How to Share Personal Stories Without Oversharing

Personal stories make people trust you. They show heart, not just facts. The challenge is to share enough to connect, while keeping yourself and others safe. This guide gives you a simple way to tell warm, true stories that support your work in property, without going too far.

Why personal stories help you win listings and buyers

• People hire people they like and remember

• Stories are easier to understand than data

• A good story can explain your values in one minute

• Stories make social posts, open home talks and listing pitches feel human

What counts as oversharing

Oversharing happens when a story gives too much private detail, hurts someone, breaks trust or distracts from the point. It often feels uncomfortable to read. The listener should never think they are your counsellor. Your goal is to help, not to offload.

The Green Amber Red rule

Use this quick colour test before you share.

• Green
  Safe and helpful. You would be happy to read it on a billboard.
  Examples
  A lesson you learned at an open home. A small challenge you solved for a client. A hobby that shows discipline or care.

• Amber
  Might be safe if edited. Keep it short and clean.
  Examples
  A family story that includes kids. A client who had a dispute. A health scare. Remove names and sensitive detail. Focus on the lesson, not the drama.

• Red
  Do not share.
  Examples
  Anything about a client without consent. Legal matters. Money troubles. Health records. Relationship issues. Anything that could upset, shame or identify someone.

The CARE test for every story

Use this four step test. If you cannot answer yes to all, do not post.

1. Clear point
   What is the one lesson for the reader

2. Appropriate
   Would you say it in a listing presentation

3. Respectful
   Does it protect the privacy of everyone involved

4. Enough, not everything
   Does it give just enough detail to make the lesson real

The 60 second Story Arc

Keep your stories short and useful. Use this arc anywhere, from Instagram to a kitchen table at a listing appointment.

1. Hook
   One line that sets the scene
   Example
   Last Saturday I met a buyer with a big worry about finance.

2. Situation
   What was happening
   Keep to one or two lines.

3. Challenge
   What was the problem
   Name it simply.

4. Action
   What you did to help
   One or two steps only.

5. Outcome
   What changed
   Give a clear result.

6. Bridge
   Tie it back to value
   How this helps sellers or buyers today.

Safe story themes for property

Pick one theme per story.

• Service moments
  A time you went the extra mile for a client
  Focus on the action and outcome

• Learning moments
  A mistake you will not repeat
  Be honest and short. Share the fix and the benefit

• Local love
  A small part of your suburb you enjoy
  Park, cafe, school drop off, community event
  Keep it practical and positive

• Professional pride
  How you prepare a home for photography
  How you plan an auction week
  Share clear steps and one quick tip

• Gratitude
  Thank a mentor, colleague or supplier
  Share what you learned from them

What to leave out

• Full names or photos without permission

• Numbers that reveal a person’s finances

• Health details or family issues

• Negative comments about competitors, tenants or trades

• Legal matters, police issues or anything under dispute

• Private addresses when safety is a concern

Consent and privacy checklist

Use this mini checklist before you publish or speak.

• Do I have written consent to use any client name or image

• Have I removed any detail that could identify a person or property if consent is not given

• Is the tone kind and fair

• Would I be happy for this to be read by the person in the story

• Does this follow my agency’s social media policy

• If unsure, ask your leader to review before posting

Five real examples you can adapt

Use the 60 second arc and keep each to 80 to 120 words.

• Example 1
  Hook
  A buyer almost missed the home they loved.
  Situation
  They were worried about a small crack in a wall.
  Challenge
  They feared a big repair bill.
  Action
  I arranged a quick trade visit and a simple report the same day.
  Outcome
  The issue was minor and cheap to fix.
  Bridge
  Small problems can look big at first. With the right checks we keep deals safe for both sides.

• Example 2
  Hook
  Preparing a home well can add real value.
  Situation
  Our seller worked full time and felt overwhelmed.
  Challenge
  Too many tasks and not enough time.
  Action
  I gave a 7 step prep list and lined up two trades and a cleaner.
  Outcome
  We launched on time with fresh photos.
  Bridge
  Clear steps remove stress and help your home shine.

• Example 3
  Hook
  I once priced a home too high early in my career.
  Situation
  We had little interest in week one.
  Challenge
  The seller felt confused.
  Action
  I reviewed the data, reset our price guide and improved the ad copy.
  Outcome
  We sold within two weeks at a fair market price.
  Bridge
  Honest reviews and quick fixes protect your final result.

• Example 4
  Hook
  A rainy open can still win buyers.
  Situation
  Storms hit at 10 am.
  Challenge
  Turnout looked poor.
  Action
  I sent quick texts, set up umbrellas, and filmed a short walkthrough for late arrivals.
  Outcome
  We booked four private inspections.
  Bridge
  Simple care helps buyers feel looked after in any weather.

• Example 5
  Hook
  A neighbour asked how to choose a selling date.
  Situation
  They had school plans and travel.
  Challenge
  Timing felt messy.
  Action
  I mapped a calendar from photo day to auction day and allowed for public holidays.
  Outcome
  They felt in control and ready.
  Bridge
  A clear timeline keeps families calm and campaigns smooth.

Your personal Story Bank

Build a safe, useful library so you never run dry.

1. Create three folders
   Service moments
   Learning moments
   Local love

2. After each open or appointment
   Write three lines while it is fresh
   What happened
   What you did
   What changed

3. Each Friday
   Pick one story to polish with the 60 second arc
   Store it in a simple document
   Add a title and a date

4. Reuse wisely
   One story can become
   A social post
   A short video
   A listing pitch line
   A paragraph in your newsletter

The Edit Down method

If a story feels too personal, shrink it.

• Swap specific for general
  Change a name to a role
  Change an address to a suburb

• Change the time frame
  Say a while ago instead of last month

• Focus on the lesson
  Cut emotion, keep the action and result

• Remove extras
  If in doubt, leave it out

Channel by channel tips

• Social media
  Keep it under 120 words
  Use one photo or a simple self video
  End with a practical tip or invitation

• Open homes
  Share a 20 second story while greeting or farewelling
  Keep the focus on the property and the visitor’s needs

• Listing presentations
  Use one strong story that matches the seller’s situation
  Tie the outcome to your plan for their home

• Email newsletters
  One story per issue
  Use a clear headline and a one sentence lesson
  Link to a full article if needed

Voice and tone guide

• Warm and calm

• Plain words, short sentences

• No blame, no drama

• Pride without boasting

• Always end on value for the reader

Red flag feelings to listen for

• If it feels like a vent, do not post

• If you want sympathy, do not post

• If someone else could be hurt, do not post

• If you feel a rush to share, wait one day

A quick pre publish checklist

Use this each time.

1. What is the one lesson

2. Is it Green, Amber or Red

3. Does it pass the CARE test

4. Are all names and details safe

5. Will this help a seller or buyer today

6. Is it under 120 words for social

7. Did I add a simple call to action

Two fill in templates

• The Service Moment
  Hook
  Yesterday I helped someone with [problem].
  Situation
  They felt [feeling] about [topic].
  Action
  I organised [step] and [step].
  Outcome
  This led to [result].
  Bridge
  If you face [similar problem], here is my tip [one line tip].

• The Learning Moment
  Hook
  I learned a useful lesson about [topic].
  Situation
  At [place or event], [short set up].
  Action
  I tried [approach].
  Outcome
  I saw [result].
  Bridge
  Next time I will [improvement]. This can help you if you are [seller or buyer type].

A simple weekly plan

• Monday
  Add one new note to your Story Bank

• Wednesday
  Record one 60 second video using a safe template

• Friday
  Polish one story and post it with a clear tip

• Sunday
  Review what worked and plan the next story

Stories work when they serve the listener. Share small, true moments that show how you care, how you solve problems and how you guide people through big decisions. Keep the private parts private. Keep the lesson clear. When you do this, your stories will build trust, win appointments and support strong results across every part of your work.

Author Ken Hobson
ken@agentslibrary.com.au