Escalation Clauses — How to Use Them with Tracey Henkels
Open House: Everyday Excellence is back with another conversation for agents who want to sharpen their skills and deepen their relationships with clients. This podcast is for people who believe that doing great work means pairing expertise with integrity—and who know that the way we approach each deal matters as much as the outcome.
In each episode, we talk to agents and experts about the moments that define their careers. We share the wins, the near-misses, and the lessons that only real-world experience can teach. Whether you’re new to the business or decades in, you’ll find insight, inspiration, and practical tools you can use right away.
🎧 Episode 2: Escalation Clauses — How to Use Them with Tracey Henkels
Few topics spark more debate among agents than escalation clauses. Some love them. Others won’t use them. But maybe that’s not the real question.
In this episode, Tracey Henkels offers a clear, balanced perspective on when escalation clauses help—and when they can hurt. She shares how to approach them with both clients and other agents, how to keep the process calm instead of frantic, and how to use them as one tool among many in your negotiation toolbox.
Tracey breaks down:
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How escalation clauses work (and common misconceptions)
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The pros and cons of using them in a multiple-offer market
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How to talk to clients about them without overwhelming them
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Why communication and trust matter more than any single tactic
Why It Matters
Escalation clauses are just a tool—they’re not a magic fix, and they’re not a shortcut to “winning.” The best agents know that negotiation starts with listening, builds on trust, and ends with a deal that works for everyone involved.
At Open House: Everyday Excellence, we celebrate that kind of work: skilled, thoughtful, and deeply client-focused.
Listen Now
Episode 2 is live! Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.