In addition to explaining all that we do in the marketing and sales process, I also add that, "All ships rise and lower on the same tide".

"If you feel that you are losing, or giving it away....you will get the same benefit on your purchase."  It's a visual that usually helps explain their concerns.  Joy

Here's what I've learned after 20 years in the business... when the market is good, sellers think they aren't getting enough for their home. When the market is bad, sellers think they aren't getting enough for their home. They always feel like they are "giving it away!" And let's not forget repairs--get asked for $100 of repairs after an inspection and the refrain immediately is "they're asking for too much and taking advantage of us." Setting reasonable expectations by doing numbers up front is the only way to handle this problem... and even then they forget what you told them up front! Never a dull day in this business!

I have a spot-on, pithy retort for when this situation arises. Unfortunately, this kind of brillance and insight doesn't come easily, or free. After all, "I'm not going to just give it away!"

(Please remit $42,75 to my AR account if you would like my insight into this matter)

Whenever I hear the phrase, I'm tempted to start my face and eye twitch like Herbert Lom in the Pink Panther movies!  Logical retorts don't usually work with these sellers... 

My dad had a saying, "Don't confuse me with facts, My mind is made up!" 

Great Post - didn't realize how common the phrase was...  Thought it was just something uttered by sellers in New York!

The appraisal idea is from the 'old' days that might be useful again.  I like the 'team approach' with the seller.

What a great post!  Thanks!

Should we have just one blog post solely on phrases that we real estate professionals hate.....

Kristen, this is one of the best posts I've seen on AR.  I love it!  With your permission, I'd like to print and give it to potential sellers.  You said it all, and very well.

Thank you for such a great post--we are all stealing your remarks to use with sellers!

Yes, please banish it!!!  I've even heard some listing agents say, "they are not going to give it away."

I feel your agony. Since when did receiving 6 figures for anything equate to "giving it away"? It's like Deal or No Deal. That $750,000 briefcase may be gone, but that $400,000 briefcase may still be a good deal.

Really? Did someone ask you to give your house to them?

This is a great post.  Almost every time I'm on a listing appointment I hear that phrase.  There is some good script here to respond and I will start using it every time I am on a listing appointment.

This is the age-old song of sellers throughout the ages. Seems like sellers always value their home adding their "personal value" in the mix, not really understanding real market value.

WOW -- from the comments this sure hit the nail on the head. The most common reason sellers have this "we're not giving it away" is because they have implanted a price in their head, which may/may not be reasonable. Once this price is affixed, this is when that phrase comes out. 

Good post, especially when you ask for a price adjustment - the seller typically says along with "I'm not giving it away" - "I already came down $20,000!"  I usually say "you only came $20,000 if you had that $20,000 to begin with and if you  had that $20,000 to begin with we wouldn't be having this conversation".