It sounds flattering… until it costs you time, money, and your sanity.

Let’s call this one out clearly—because it’s way more common than most sellers realize:

Some agents will promise you the moon during the listing presentation. They’ll tell you your home is worth far more than any other agent said. They’ll paint a glowing picture of how fast and easy it’ll sell—usually at a price that sounds too good to be true.

And then… they ask you to sign a long-term listing agreement. We’re talking 6 months, 9 months, or even a full year.

That’s the “Take and Break” Strategy:

• TAKE your listing by telling you what you want to hear

• Then BREAK you later when reality hits and they push you to drop the price—because the market won’t support what they promised

They never expected your home to sell at the inflated price. Their goal was simply to lock you in and wait you out. And by the time you’re frustrated and tired of waiting, they’ve got you under contract—and you have no easy way out.

Who Falls for This?

Homeowners under pressure—retiring, relocating, already under contract on a new home—are the most vulnerable. And some agents know it. They’ll use that urgency against you, tie you up in a long-term agreement, and count on you getting desperate enough to drop the price when time runs out.

At House Karma, we hate this strategy—and we don’t allow it. Our agents are trained to give you honest, realistic pricing, backed by market data. Not flattery. Not sales games.

Seller Smarts:

• If one agent’s price is way above what others quoted, pause and ask why

• If they also want you to sign a longer listing agreement, red flag

• Always ask: “What happens if the home doesn’t sell in the first 30-60 days? What’s your plan then?”

House Karma Truth:

The agent who gives you the highest price isn’t always the best. They’re just the best at getting listings.