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Which Kind of Seller are you?

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage BRE#01732313

Personality TypesPeople typically fall into a few different categories when in the home-selling mode.  Take a look and see if you relate to one of these personality or situational ‘types’.  Then here is the challenge.  Which one would you prefer to be?  And, is it something you can pre-determine?

Realistic – You’ve been doing your homework, and paying attention to homes for sale in your area. You carefully weigh the pros and cons of your house and objectively determine how it compares to others in terms of neighborhood, location within the development, condition, upgrades and curb appeal.  You let the comps and stats and your agent’s input influence the list price.  It’s clean as a whistle and everything is in place for showings.  And, you’ve made it easy to show.

Pragmatic – You have an “it is what it is” attitude about the market, whether up or down.  Your personal goals for the move takes center stage  while you keep your eye on attaining your long term objectives, even if the short term is less than perfect.

Emotional – Letting go of this home is one of the hardest things you’ve had to do.  You’re leaving friends and family behind, and not necessarily because you want to.  There are so many other life-changing events going on, that the practical side of selling your home just stands in the way of everything else you need to be dealing with.

Dreamer- You’re convinced that even though market prices are down in your neighborhood, and your house could use some work, there will be ONE person who will fall in love with your house more than all others, and will be willing to pay more than any have sold for recently.  Some other factors are affecting your rationale – what you paid for it, what you owe and what you want to do next.

Optimistic- You believe that whatever is supposed to happen will happen, and you will do all of the things that are within your control.  You’ll take all of the necessary steps to insure a favorable outcome – a home that is the best that it can be, a willingness to do price reductions if the market deems it necessary and a positive attitude about dealing with offers (good or bad) that come your way.  You see any offer as viable and have hired a reputable agent to help you with negotiations.

Stressed Out – You’re unhappy.  Sad or perhaps even angry. Life has dealt you some really tough blows and selling your home is just like pouring salt in a wound.  You’re at the end of your rope and feel that everyone and everything is working against you, including your agent.  Unfortunately, the negative atmosphere surrounding your circumstances may stand in the way of you getting the outcome you really need.  You need a compassionate and capable champion to help you through these trying times.

Motivated - Many sellers describe themselves as motivated, but you truly match up to the meaning.  You’ve crunched numbers, and know that what you need to make things work may not be in sync with what’s likely to happen. You’ve run through your Plan A, but have a Plan B and Plan C in place, just in case.  You want your home to be considered the best house at the best price, so that it will appeal to the most potential buyers.  Your number one priority is to get where you want to be, without losing site of what you need to do to really get there. 

No matter which type of seller you are, it’s not easy to go it alone.  In reality, I’ve dealt with people in all of the above states of mind.  Understanding what you’re dealing with can really help your agent help you in accomplishing your goals.  It’s an emotional ride, and I for one am here to take it with you.

 

Comments (7)

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Karen~  I had a listing with a seller not too long ago that was such a big dreamer about what the home would sell for.  I was happy to pass the torch back and it is now listed with someone else!

Nov 04, 2010 03:14 PM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

My favorite are the "Motivated" !

Nov 04, 2010 03:18 PM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Yes, we've met them all Vickie.  But it's really nice when they shift from one of the less successful modes to another where together we can get the job done.

Renee, I'm with you on that one!

Nov 04, 2010 03:22 PM
Margo Currie
Exit 1 Stop Realty - Saint Augustine Beach, FL

I love the descriptions. We've seen them all, especially in this challenging market.

Nov 04, 2010 03:25 PM
Stanley Stepak
Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH - Avon Lake, OH
Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,

 I have had just about all of them ... but I think we wish we had nothing but the motivated

Nov 04, 2010 03:26 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

I think you have them all covered, Karen.  And yes, we have met them all.  But there is nothing that we can't handle, right!

Nov 04, 2010 04:00 PM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

I hope that more of the public is getting better educated on just what a Real Estate Agent actually DOES for a living and that you folks receive better appreciation for it!

Nov 05, 2010 11:53 AM