Reputation

Getting a seller testimonial when the property sale falls through

Even when a property sale does not go through, you can still secure a positive seller testimonial by maintaining professionalism and transparency. A good reputation is built on how you handle all interactions, not just the successful deals.

October 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Maintain professionalism and clear communication

When a deal falls apart, the seller is likely disappointed, and perhaps even frustrated. Your job is to keep a level head and communicate clearly and calmly. Explain exactly why the deal could not proceed, using objective facts rather than blame.

Respond to his or her questions directly and honestly. For example, if the issue was a title problem, explain what it was without making it sound like his or her fault. If it was a problem on your end, own it and apologize sincerely for the inconvenience.

Offer help or resources where appropriate

Even if you cannot buy the house, you can still offer value. Perhaps you know of a local resource that can help with the specific problem that derailed your deal, such as a contact for a tricky probate situation, or a referral to a reputable agent if that is his or her next step.

Offering help shows you care about his or her situation beyond just closing a deal. This gesture can leave a lasting positive impression and differentiate you from other investors who might simply disappear when a deal goes south.

Ask for a testimonial about your process, not the outcome

When you ask for a testimonial after a deal falls through, shift the focus from the sale itself to the experience of working with you. Ask him or her to comment on your communication, professionalism, speed of response, or how clearly you explained things.

For example, you could say, 'I'm sorry we couldn't close on your house, but I value your feedback. Would you be willing to share a few words about your experience working with me on this process? It helps me improve.' Frame it as a request for constructive feedback, not a sales pitch.

Provide an easy way to leave feedback

If a seller agrees to provide a testimonial, make it as simple as possible for him or her. Send a short email with a direct question, or offer to type out his or her words and send them back for approval. Do not make him or her jump through hoops.

Sometimes, a simple text message can be enough. A quick 'Thank you for your professionalism even when the deal didn't work out' can be a powerful testimonial, and a quick text is an easy ask for him or her.

Understand when not to ask

There are times when asking for a testimonial is inappropriate, such as when a seller is genuinely upset, feels misled, or is facing significant hardship because the deal fell through. Trust your judgment here.

The goal is to reinforce a positive reputation, not to add to a seller's stress. If you genuinely believe he or she had a negative experience, focus on learning from it rather than pushing for a review. You can always try to reconnect later if the situation improves, or if he or she reaches out to you again.

Questions people ask

What kind of specific questions should I ask for a testimonial after a deal breaks?

Focus on your process: 'How clear was my communication?' 'Did I respond to your questions quickly?' 'How would you describe my professionalism?' These questions target your service, not the property outcome.

Should I still follow up with a seller whose deal fell through?

Yes, a professional follow-up is good practice. A quick call or text a few weeks later to check in shows you care. His or her situation might have changed, or he or she might have a referral for you.

Is a testimonial valuable if it's not about a closed deal?

Absolutely. It demonstrates your integrity and professionalism even when things do not go perfectly. This builds trust with future sellers who might be hesitant or have had bad experiences with other investors. It speaks volumes about your character.