How to Politely Tell a Real Estate Agent You’re Not Interested: Straightforward and Effective Ways

No one wakes up and thinks, “I’d love to let down a real estate agent today.” But sometimes, that’s exactly where you end up. Maybe you clicked a listing out of curiosity, or maybe you just wanted a ballpark idea of local pricing, and now a friendly but persistent agent is following up, eager for your signature. Most of us don’t want to ghost anyone—or end up in a never-ending sales loop that makes you want to hurl your phone out the window. If you’ve ever wondered how to shut things down without feeling like a jerk, you’re not alone. There’s a way to do this that’s clear, honest, and doesn’t burn bridges. Recruiter data shows that 48% of people say they struggle to reject service professionals directly. Realtors aren’t mind readers; that awkward limbo helps nobody. But learning to say no, while keeping things professional and kind, is a real power move.

Why People Struggle to Say No in Real Estate

It’s weird how complicated it can feel to tell a real estate agent you’re not interested. I’ve been there—heck, Clara teased me about the time I spent two weeks dodging calls just because I didn’t want to break it to an agent that we’d changed our mind about moving. All the responses you rehearse in your head (“I’ll think about it!” or “Maybe later…”) don’t really solve the situation. And you’re not alone: over 60% of homebuyers report they put off telling an agent they’re not interested just to avoid uncomfortable conversations, according to a 2024 Redfin survey.

We’re trained to be polite, and on top of that, real estate agents work on commission—so we don’t want to ruin someone’s day when they’ve invested their time. But it’s important to remember agents deal with rejection all the time. They’re used to people changing their mind or going another direction. Still, the dread is real—people don’t want their email or phone number flagged, nor do they want to be rude. Imagine this: You’re not ready to buy, you look at houses for fun, and suddenly a real person is inviting you to showings. Now you wish you never signed up. That’s anxiety. But learning the right wording and approach takes the sting and the guilt out of it. Honesty, as strange as it sounds, is almost always less awkward than you’d think.

Perfect Timing: When Should You Tell Them?

There’s never a magical moment that makes saying “I’m not interested” super easy, but there are some signs it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it gets for both parties. Statistically, agents invest up to 10 hours on follow-ups for clients who never reply definitively—according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 trends report. You might think putting them off “lets them down easy,” but it just leads to more follow-up calls or emails. Here’s what I learned:

• Be up front as soon as you know you’re not moving forward. If you’ve realized you’re not going to buy, or another agent has your business, let them know within a day or two.
• If you just want to hit pause—maybe you’re unsure about your timeline—it’s honest to say you’re not ready. Agents appreciate clarity, not ambiguity.
• If you’re receiving repeated calls or aggressive selling when you only signed up for more info, you’re entitled to reclaim your time and stop the contact.

You’re not obligated to wait for a “perfect excuse.” In fact, the best time to share your intentions is right when you know their help isn’t required, making it easier for both sides. Leaving someone hanging just clogs up their schedule, and you won’t feel better later. The stress doesn’t go away until you handle it head-on.

Crafting the Message: Phrases That Actually Work

The actual words you use matter less than the honesty behind them. If you’re dreading confrontation, keep it short. Sometimes, rehearsed lines help. I used to get wrapped up in convoluted explanations—listing every reason, offering apologies. But here’s the truth: most agents would rather have a simple, clear answer. Here are straight-up examples after way too many trial runs:

• “Thanks for your help, but I’ve decided to put my search on hold for now.”
• “I’ve chosen to work with another agent. Thank you for your time.”
• “I’m not ready to move forward, so I don’t want to take up more of your time.”
• “Thank you, but I’m not planning to buy/sell at the moment. If that changes, I’ll reach out.”

Sounds easy, but these work because they’re clear. No lies, no excuses. And if you really need a reason (say, you only wanted to look, not buy), you can always add, “I was just curious about the market, but I’m not in the market right now.”
Agents respect honesty more than slippery answers. As top agent Michael Frampton told Realtor.com,

“The best thing people can do is just be honest. We’re used to hearing no. We value our own time too.”

Think about it: If you were in their shoes, you’d want to know where you stand, not chase a ghost lead. Being frank saves everyone time.

Tips for Handling Awkward Reactions (and Persistent Agents)

Even with the clearest email or phone call, you might run into the rare agent who doesn’t take no for an answer. If this happens—if you get multiple “just checking in” follow-ups or offers to sweeten the deal—stick to your line. Don’t get drawn into extra explanations or debates; it’s not up for negotiation. Persistence from agents happens, but it’s the exception, not the rule. Most professionals will move on. If you’re overwhelmed, here are things I’ve learned:

1. Send your “not interested” message in writing so you have a record. It’s easier to refer back to if needed.
2. If calls keep coming, repeat the same message, word for word. Don’t dilute your stance.
3. If an agent tries to guilt-trip you, don’t engage—just restate your position. Their feelings are their responsibility.
4. Block the number if needed. Respect for boundaries is non-negotiable.

Most agents appreciate you telling them; those who don’t aren’t the ones you’d want to work with anyway. U.S. Consumer Protection Laws support your right to withdraw consent to be contacted. If it gets extreme, you can report violations. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you can notify agents (and their brokers) in writing to stop contact—under penalty of legal action in egregious cases. I’ve never had it go that far, but the option is there.

Contact Method	Effectiveness (%)
Email	87
Phone Call	78
Text Message	74

Sending a short email is the top performer—most agents see it, and you avoid the discomfort of a call. But trust yourself on what feels right. Never underestimate the power of a one-sentence email. I once sent, "Please remove me from your list. Thanks for your time." The world didn’t end; I only regretted not doing it sooner.

How to Avoid Unwanted Follow-Ups in Future Property Searches

Now that you see how straightforward this can be, you might be thinking about how to dodge the situation next time. Honestly, it happens to anyone dabbling in browsing. You see a “dream home” listing online, you click, and *boom*—your inbox is full of follow-ups. Sites like Zillow or Redfin have lead capture forms built to connect you with agents instantly. To dodge this, here’s what works in 2025:

• Use a separate email or phone number for house hunting. It weeds out spam and makes it easier to drop communication if needed.
• Read the fine print before you sign up for “more info”—most sites forward your info to multiple agents at once.
• If you just want comps, use public records directories like PropertyShark, which don’t require personal info.
• When connecting with an agent, be honest about what stage you’re in. If you’re “just looking,” say so up front. Most agents will happily give you browsing space once you clarify.
• Unsubscribe from automated real estate emails; nearly all have an “unsubscribe” link by law since the CAN-SPAM Act went live back in 2003.
• Before signing any exclusive agreements, read every word. You’re only committed to an agent when you sign on the dotted line.

The freedom to explore homes without strings attached is powerful. As much as agents want to help, you’re not obligated to engage. If you do get contacted—hey, you know exactly how to respond now. Next time you feel the dread rising from another enthusiastic follow-up, remember you have choices, and your time’s valuable too. Trust me: clear and kind beats anxious avoidance every time. And the right agent will always respect that.