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One of the most common phrases heard in real estate offices is:
“The terms look fine, but something about the wording bothers me.”

No matter how good the conditions are,
the moment a broker’s choice of words creates doubt,
the deal itself begins to shake.

“Everyone does it this way.”
“Legally, there’s no problem.”
“If you miss this, the price won’t come back.”

These phrases may sound casual in consultation rooms,
but in reality, they often become
the starting point of disputes
or statements that return as broker liability.

Especially in today’s market—
where rental listings are scarce,
tenants feel anxious,
and landlords worry about recovering their deposits—

a broker’s words can either
build trust
or become the trigger that breaks relationships.

In this article, we will walk through:

• ✔ Phrases brokers regret saying the most
• ✔ Expressions that easily lead to disputes or complaints
• ✔ The Top 7 phrases brokers should never say in practice

If you have ever thought,
“This much should be fine,”
this article is worth reading to the end.

Because the moment your words change, the direction of the deal changes too.

One of the most commonly used—and most dangerous—phrases is:

“Everyone usually says this is fine.”

While it may sound reassuring,
this phrase often places the broker in a position of
making the judgment on behalf of the client.

In disputes, clients frequently say,
“I proceeded because the broker said it was okay.”

This is especially risky when:

• ✔ Contract terms are unclear
• ✔ Defects or loan conditions are uncertain
• ✔ One party expresses hesitation or concern

Safer alternatives include:

• ✔ “This decision should be made by the parties involved.”
• ✔ “We can clarify this point through special contract terms.”
• ✔ “Let me explain the options and associated risks.”

Changing your words changes your role—
from decision-maker to trusted information provider.

Another high-risk phrase brokers often use is:

“If you don’t act now, this price won’t come back.”

While intended to motivate,
this statement can easily be perceived as
pressure rather than professional guidance.

The risks include:

• ✔ Being seen as a definite price prediction
• ✔ Creating psychological pressure to rush a decision
• ✔ Triggering complaints if prices later fall

This phrase is especially dangerous when clients hesitate.

Safer alternatives include:

• ✔ “Let me explain recent comparable transactions.”
• ✔ “Prices can change depending on market conditions.”
• ✔ “Please take your time to review before deciding.”

Respecting the client’s decision-making process
builds longer-lasting trust than urgency ever will.

Another risky phrase brokers often use is:

“Let’s deal with it if a problem comes up.”

This statement can easily be interpreted as a promise
that the broker will resolve future issues.

The risks include:

• ✔ Being seen as guaranteeing future problem-solving
• ✔ Encouraging a contract despite known uncertainties
• ✔ Weakening the broker’s position in disputes

This phrase is especially dangerous when:

• ✔ Defects are unclear
• ✔ Loan or legal conditions are unresolved
• ✔ Key points are explained verbally but not written

Safer alternatives include:

• ✔ “This issue should be resolved before signing.”
• ✔ “Any potential risk should be clearly stated in the contract.”
• ✔ “Unconfirmed matters should be treated as contract risks.”

A broker’s role is not to postpone problems,
but to prevent them before they arise.

Another high-risk phrase is:

“Legally, there’s no problem.”

This statement can position the broker as someone
making legal judgments rather than providing information.

The risks include:

• ✔ Being seen as giving legal advice
• ✔ Causing clients to overlook potential risks
• ✔ Triggering liability claims during disputes

This phrase is especially dangerous when discussing:

• ✔ Illegal or non-compliant structures
• ✔ Tenant rights and registration issues
• ✔ Contract termination or damages

Safer alternatives include:

• ✔ “I can’t provide a legal judgment on this matter.”
• ✔ “I can only explain based on confirmed facts.”
• ✔ “A legal professional should review this point.”

A broker’s job is not to conclude the law,
but to present facts and return judgment to the parties.

Another risky phrase brokers often use is:

“This kind of deal is very common.”

The fact that something is common
does not mean it is safe or risk-free.

This phrase can:

• ✔ Make clients assume legitimacy based on practice
• ✔ Downplay transaction-specific risks
• ✔ Lead to liability claims if problems arise

It is especially dangerous when used for:

• ✔ Conditional contracts
• ✔ Early occupancy or delayed possession
• ✔ Risk-heavy special clauses

Safer alternatives include:

• ✔ “There are cases like this, but risks still exist.”
• ✔ “Let me explain the potential risks of this structure.”
• ✔ “Common practice does not eliminate contractual risk.”

Trust is built not by saying “everyone does it,”
but by explaining what most people overlook.

Another dangerous phrase is:

“I’m not entirely sure, but…”

While it may sound honest,
combining uncertainty with assumptions
often leads to serious problems.

The risks include:

• ✔ Sharing assumptions as facts
• ✔ Appearing to avoid professional responsibility
• ✔ Being held liable if the information proves incorrect

This phrase is especially risky when discussing:

• ✔ Taxes, loans, or guarantees
• ✔ Legal or policy changes
• ✔ Contract interpretation or obligations

Safer alternatives include:

• ✔ “I will confirm this and get back to you.”
• ✔ “Based on current information, this is what we know.”
• ✔ “This is for reference and not yet confirmed.”

Trust is built not by knowing everything,
but by handling uncertainty professionally.

The most dangerous phrase brokers can use is:

“That’s the landlord’s (tenant’s) problem.”

This statement positions the broker
not as a neutral mediator,
but as someone taking sides.

The risks include:

• ✔ Violating neutrality obligations
• ✔ Immediately triggering distrust
• ✔ Becoming a key issue in disputes or complaints

This phrase is especially risky when:

• ✔ Repair responsibilities are disputed
• ✔ Management costs are unclear
• ✔ Contract interpretation differs

Safer alternatives include:

• ✔ “Let’s review responsibilities based on the contract.”
• ✔ “This point can be interpreted differently.”
• ✔ “This requires discussion between the parties.”

A broker’s role is not to assign blame,
but to explain structure and keep communication open.

In real estate practice, disputes often begin
not with contracts, but with words.

A single sentence like
“The broker said it would be fine”
can shift a broker from an advisor
to a party held responsible.

A broker’s role is not to decide for clients,
but to help them decide with clarity.

The seven phrases covered here are not about silence,
but about choosing words that fit the broker’s role.

If any of these phrases felt familiar,
recognizing them is already a step forward.

I hope this guide helps you reduce misunderstandings,
prevent disputes in advance,
and build longer-lasting trust in your practice.