The Top Stalling Phrases Buyers Use and What They Really Mean
If you don’t learn to decode these phrases, you’ll waste hours (and deals) chasing buyers who never planned to close. This article unpacks the most common buyer stalling phrases, what they really mean, and how to respond without losing control of the deal.
Austin Beverigde
Tennessee
, Goliath Teammate
Every wholesaler, flipper, or agent knows the frustration: you’ve got a buyer who sounds interested, but the deal keeps dragging. They always have another reason to pause, delay, or “circle back later.” The truth is, buyers rarely say directly: “I’m not serious.” Instead, they use stalling phrases, subtle ways of buying time or avoiding commitment.
If you don’t learn to decode these phrases, you’ll waste hours (and deals) chasing buyers who never planned to close. This article unpacks the most common buyer stalling phrases, what they really mean, and how to respond without losing control of the deal.
Why Buyers Stall Instead of Saying No
Before decoding phrases, it’s important to understand why buyers stall in the first place:
Avoiding confrontation: People don’t like saying no directly, so they use soft language to delay.
Buying time: Some buyers need more time to find funds, partners, or excuses.
Testing leverage: Delays can be a tactic to pressure you into lowering your price.
Not real buyers: Daisy chainers and tire-kickers stall because they never had intent to begin with.
Once you know the motives, you can cut through the noise.
The Top Stalling Phrases (and What They Really Mean)
1. “Let me think about it.”
Decoded: “I’m not confident enough to commit, and I probably won’t.”
Response: “Totally fair. Just so I understand, what exactly do you need to think through? Numbers, condition, or timeline?” Push for specifics.
2. “I’ll run it by my partner.”
Decoded: “I’m not the decision-maker, and this may die in committee.”
Response: “Got it. Can we set a quick time for all decision-makers to hop on a call so we’re aligned?” Force them to reveal who’s really in charge.
3. “Send me all your deals.”
Decoded: “I don’t know what I want, or I’m trying to daisy-chain your deals.”
Response: “Happy to send you what fits. Can you share your exact buy box, location, price, rehab range?” This filters serious buyers from tire-kickers.
4. “We’ll see what the inspection shows.”
Decoded: “I’m not committed, and I may use inspection to renegotiate or stall.”
Response: “Totally. Just so we’re clear, is there anything specific you’re already concerned about, or are you expecting surprises?” Anchor them.
5. “I’ll get back to you.”
Decoded: “I probably won’t get back to you.”
Response: “No problem. Should I follow up tomorrow, or would Thursday be better?” Always lock in a next step.
6. “I’ve got a few other deals I’m looking at.”
Decoded: “I’m not prioritizing yours. You’re backup.”
Response: “Makes sense. Just so you know, this one’s moving fast. If it fits, do you want first position or should I keep showing it?” Call the bluff.
7. “The numbers are close, but not quite there.”
Decoded: “I want a discount, but I don’t want to say it directly.”
Response: “Got it. What exact number would make this a yes for you?” Don’t let them linger in vagueness.
8. “Can you send me more pictures/info?”
Decoded: “I’m stalling. If I really wanted it, I’d go see it.”
Response: “I can send some, but just so I know, if everything checks out, are you ready to move forward?” Tie effort to commitment.
9. “The timing isn’t right.”
Decoded: “I’m not motivated, but I don’t want to say no.”
Response: “Understood. What timeline would work for you?” Pin them down or cut them loose.
10. “Let’s touch base next week.”
Decoded: “I’m kicking the can. I don’t want to commit now.”
Response: “Happy to. What day and time works best for you so I can lock it in?” Make it concrete.
How to Spot a Staller vs. a Serious Buyer
Stallers:
Use vague phrases
Avoid specifics
Never commit to dates
Keep asking for more info
Repeat the same excuses
Serious Buyers:
Ask execution-based questions
Provide proof of funds
Commit to timelines
Follow up without you chasing them
The 3-Strike Rule for Stalling Buyers
To avoid wasting time, use a clear rule:
First stall: Clarify with specifics (ask questions).
Second stall: Tie requests to commitments (e.g., EMD).
Third stall: Move them to the cold list and shift focus to real buyers.
This keeps your pipeline clean and your energy on people who actually close.
Scripts for Handling Stalling Phrases
“Let me think about it.” → “Sure thing. What part specifically do you need to think over?”
“I’ll run it by my partner.” → “Perfect, let’s all hop on a call. What time works?”
“Send me all your deals.” → “Happy to, once I know your buy box. What’s your ideal property?”
“We’ll see what inspection shows.” → “Cool. Any issues you’re already expecting?”
“I’ll get back to you.” → “I’ll put a note to follow up tomorrow. Does morning or afternoon work better?”
Case Studies: Stalling in Action
The Perpetual Thinker: Asked for a week to “think.” After 3 weeks of chasing, never bought. Lesson: pin down specifics early.
The Daisy-Chainer: Wanted “all your deals.” Never closed. Lesson: filter with proof of funds.
The Serious Flipper: Said, “Numbers are close, but not there.” When asked for a specific number, gave it immediately and wired EMD. Lesson: specifics = seriousness.
Conclusion: Decode, Don’t Chase
Every stalling phrase has a hidden meaning. Your job isn’t to get frustrated, it’s to decode it fast. When you recognize the signals, you can:
Ask clarifying questions
Tie info to commitments
Set firm timelines
Cut loose the time-wasters
The best buyers don’t stall, they act. And the sooner you learn to decode the phrases of stalling buyers, the faster you’ll clear your pipeline and lock in real deals.
