I heard a good piece of language from an Agent in Monsey, New York.  It is in the pricing conversation with the seller at the listing presentation.  When you are asked about price, particularly when the seller has a higher price in mind, you say the following.

“It would be so much easier for me to tell you that your house is worth more, but it’s not.”

The Agent said it so simply, so honestly, with so much compassion for the seller who just wanted the Agent to agree that they had more equity than the truth.  It was perfect.

Now, if you are a more aggressive, in your face type of Agent this language probably won’t work for you.  It will sound too confrontational.  On the other hand, if you are a more gentle spirit with natural empathy this may be perfect for you too.

That gets into a whole conversation about how successful, very successful Agents come in all types and styles, for another time.