The strongest answer is specific to the local market and the client's timeline. A confident response names current days on market, active inventory levels, and what price movement looks like in the neighbourhoods they're considering. General answers like "it depends on your goals" are technically true but rarely reassuring.
Frame it around data, not personal opinion. Pull two or three recent comparables, note any relevant differences in condition or location, and let the numbers do the work. Most clients respond well to an agent who says "here's what I'm basing this on," even when the answer isn't what they were hoping to hear.
Acknowledge the concern, then redirect to the local picture. National headlines rarely reflect specific neighbourhood dynamics. Walk the client through what inventory, days on market, and price trends are actually showing in their area, and help them distinguish the noise from what applies to their situation.
Most agents build a short weekly habit: 15 to 20 minutes reviewing MLS summary data for their core markets. Many also use tools that surface key figures before each meeting, so preparation happens in the background rather than the morning of a client call.
That Thursday between showings ends differently when the answer is already ready. The buyer on the other end of the call hears something specific and grounded, and asks when they can see homes this weekend. Worthington keeps the market context, client notes, and follow-ups organised so you can show up prepared to every conversation. If that sounds like a more manageable Thursday, worthington.ai is a good place to start.