The Right Way to Respond to the Classic Stalling Line
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why sellers say it, what it really means, and the scripts and tactics you can use to turn stalls into commitments.
Zach Fitch
Tennessee
, Goliath Teammate
Every acquisitions manager or investor has heard it: you walk a seller through your offer, they nod, they seem interested, and then they hit you with the stall: “I need to think about it.”
On the surface, it sounds reasonable. Who doesn’t want to think before making a big decision? But in deal-making, this phrase often means something else entirely. It’s a polite way of avoiding commitment.
If you don’t know how to handle this stall, you’ll waste weeks chasing ghosts, following up with people who were never going to say yes.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why sellers say it, what it really means, and the scripts and tactics you can use to turn stalls into commitments.
We’ll also give you full call transcript examples so you can see it in action.
Why Sellers Say “I Need to Think About It”
1. Avoiding Direct Rejection
Many people hate saying “no.” They’d rather stall politely than tell you they’re not interested.
2. Fear of Making a Mistake
Selling a property is a big decision. Some sellers genuinely fear committing too quickly and regret it later.
3. Lack of Trust
If they don’t fully trust you yet, “thinking about it” is their way of creating space.
4. Hidden Objection
Sometimes “thinking about it” is code for: “Your price is too low,” or “My spouse isn’t on board,” or “I want to shop around.”
5. Habitual Delay
Some sellers are just natural procrastinators. They kick decisions down the road by default.
Why This Stall Is Dangerous for Investors
It Sounds Polite but Kills Momentum: You think you still have a shot, but in reality, the deal is dead unless you re-engage immediately.
It Eats Follow-Up Time: You’ll waste days or weeks calling back sellers who never had serious intent.
It Keeps You from Real Buyers: While you’re chasing the “think about it” crowd, the motivated sellers are slipping through.
How to Decode the Stall in Real Time
When a seller says, “I need to think about it,” don’t accept it at face value. Your job is to uncover what’s really going on. Use these techniques:
1. Clarify Immediately
Respond with: “Totally fair, what part exactly do you need to think about? The price, the timeline, or working with me?”
2. Offer Options
Narrow their decision: “Is this more about the number, or about the timing?”
3. Test Commitment
Ask: “If the numbers worked today, would you be ready to move forward?”
Scripts for Handling the Stall
Script 1: The Clarifier
Seller: “I need to think about it.”
Investor: “Of course, I’d want to think too. Just so I understand, what specifically do you need to think over? Is it the price, the closing date, or something else?”
Script 2: The Timeline Anchor
Seller: “I’ll think about it.”
Investor: “Totally fine. Just so I don’t bother you endlessly, when do you think you’ll have your decision made? Tomorrow, by the weekend, or next week?”
Script 3: The Objection Finder
Seller: “I’ll think about it.”
Investor: “Got it. Sellers usually tell me that when something’s still on their mind. Is it the offer amount, or is someone else involved in the decision?”
Script 4: The Takeaway
Seller: “I need to think about it.”
Investor: “No problem. I don’t want to pressure you. Just so you know, I am looking at a few other deals right now, if this isn’t a fit, I totally understand, but I’d love to know so I don’t hold it for too long.”
Full Transcript Examples
Transcript 1: Logical Mishandling
Investor: “So our offer is $115,000, closing in 14 days.”
Seller: “Okay… I’ll think about it.”
Investor: “Alright, no problem, I’ll check back in a week.”
Seller: “Sure.”
Outcome: Seller never answers again. Investor wasted time.
Transcript 2: Balanced Handling
Investor: “So our offer is $115,000, closing in 14 days.”
Seller: “Okay… I’ll think about it.”
Investor: “Of course, I’d want to think too. Can I ask, what’s the biggest thing you need to think over? Is it the number, the speed, or just making sure you’re comfortable with me?”
Seller: “Honestly, it’s the number. My brother thinks it’s worth more.”
Investor: “Got it, that makes sense. If I could walk you through comps and explain how I came up with that number, would that help you feel more comfortable?”
Seller: “Yes, that would help.”
Investor: “Perfect, let’s go through it right now.”
Outcome: Seller reveals real objection, investor keeps momentum.
Transcript 3: The Takeaway in Action
Investor: “So our offer is $115,000, closing in 14 days.”
Seller: “I’ll think about it.”
Investor: “Totally fine. Just so you know, I’ve got a couple other properties I’m looking at this week. I’d love to move forward if it’s a fit, but I don’t want to hold this slot too long. Do you think you’ll know by tomorrow or Friday?”
Seller: “I’ll know by tomorrow.”
Investor: “Perfect. I’ll call you then and we’ll either move forward or part as friends.”
Outcome: Seller commits to a timeline, clarity achieved.
Checklist: Handling the Stall Without Losing Control
Don’t accept “I’ll think about it” at face value.
Clarify what they need to think about
Narrow choices (price vs. timing).
Test commitment directly.
Use the takeaway if needed.
Always lock in the next step with a timeline.
Conclusion: Thinking About It Means Stalling, Unless You Act
When a seller says “I need to think about it,” it usually means hesitation, not intent.
Your job is to decode what’s behind the words and guide them to clarity. Use clarifiers, objection-finders, and takeaways to move the conversation forward.
Sellers don’t want to be pressured, but they also don’t want to drift. The investor who handles the stall with respect and direction is the one who gets the deal.
