Selling your home in St. Augustine is exciting—maybe you’re downsizing, relocating, or ready for a fresh start near the beach. But before you spill every detail of your life to your Realtor, pause. While honesty is crucial, oversharing the wrong info can actually make things harder.
As a Realtor in St. Augustine, Florida, I’ve heard it all. So here’s a no-fluff list of things not to tell your agent when selling your home—plus what to say instead to help you win in this market.
1. “I’m not in a rush to sell.”
🚫 Why it’s a red flag:
Even if it’s true, saying this can lead to a pricing strategy that doesn’t match the market—or worse, it can be used against you in negotiations.
✅ Say this instead:
“I’m open to a strong offer and ready to move when the timing is right.”
That tells your agent you’re serious, but not desperate. And in a competitive market like St. Augustine homes for sale, you don’t want to seem indecisive.
2. “We can always lower the price later.”
🚫 Why this backfires:
Overpricing upfront is the #1 reason listings go stale. Buyers in St. Augustine are savvy—and the longer your home sits, the more likely they’ll lowball.
✅ Say this instead:
“I want to price it right based on market data. Let’s look at what’s working in my neighborhood.”
This shows you’re realistic and ready to compete—especially important in areas like St. Augustine South or the historic district, where price sensitivity can vary street by street.
3. “I’m fine with doing showings whenever.”
🚫 Why it’s misleading:
You think you’re okay with it—until the 7:30 PM showing rolls in after you’ve just cleaned up dinner.
✅ Say this instead:
“Let’s set some boundaries that still allow for flexible showings.”
The truth? Buyers looking to buy a home in St. Augustine often fly in for just a weekend. Making your home easy to show—with a plan in place—means fewer disruptions and more serious buyers through the door.
4. “I already know what my home is worth.”
🚫 Why it’s risky:
Zillow doesn’t see your upgrades. Neither does your cousin who sold two years ago in a different zip code.
✅ Say this instead:
“I have a number in mind—can you walk me through the current comps in St. Augustine?”
A local Realtor in St. Augustine Florida knows what buyers are actually paying today—not last year, not three months ago. Trust the data and the strategy.
5. “Don’t bother staging—buyers can use their imagination.”
🚫 Why it’s wishful thinking:
Most buyers can’t visualize. Especially out-of-towners relocating to St. Augustine—they want move-in ready and magazine-worthy.
✅ Say this instead:
“What staging options can we do to make this home more marketable?”
You don’t need to bring in a designer. Just thoughtful decluttering, lighting, and layout tweaks can help your home shine online—and that’s where first impressions are made.
Final Thoughts
The goal here isn’t to hide things from your agent—but to understand the power of how you communicate. Your Realtor is your strategic partner, and the way you frame your timeline, pricing, and flexibility can directly impact your success.
Whether you’re selling or buying a home in St. Augustine, having the right conversations is key. And if you’re just starting your journey, let’s chat. I specialize in helping sellers stand out in the St. Augustine market—and helping buyers find their perfect place near the beach, the historic district, or wherever feels like home.
Need help pricing or prepping your home?
I’m a local Realtor in St. Augustine, Florida and would love to offer a free strategy session—no pressure, just insight. Want to see what your home could sell for? I’ve got real data and real answers.
🔎 Browse current St. Augustine homes for sale or reach out for a one-on-one consultation.