Getting Verbal Commitment: What to Say to Lock the Deal

When a motivated seller says, “That sounds good,” or “I think we can do that,” your deal isn’t done, but it’s close.

The verbal yes is the psychological turning point.

It’s when the seller mentally chooses you before they ever sign.

But if you don’t secure that soft yes, you’re leaving the door wide open for them to ghost you, second-guess the offer, or get scooped up by a competitor.

This article breaks down:

• Why verbal commitment is a crucial milestone

• What to say (and not say) to get it

• How to handle hesitation without pushing

• What to do immediately after they say yes

The Real Goal of the First Call

You’re not just giving an offer, you’re guiding the seller toward a decision.

That decision starts with a verbal commitment, which:

• Reduces no-shows and ghosting

• Increases signed offer conversions

• Sets expectations for the closing process

• Makes follow-up smoother and faster

You don’t need to “sell” them, you need to lead them.

Framing the Offer Conversation

Before you ask for commitment, set the tone.

Use this framework:

1. Empathy first

“Based on what you’ve told me, I want to make this as easy as possible for you.”

1. State the offer clearly

“If I could close in two weeks, cover all the fees, and keep this simple, I’d be at $145,000.”

1. Pause. Let it land.

The seller will process, react, or stall.
Stay quiet for a beat. Let them speak.

1. Transition to commitment

“Does that sound like something you’d be open to?”
“If we could make that work, are you comfortable moving forward with me?”

This if-then framing is soft but direct.

Sample Phrases to Get a Verbal Yes

Here are 5 powerful closers you can rotate depending on the situation:

• “If everything checks out, are you okay moving forward at that number?”

• “Is that something you’d say yes to today?”

• “Can I count on you to give me a yes or no once you’ve had a minute to think it through?”

• “What would make you feel confident saying yes?”

• “If I draft up the paperwork, are you good with that number?”

These prompts test readiness without pressure. They make the seller feel in control, while nudging them toward decision.

How to Handle “I Need to Think About It”

Sellers often stall because of fear, not facts.

Here’s how to keep the momentum without chasing:

“Totally fair, it’s a big decision. Just so I know where we’re at, is it the number that’s making you pause, or just the timing?”

This separates objections from smokescreens.

Then try:

“If it’s something you’re leaning toward, would it be okay if I penciled in a follow-up call tomorrow, just to keep things simple?”

You’re not letting them off the hook, you’re creating light accountability.

The Moment They Say “Yes” (What to Do Next)

You just got the verbal. Great, but you’re not done.

Immediately move into the next steps.

“Awesome. I’ll write that up and send it to your email in the next hour. Does that work?”
“Let me confirm spelling and email address real quick…”
“And just to double-check, we’re still good for a two-week close, title company handles everything, and you’re walking with $85,000 at closing, correct?”

This does 3 things:

1. Builds momentum

2. Avoids miscommunication

3. Turns the verbal into a behavioral commitment

If they hesitate again, revisit the core of the offer or their objections, not the mechanics.

What If They Say “Yes,” Then Go Cold?

It happens. Verbal commitment isn’t bulletproof.

That’s why you need to:

• Confirm it in writing fast (same day if possible)

• Use automation (like Goliath) to follow up with warm, friendly reminders

• Send visual aids (timeline, net sheet, comps) that reinforce your value

• Reaffirm the emotional reason they said yes in the first place

“Hey, just wanted to confirm we’re still good for Friday. I know you mentioned wanting to be done with this by the end of the month, so I’ve got the title company ready to move.”

This combination of urgency and empathy keeps things moving.

Locking the Deal Softly but Firmly

Here’s a condensed script to close the call with clarity:

“So just to recap, we’re at $162,000 cash, I’m covering all closing costs, and we can close on your timeline. If that works for you, I’ll go ahead and get the paperwork started. Can I count on you to move forward with that?”

If they say yes:

“Great. Expect that email in the next hour. Let me confirm a few quick details…”

Key Takeaways

• The verbal yes is a critical milestone, don’t skip it

• Ask for it with confidence, not pressure

• Always confirm and move forward immediately

• Use soft accountability if they hesitate

• Follow up with clarity and value

Getting the “yes” doesn’t end the deal, it starts the sprint to close.

And it all begins with the words:

“If I wrote that up right now, would you be good with it?”