Change Up the Script: 5 Phrases Realtors Should Drop Immediately

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By Sean Colón

In 2025, Arizona Realtors compete not just on listings and networks, but on how they speak. Jeremy Miner has long taught that some phrases unconsciously create resistance. Replace common sales terms with more neutral, empowering alternatives, and you’ll shift how clients perceive you—and their willingness to move forward.

Here are five phrases to stop using and what to say instead:

I’ve added my own twist: Don’t say “use me.” Say “work with me.” The word use positions you as a tool, not a partner. Clients can sense it and it subtly lowers your status in the relationship. Real estate is about building relationships where you “work with” your clients.

Miner’s language shift isn’t just semantics. He argues that phrases like “sign contract” trigger resistance. In his training, he says: “Stop using words like ‘contract’ and ‘sign’ … start using neutral phrases instead.”

Why These Changes Matter in Arizona Real Estate

Arizona buyers are saturated with polished pitches, slick marketing, and agents using the same scripts. That makes subtle linguistic shifts powerful differentiators in:

  • Listing presentations

  • Discovery calls

  • Email outreach

  • Negotiation phases

When a phrase is neutral, it lets the client relax, listen, and lean in. When it feels “salesy,” it invites pushback. Over time, Realtors who make these language upgrades will seem more thoughtful, professional, and trustworthy in a crowded field.

Consider this: if a potential client hears “We need to sign a contract today”, they may bristle—feeling rushed or pressured. But if you say, “Once you’re ready, we can authorize the agreement,” the same idea becomes collaborative.

How To Embed These Phrases into Your Workflow

Here are actionable steps you can start using today:

  1. Audit your scripts and emails
    Replace “budget” with “funding” in client conversations.
    Change “sign contract” to “authorize agreement” in proposals.

  2. Practice tone and delivery
    It’s not about softening—it's about being natural. These alternatives should flow, not feel forced.

  3. Record yourself and review
    When coaching new agents or yourself, listen for trigger words. Make a list of your most-used terms and map replacements.

  4. Train your team
    Whether you’re solo or in a small team, get everyone aligned in language so you don’t contradict one another in front of clients.

A Real-World Scenario

Imagine this exchange:

  • Realtor A: “Let me follow up tomorrow and get you the contract.”

  • Realtor B: “I’ll get back to you tomorrow so you can authorize the agreement if you’re ready.”

Both do the same thing—but the second version feels less pushy, more consultative.

In Arizona’s competitive real estate markets—Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa—every nuance counts. With limited inventory and rising buyer expectations, Realtors who master both marketing and communication set themselves apart.

Words Are Actions

You are not just handing clients forms. You’re guiding them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Using better phrasing helps clients feel safe, respected, and more confident working with you.

If you're ready to pair this higher-level communication with professional listing visuals that speak volume, I’d love to help. Visit seancolon.com to see how real estate photography can reinforce your brand and elevate every conversation.

By the way, I help realtors improve their online and social media presence by providing beautiful photos of their listings. That is why I’ve created this FREE HOME PREP LIST for your clients to help your listings look their best. Feel free to share.

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Let’s spark a discussion:
Which phrase do you find yourself using most often, and how hard will it be to replace it? Share your thoughts below.