The call

When a seller asks for your personal opinion on the phone

Sometimes a seller will pivot to asking for your personal opinion on something unrelated to the house. It is important to politely redirect the conversation back to the property and its selling process without being dismissive.

October 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Recognizing the shift in conversation

You are on a call with a motivated seller, discussing property details or his or her motivation to sell. Suddenly, he or she asks for your opinion on a personal matter, like a political issue, a family dilemma, or even where he or she should move next. This is a common tactic, sometimes innocent, sometimes testing boundaries.

It is important to recognize when the conversation veers off-topic. The goal of your call is to gather information about the property and the seller's needs, and to move towards an offer. While building rapport is good, staying focused on the transaction is key.

Why sellers ask personal questions

Sellers might ask for your personal opinion for several reasons. He or she might be feeling vulnerable and is seeking reassurance or connection. He or she could also be trying to gauge your character or trustworthiness. Some sellers might be testing your boundaries, seeing if you are easily sidetracked.

Regardless of the reason, it is usually a sign that the seller feels comfortable enough with you to open up. However, it is not an invitation to engage in lengthy personal discussions. Your role is professional, and maintaining that boundary is vital for a smooth transaction.

Politely redirecting the discussion

When a seller asks for your personal opinion, acknowledge his or her question briefly. You can say something like, 'That's an interesting point,' or 'I can see why you'd ask that.' Immediately after, pivot back to the property or his or her selling situation. For example, 'That's an interesting point, but circling back to the house, can you tell me more about the roof's age?'

The key is to be polite but firm. You are not refusing to answer, but you are gently guiding the conversation back to its purpose. Avoid sounding abrupt or dismissive, which could damage rapport. The focus should remain on his or her property and how you can help him or her solve his or her problem.

Maintaining rapport while staying focused

Building rapport is crucial, but it should happen within the context of the transaction. You can show empathy and understanding without getting sidetracked into unrelated topics. Your calm and steady demeanor will convey professionalism. The seller is looking for a solution, and you are there to provide it.

If the seller persists, you can reiterate your focus by saying, 'I appreciate you sharing that, but my expertise is in real estate, and I want to make sure I am focusing on helping you with your house. Can you tell me more about…' This sets a clear boundary while still being helpful. You can learn more about managing calls at /learn/first-call-with-a-motivated-seller.

When to offer a general, non-committal response

In some cases, a very general, non-committal response might be appropriate before redirecting. If asked about a political topic, you could say, 'I try to stay out of politics on business calls,' then immediately transition. For personal decisions, 'Everyone's situation is unique, and you have to do what feels right for you' followed by a redirect.

The goal is always to avoid giving an opinion that could be misinterpreted, offend the seller, or distract from the deal. Your objective is to understand his or her property needs and move towards an offer, not to become his or her personal advisor. Keep the conversation productive and focused on the transaction at hand.

This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

Questions people ask

Should I ever give a personal opinion?

Generally, no. Your role is professional. Giving personal opinions can lead to awkward situations, misunderstandings, or even alienate the seller if your views differ. It is best to remain neutral and focused on the transaction.

Will redirecting damage rapport?

Not if done politely and professionally. Sellers usually appreciate focus. By gently bringing the conversation back to his or her property, you show that you are serious about helping him or her with his or her real estate needs.

What if he or she keeps asking?

If the seller repeatedly asks, you can gently but firmly reiterate your focus on the real estate transaction. You might say, 'I want to make sure I give your property the attention it deserves,' and then ask another question about the house.