Reputation

How to get a seller testimonial for a property sold as is

Getting a testimonial from a seller who sold his or her property "as-is" is a powerful way to build your reputation. Focus on the value you provided by making the process simple and stress-free, rather than the condition of the house itself.

October 16, 2026 · 4 min read

Why "as-is" sellers are good sources for testimonials

Sellers who offload properties "as-is" often have very clear motivations: they want speed, convenience, and to avoid the hassle of repairs. You provided a solution to a significant problem for him or her, and that is what makes him or her a strong candidate for a testimonial.

He or she is not necessarily happy about the house's condition, but he or she is relieved that the selling process was straightforward. His or her positive experience often centers on your professionalism, clear communication, and ability to close quickly and without issues. This is the story you want to highlight in a testimonial.

These sellers understand the value of a direct cash buyer who can handle properties in any condition. His or her testimonial speaks directly to the core benefit you offer other homeowners who might be in a similar situation.

Timing your request for a testimonial

The best time to ask for a testimonial is right after closing, when the seller has received his or her funds and the transaction is complete. This is when the relief and satisfaction are at his or her peak, and he or she is most likely to be receptive to your request.

Do not ask before closing. The seller is still navigating the process, and any issues that arise could sour his or her experience. Wait until everything is finalized and he or she has moved on from the stress of the property.

If too much time passes, the momentum is lost. Aim for within a week or two of closing. A quick, polite follow-up call or email asking how he or she is settling in, then gently transitioning to the request, works well.

What to ask for in a testimonial

When asking for a testimonial, focus on the aspects of your service that provided him or her the most value. Ask him or her to comment on the ease of the process, the speed of the closing, your communication, and how you delivered on your promises. Do not ask him or her to talk about the great shape the house was in.

Suggest specific points he or she might cover. For example, you could ask, "Would you be willing to share a few words about how smooth the closing was for you?" or "Could you mention how we helped you avoid the stress of repairs?" This gives him or her a clear direction.

A good testimonial from an "as-is" seller often highlights his or her initial problem and how you solved it. Hypothetically, a seller might say, "I had a house that needed a lot of work, and I just wanted to sell fast without doing any repairs. [Your Name/Company] made it simple, gave me a fair cash offer, and closed on my timeline." This is specific and addresses a common pain point.

Making it easy for the seller to provide one

Sellers are busy. Make it as easy as possible for him or her to provide a testimonial. Offer a few options: a quick email response, a short phone call where you can jot down his or her words, or even a simple text message. Remove any barriers.

You can offer to draft something based on your conversation and send it to him or her for approval. This takes the writing burden off the seller and ensures you get the key points you need. Always get his or her explicit permission before using or modifying his or her words.

Do not offer money or gifts for testimonials. An honest testimonial comes from genuine satisfaction. Offering incentives can make the testimonial seem less credible and might even be a violation of certain regulations. This is not legal advice; consult a qualified professional for legal counsel regarding testimonial guidelines.

Using testimonials to build credibility

Once you have a testimonial, use it across your marketing channels. Put it on your website, include it in your follow-up emails, and even share it with new leads during your initial conversations. This social proof helps build trust with other motivated sellers who might have similar circumstances.

When you share a testimonial, always respect the seller's privacy. Only use his or her first name, or his or her first name and the general area of the property, unless he or she explicitly gives you permission for more detail. Keep the focus on the positive experience he or she had with you.

Testimonials from "as-is" sellers are particularly powerful because they address common concerns of other homeowners with distressed properties. They demonstrate that you can handle challenging situations professionally and deliver on your promises. For more on working leads, see /how-to-work-your-leads.

Questions people ask

Should I ask for a testimonial before closing?

No, it is best to wait until after the closing. The seller's experience is complete at that point, and his or her positive feelings about the smooth process will be at their peak. Asking too early can complicate things if any issues arise.

What if the seller is embarrassed about the house?

Acknowledge his or her feelings. Frame your request around the convenience, speed, and professionalism you provided, not the property's condition. Emphasize that you helped him or her solve a problem without judgment.

Can I offer an incentive for a testimonial?

It is generally not recommended to offer money or gifts for testimonials. You want an honest reflection of his or her experience. Incentivized testimonials can reduce credibility and might have legal implications. This is not legal advice; consult a qualified professional for legal counsel.