You’ve seen the ads plastered on billboards and buses—“Your home sold guaranteed, or I’ll buy it!” It sounds bold. It sounds like a sure thing. But let me tell you something most agents won’t and I know, because I used to offer this. And not once did I ever have to follow through on it. Not because I was soecial—but because it was never meant to actually happen. Looking back, it was the cheesiest marketing pitch I’ve ever used. It got attention, sure, but it was less about serving the seller and more about getting a listing. Let me break it down.
🧾 The Fine Print No One Reads
Here’s what that the guarantee really looks like. The guaranteed price is going to be a set percentage below appraised value. It’s a “just in case” fallback number at an “above average” commission rate. It requires you to commit to buying your next home with the same agent and to agree to pre-set price reductions on a schedule at the agent’s discretion. All of this builds just enough of a cushion that gives the agent options.
😬 Why It Works for the Agent
It’s a lead gen hook. These programs are designed to capture attention and get your contact info. It’s not a strategy. It’s theatre. What you really need is targeted marketing, professional negotiation, and full exposure—not gimmicks and catchphrases.
🧠 Why I Walked Away From It
Honestly? It began to feel like classic bait-and-switch. At the time, I thought it was a bold marketing tool but I eventually realized it didn’t reflect the kind of personalized service I wanted to provide. The “guarantee” was more of a conversation starter than a real solution. I prefer to lead with clarity, strategy, and results—real guidance matters.
📌 What Sellers Actually Deserve
An honest and realistic market evaluation backed by a truly bespoke plan to maximize value. An agent who’s accountable to you, not to a script or a ploy. Real estate isn’t rocket science—it’s honesty (not hubris), accurate pricing (not emotional bait), transparency and trust (not tricks) and expert marketing.
A good agent won’t play games with your expectations. They’ll show you what’s possible—and fight for it.
So why was I offering a fallback I never used? Because it worked as a hook. It made me look confident and made sellers feel safe. But I realized it didn’t align with how I wanted to show up for my clients. I was already delivering superior results and I didn’t need a gimmick to do my job. Once I realized that, I dropped it for good.
So if you’re a seller, don’t fall for the headline. Bottom line? You don’t need a gimmick. You need a strategy. If you’re thinking of selling and you want someone who tells you the truth (even when it’s not catchy), let’s talk. I’ll show you what actually gets homes sold—and for how much.
No slogans. No smoke and mirrors. Just results. It’s not the market. It’s the marketing.
