If you’ve been around the real estate world for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “Buyers are liars, and sellers are too.” It’s a common saying among agents and brokers, and while it might sound harsh or even a bit cynical, it holds some truth when you understand what it means. But before we jump to conclusions, let’s see why there’s more to this than meets the eye.
Why Are Buyers Labeled as “Liars”?
Here’s the deal: most buyers aren’t actually liars. They’re not walking into the home buying process intending to deceive. Most of the time, buyers are misinformed or unsure of what they want. They may have strong feelings or confidence in their initial ideas, but often, their ideas evolve as they navigate the market.
For example, a buyer might start saying, “I want a 4-bedroom house with 2.5 bathrooms and 2,500 square feet,” but by the end of the search, they’ve purchased a 3-bedroom home with 2 bathrooms and 2,300 square feet. Does that make them a liar? Not at all. It just means they didn’t know from the outset what would best suit their needs. They may have discovered, along the way, that a different floor plan or neighborhood worked better for their lifestyle.
Or maybe they said they would buy this summer, but life happened—kids, jobs, financial hiccups—and suddenly, they’re postponing until next year. Does that mean they lied? No, life just got in the way, as it often does.
The truth is, buyers aren’t liars; they’re evolving. Their needs, wants, and realities shift as they navigate the complex process of purchasing a home. They have more information and factors to inform their decision. As agents, we know this and are here to guide them through it.
What About Sellers?
Now, let’s talk about sellers. The idea that “sellers are liars” often stems from their desire to protect their investment. Sellers may hold back information about their home, downplay issues, or hope specific problems aren’t noticed during inspections. They may feel nervous about how much to disclose or think hiding a minor issue could help them get a better price.
In my experience, if one party in a transaction is more likely to “stretch the truth,” it’s often the seller. And here’s why: fear and overwhelm. Selling a home is a big deal. It’s emotional, and there’s a lot of money on the line. Sellers are often worried that if they’re completely transparent, it might cost them in negotiations or derail the sale entirely. They think being too honest about every little flaw in the house could scare off buyers, so they walk the line between full disclosure and “strategic” omission.
Don’t get me wrong—most sellers aren’t maliciously lying. They’re just scared. They’re trying to protect themselves in a high-stakes situation, and sometimes that leads to withholding information or being less forthcoming than they should be.
The Real Problem: Miscommunication and Misinformation
At its core, this adage about buyers and sellers being “liars” speaks more to miscommunication and misinformation. Buyers don’t always know what they want, and sellers don’t always know what they should disclose. This leads to confusion, frustration, and sometimes, deals that fall apart.
But it’s not just the buyers and sellers who are to blame. The confusion comes from the market itself—misleading headlines, poorly explained trends, and sensationalized media coverage all contribute to the problem. Add to that an overwhelmed or undertrained agent, and you have a recipe for misunderstanding.
The Role of a Great Agent
Here’s where a great real estate agent comes in. A world-class agent understands that their job isn’t just to open doors and fill out paperwork. It’s to provide clarity, manage expectations, and guide buyers and sellers through the entire process with confidence and honesty. That’s what we strive for on my team every single day.
We know that buyers evolve in their decision-making, and we’re there to help them refine their wants and needs. We understand that sellers are emotional and sometimes overwhelmed, so we work hard to build trust and transparency with them, ensuring they feel comfortable disclosing everything necessary to avoid issues down the road.
In short, our job is to eliminate the miscommunication and misunderstandings that give rise to this adage. It’s about being proactive, transparent, and patient—so buyers don’t feel lost and sellers don’t feel defensive.
Why This Matters Now
The real estate market is constantly evolving, and right now, we’re seeing a lot of mixed signals. Buyers are hearing from their friends, family, and the media that it’s not a good time to buy because of high interest rates or the uncertainty in the market. Sellers are being told that the days of quick, above-asking price sales are gone for now, which is causing a lot of anxiety.
Both buyers and sellers are navigating a minefield of information—and much of it is wrong. This leads to confusion, hesitation, and the feeling that they must hold back or keep certain things secret to protect themselves.
That’s why working with an experienced, trustworthy real estate team is so important. We cut through the noise, get to the heart of your concerns, and help you make the best possible decision based on facts, not fear.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the saying “buyers are liars and sellers are too” might be catchy, but it’s far from the truth. Buyers are navigating a process filled with unknowns, and sellers are grappling with the emotions of parting with a home. Both parties are simply trying to make the best decision for themselves, which sometimes results in misunderstandings.
But you can sidestep these pitfalls when you work with a team that understands the psychology of both buyers and sellers—and how to bring clarity to the process. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, it’s our job to guide you to a successful, stress-free transaction.
So, if you’re feeling uncertain, have heard conflicting advice, or are just unsure where to start, let’s have a conversation.We’ll help you get the clarity you need, without any of the confusion.
