be available if there’s a problem?
Local lenders understand the market, the attorneys, and the closing process. With big online lenders, communication delays are common — and that creates anxiety for sellers who are already packing boxes and scheduling movers.
My advice
Choose your lender before you go under contract — and stick with them unless there’s a very strong reason to switch. If you do need to change, communicate early and clearly.
5. Saying the deal is “AS-IS”… then asking for repairs
This is one of the most stressful situations for sellers.
A buyer writes an offer that says “AS-IS” — which usually means they won’t ask for repairs. The seller relaxes. Then after the inspection, a long list of repair requests shows up.
Even if those requests are reasonable, the seller suddenly wonders if the deal is falling apart.
What AS-IS really means
AS-IS typically means the buyer can still do inspections — but they are mainly protecting themselves against major defects, not asking for cosmetic or minor fixes.
If you plan to request repairs, don’t call the offer AS-IS. Clear expectations prevent disappointment on both sides.
The Bottom Line
Real estate isn’t just financial — it’s emotional. Sellers are trying to plan the next chapter of their lives, so uncertainty feels huge.
Clear communication and realistic expectations lead to smoother transactions, happier clients, and far fewer surprises at the closing table.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Grayslake, Libertyville, Gurnee, Round Lake, Lake Villa, or anywhere in Northern Illinois, I’d love to help guide you through the process.
