Coaching
How to Respond to “We’re Interviewing Other Agents”
By Khai Tran · · 7 min read
Hearing “we’re interviewing other agents” can rattle even experienced listing agents. This guide gives you calm, confident scripts to respond without sounding defensive or desperate.
The Moment That Trips Up Even Confident Agents
You’re mid-listing conversation. Everything feels aligned.
Then the seller says:
“Just so you know, we’re interviewing other agents.”
For many agents, especially thoughtful, introverted ones, this triggers a quiet panic:
- Do I need to compete harder?
- Do I justify my value?
- Am I already behind?
Here’s the truth I coach my clients on:
This is not an objection. It’s a test of leadership.
And how you respond matters more than what you say.
Why Sellers Say This (And What They’re Really Asking)
Before we get into the real estate listing objection script, let’s decode the intent.
When a seller says they’re interviewing other agents, they’re usually asking one of three things:
- “Are you confident in your value?”
- “Will you pressure us or respect our process?”
- “Can you guide us, or will you chase us?”
Your job is not to compete. Your job is to anchor authority and calm.
The #1 Mistake Agents Make in This Moment
Most agents respond by:
- Over-explaining credentials
- Rushing into stats
- Talking faster
- Trying to “win” the interview
That energy reads as approval-seeking, not leadership.
Confidence is quiet. Control is calm.
The Core Framework Behind Every Strong Response
Every effective response follows this structure:
- Normalize the seller’s process
- Affirm your confidence
- Reframe how decisions should be made
- Invite alignment, not competition
Keep that framework in mind as you use the scripts below.
Script #1: The Calm Professional (Most Versatile)
Use this when the conversation is early or neutral.
Script:
“That makes complete sense. Most sellers I work with want to be thorough. What I’ve found is that the right fit usually becomes clear once you understand how each agent thinks about pricing, strategy, and communication, not just marketing promises.”
Why this works:
- You don’t resist their statement
- You don’t compete
- You subtly elevate the decision criteria
Script #2: The Confident Guide (When You Want to Lead)
Use this when you feel good rapport and want to set standards.
Script:
“I’d actually expect you to interview other agents, it’s an important decision. What I’ll do today is walk you through exactly how I’d handle your sale so you can decide if my approach aligns with how you want to be represented.”
Why this works:
- You validate their logic
- You position yourself as the process
- You take control without pressure
Script #3: The Reframe (When Sellers Sound Noncommittal)
Use this when sellers feel distracted or indecisive.
Script:
“Totally fair. One thing I’d encourage you to pay attention to is not just who sounds the most confident, but who asks the best questions about your goals and timeline. That usually tells you who’s actually thinking like an advisor.”
Why this works:
- You slow the conversation down
- You shift focus from competition to competence
- You differentiate without comparison
Script #4: The Introvert-Friendly Soft Close
This is one I personally teach introverted agents because it’s natural, not salesy.
Script:
“You don’t need to decide anything today. My goal is just to give you clarity. If, after speaking with others, you feel my approach fits best, I’d be happy to move forward. If not, that’s okay too.”
Why this works:
- Removes pressure
- Builds trust
- Often pulls the seller toward you
A Real Coaching Example from the Field
One of my coaching clients used to freeze at this objection.
We practiced Script #2 word-for-word.
On her next listing appointment, the seller said:
“We’re interviewing three other agents.”
She responded calmly.
The seller paused and said:
“You’re the only one who hasn’t tried to sell us yet.”
She got the listing, without discounting her commission.
How to Practice This So It Sounds Natural
Don’t memorize. Internalize.
Here’s how I recommend practicing:
- Read the scripts out loud
- Record yourself once
- Adjust wording to match your voice
- Practice slowing down, not saying more
Confidence shows up in pace, not volume.
Final Thought: This Is a Leadership Moment
When sellers say they’re interviewing other agents, they’re watching:
- Your emotional control
- Your confidence
- Your respect for their process
Respond like a professional who expects to be chosen, not someone who needs to be.
Ready-to-Use Scripts (Free)
If you want more discovery call and DM scripts designed specifically for introverted agents:
👉 Download my free Introvert Discovery & DM Scripts Pack → /introvert-scripts
Khai Tran, Licensed Real Estate Agent in Texas. Brokered By eXp Realty.