The call

When a seller says "I'm just fishing for prices" on the call

It is common for a seller to say he or she is "just fishing for prices" during an initial call, often as a defense mechanism or a way to gauge your seriousness. Your immediate goal is to acknowledge his or her statement, then gently pivot back to the core reason he or she replied to your text.

November 4, 2026 · 3 min read

Understanding the seller's mindset

When a seller says he or she is "just fishing for prices," it usually means one of a few things: he or she is genuinely curious but not yet committed to selling, he or she is testing your integrity, or he or she is hesitant to reveal his or her true motivation. He or she might be wary of investors or just naturally cautious.

Do not take it personally. This is a common defense. Your job is to understand the underlying reason for his or her reply and to build enough trust for him or her to open up, not to immediately deliver an offer.

Avoid quoting a price immediately

The biggest mistake you can make here is to immediately give a price. This confirms his or her suspicion that you are only about the numbers and have not listened to him or her. It also puts you in a weak negotiating position early on. You do not have enough information to make an accurate offer anyway.

Instead, acknowledge his or her statement. You might say, "I understand you are looking for price information, and I can definitely help with that. To give you the most accurate idea, I need a bit more detail about the property and what you are hoping to achieve with a sale."

Re-anchoring to their initial motivation

Remind the seller why he or she replied to your text in the first place. You can say something like, "I appreciate you taking my call. My records show you replied to a text asking about selling your house. Can you tell me a little more about what prompted that reply?" This shifts the focus back to his or her needs, not just a number.

The goal is to gently guide him or her back to his or her pain points or desires. There is always a reason a motivated seller responds. Your job is to uncover it.

Asking about their ideal outcome, not just the price

Instead of asking "What is your price?", ask questions like, "What would selling this house allow you to do?" or "What is most important to you in a sale? Is it speed, convenience, or something else?" This helps you understand his or her true priorities. He or she might want a quick, as-is sale more than top dollar.

By focusing on his or her desired outcome, you position yourself as a problem-solver, not just a buyer. This builds rapport and trust, which are essential for getting to a deal.

The value of your speed and certainty

Remind the seller of the benefits you offer that a traditional sale cannot. You can say, "Many sellers come to me because I can offer a fast, as-is sale without commissions or closing costs. Does that sound like what you might be looking for?" This highlights your unique value proposition without discussing a specific price.

You are offering a solution to a problem, not just a transaction. Frame your conversation around that solution and how it helps him or her achieve his or her goals.

Questions people ask

What if they insist on a price right away?

If he or she insists, you can give a very broad range, but always preface it by saying it is hypothetical without seeing the property or understanding his or her situation fully. Then, immediately pivot back to asking questions about the property or his or her motivation.

Is this a sign of a bad lead?

Not necessarily. It is a common objection that skillful investors can overcome. It simply means you need to work harder on building rapport and uncovering his or her true motivation before discussing price.

Should I end the call if they won't budge?

Not immediately. Even if he or she is just 'fishing,' he or she is still on the phone. Try to get one piece of new information or schedule a time to follow up. Keep the door open, as his or her motivation might change over time.