Beware the “Take and Break” Agent Trick

“Take and Break” is when agents promise unrealistically high prices during listing presentations to win your business, then pressure you to drop prices later when reality hits. They’ll tell you your home is worth far more than other agents quoted, paint glowing pictures of fast, easy sales at prices that sound too good to be true, then ask you to sign long-term listing agreements (6 months, 9 months, or even a full year). The strategy is to TAKE your listing by telling you what you want to hear, then BREAK you later when the market won’t support their inflated promises. They never expected your home to sell at that price—their goal was locking you in and waiting you out until frustration and time pressure force you to accept their eventual price reductions. Homeowners under pressure—retiring, relocating, or already under contract on new homes—are most vulnerable, and some agents exploit that urgency, tying you up in long-term agreements and counting on desperation to make you drop prices when time runs out. If one agent’s price is significantly above others, pause and ask why. If they also want longer listing agreements, that’s a red flag. Always ask: “What happens if the home doesn’t sell in 30-60 days? What’s your plan then?” Choose agents who tell you the truth, even when it’s not what you want to hear.