You don’t always need a higher number to get the deal.

Sometimes, you just need better words.

The way you present your offer, your tone, phrasing, and framing, can make the same dollar amount feel like a win… or a loss.

The right phrases shift perception, reduce resistance, and help motivated sellers feel confident saying yes, even when your offer isn’t the highest.

This post breaks down:

• 5 simple but powerful phrases that improve how your offer is received

• Why each one works from a psychological and emotional standpoint

• When to use them (and when not to)

• How to incorporate them into your next seller call

Let’s upgrade your language, without changing your numbers.

Phrase #1: “Here’s how I got to that number.”

This turns a price into a process. It shows your offer isn’t random or aggressive, it’s thoughtful, logical, and fair.

Why it works:
Sellers often assume you're lowballing just to make a spread. When you explain your reasoning (comps, repair cost, holding risk), it builds trust and transparency.

How to use it:

“Based on what I’m seeing with the roof, the plumbing updates you mentioned, and some recent sales in the area, here’s how I got to [$XXX].”

Bonus: Show your math. Sellers appreciate when you walk them through it, even briefly.

Phrase #2: “This isn’t the only option, I can walk you through a few.”

Instead of boxing the seller into a take-it-or-leave-it scenario, you’re now offering options, which lowers tension.

Why it works:
Choice equals control. When a seller feels like they’re in charge, not being sold, they're more likely to engage and say yes.

How to use it:

“There are a few ways we can structure this. I can show you what a straight cash deal looks like, but also what it might look like if we worked something out with payments, or even if we listed it. Totally up to you.”

This frames you as a problem solver, not a vulture.

Phrase #3: “If the number isn’t right, the timing might still be.”

Sometimes the seller’s not emotionally ready to take your offer today, but planting the seed keeps the door open.

Why it works:
This phrase removes pressure while still validating the seller’s situation. It creates permission to revisit the deal later, without burning the bridge.

How to use it:

“If it’s not the right number, I totally understand. But if you ever reach a point where the timing matters more than the price, I can be a resource.”

You’re not pushing, you’re future-proofing.

Phrase #4: “I’m not here to win, I’m here to make this work for both of us.”

This repositions you from an adversary to a partner.

Why it works:
Most sellers expect investors to come in aggressive. When you lead with mutual benefit, it breaks down defenses fast.

How to use it:

“I’m not trying to win a negotiation, I want this to feel like a win for you too. If we can find a number and a structure that works for both of us, great. If not, I totally get it.”

Use this especially with emotionally charged sellers who may have dealt with predatory offers before.

Phrase #5: “At the very least, this gives you a baseline to compare with.”

Instead of asking for the deal, you’re offering value, even if they say no.

Why it works:
Sellers often stall because they’re afraid of choosing the wrong person. By giving them something concrete, without pressure, you earn trust and increase the odds they come back.

How to use it:

“No pressure at all. Even if we don’t work together, this gives you something to compare any other offers against.”

They’ll remember who respected their decision, and they’ll come back when the other offers fall short.

How to Use These Phrases Without Sounding Scripted

The key isn’t just saying these lines, it’s sounding like you mean them.

That means:

• Use your natural voice

• Don’t read off a script

• Adapt to the seller’s emotional tone

• Use one or two of these per call, not all five at once

Over time, these phrases become part of your natural language, and your close rate goes up.

Goliath Tip: Track Which Phrases Work Best

With Goliath’s call recording and seller interaction tracking, you can:

• Analyze what phrases lead to more follow-ups or contracts

• Spot moments where seller tone shifts (positively or negatively)

• Train your team with the best-performing talk tracks

Sales is data. Language is a lever. Goliath helps you use both.

One Offer. Better Words. More Yeses.

You don’t need to overpay to get the deal. You just need to communicate better than the next guy.

Start using these phrases. Pay attention to how sellers respond. And remember:

Your offer is only as good as the way you present it.