In real estate investing, comps (comparables) are essential. They help buyers understand the market value of a property based on similar recent sales in the area. But if you’ve been working with investor buyers long enough, you’ve probably noticed something odd:

Some buyers always want “just one more comp.”

Even after you’ve shared five, ten, or more, they hesitate. They ask for a few more examples, a few more scenarios, a few more “what ifs.”

So what’s really going on?

This behavior isn’t about data. It’s about psychology, risk tolerance, and buying style.

Let’s break it down, and show you how to spot, understand, and handle these buyers without losing your mind (or the deal).

What Is a “Comp-Chaser” Buyer?

Not all buyers are comp-chasers. This specific buyer behavior shows up when someone…

• Asks for multiple comps even after getting a full list

• Questions every number or value without offering alternatives

• Repeatedly delays decision-making to “analyze further”

• Pushes for new comps as market conditions shift (even slightly)

• Uses comps as an excuse to avoid moving forward

They’re not always wasting your time intentionally. But they are letting uncertainty run the show, and your deal gets caught in the middle.

Why Some Buyers Fixate on Comps

Let’s dig into what this behavior really signals.

1. Fear of Overpaying

This is the most common motivator behind “just one more comp” behavior.

Buyers (especially newer ones) are terrified of getting stuck with a bad deal. They’ve heard horror stories, read investor forums, or maybe been burned before.

Their logic:
“If I can find one more comp that’s $5K lower, I’ll know this isn’t a mistake.”

Your move:
Reassure with conservative analysis and backstopped numbers. Don’t try to push a rosy picture, show them how the numbers still work even if they’re slightly off.

2. Paralysis by Analysis

Some buyers just overthink everything. It’s part of their personality or decision-making style.

These buyers:

• Need spreadsheets

• Love modeling every scenario

• Hate gut decisions

They collect data as a form of control, and it becomes a loop.

Your move:
Lean into their style. Present comps in organized formats. Provide a spreadsheet they can tweak. Then set a clear timeline:

“I want you to run your numbers, and I’ll check back in 24 hours.”

Structure limits the analysis loop.

3. They’re Not Ready to Buy, But Don’t Want to Say It

This one’s tricky.

Sometimes, buyers say they want a deal… but deep down, they’re not ready to commit.

Asking for more comps becomes a polite way to stall without saying no.

They may be:

• Low on capital

• Waiting on another deal to close

• Nervous about market timing

Your move:
Ask directly, but without pressure:
“Hey, I’ve noticed we’ve looked at a lot of data. Is there anything else holding you back besides the comps?”

You might surface the real objection and save everyone time.

3 Buyer Profiles That Chase Comps the Most

Let’s go deeper. Here are the three buyer types most likely to over-analyze comparables, and how to adapt your pitch for each.

1. The BRRRR Buyer

Buyers using the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) live and die by rent comps and refinance valuations.

They need to nail both the ARV and rental income because their entire strategy hinges on a refinance.

Why they chase comps:

• They’re planning long-term debt against the value

• A small change in valuation can ruin the refinance

How to pitch:

• Offer rental comps and sales comps together

• Show realistic vs. worst-case refinance valuations

• Help them “stress test” the deal

Want more on BRRRR buyers? Link to: [Why BRRRR Buyers Ask So Many Questions (and How to Handle It)]

2. The First-Time Flipper

Flippers have to sell quickly and hit a certain profit margin. First-time flippers in particular are ultra-sensitive to market shifts.

Why they chase comps:

• Fear of missing costs or overpricing ARV

• Worry that rehab will take too long and market will shift

How to pitch:

• Include recent sold comps with renovation status

• Break down days on market, price per square foot

• Point out pricing strategy post-rehab

3. The Funded “Buyer Rep”

Some buyers are middlemen for funds or buying groups. They have to justify the numbers to someone else, and comps are their main weapon.

Why they chase comps:

• Need ammunition to get approval from investors

• Fear getting blamed for poor analysis

How to pitch:

• Create presentation-style data packets

• Include comp maps, photos, links

• Offer to join a call with their funding partner

How to Stop the Endless Comp Requests

Let’s talk tactics.

Here’s how to stop a comp-chaser from dragging things out, without killing the relationship.

1. Use Framing to Set Limits Early

When you first share comps, say something like:

“These are the 6 comps I trust most, and I usually find that anything beyond this starts adding noise, not clarity. But happy to answer questions.”

This sets a psychological limit. You’re not being rigid, but you’re asserting what’s “enough.”

2. Offer a Comp Summary (Not Just a List)

Comp-chasers often want you to do their thinking for them.

Instead of sending a list of links, give your interpretation upfront:

• “These three comps are within 0.2 miles and sold in 30 days.”

• “The renovation level is similar, but yours has a larger lot.”

• “That outlier comp is $25K lower, but it backed a major freeway.”

This shows confidence and invites discussion, not endless research.

3. Ask the Magic Question

When you feel stuck, try this:

“Let’s say all the comps check out. Are you ready to move forward?”

It does two things:

• Surfaces hidden objections

• Pushes the buyer to evaluate themselves, not just the data

If they say yes, great. If they stall, you’ve confirmed it’s not really about comps.

When to Walk Away from a Comp-Chaser

Not every buyer is worth the time. Here are signs it’s time to move on:

• They’ve requested comps for 5+ properties and haven’t offered once

• They’re asking for data you’ve already sent

• They change criteria constantly (“Can we find 4-bed comps instead?”)

• They avoid giving timelines or commitment signals

Remember: You’re not a data concierge. You’re a dealmaker.

Turn Comp-Chasing Into a Sales Advantage

Here’s the upside: If you can handle comp-chasers well, you build massive trust, and long-term buyers.

Because when they do buy, they’re more loyal than impulse investors.

They remember who:

• Took the time to explain

• Shared realistic data

• Didn’t get defensive or salesy

They refer others. They come back.

So instead of fighting the comp obsession, manage it. Own it. Control the flow.

Confidence Wins Deals

Buyers who ask for “just one more comp” are often looking for one thing: reassurance.

Not hype. Not pressure. Just grounded confidence.

So the next time you see the comp cycle starting, slow it down and say:

“I’ve worked a lot of deals in this area. The comps support this price, and I’m here to help you make the right move, whether it’s this deal or the next.”

That kind of positioning keeps the buyer relationship strong, and the sales cycle moving forward.