How Much Do You Think The Seller Will Take For That Home?

How Much Do You Think The Seller Will Take For That Home?

Well now isn't that the $64,000 question!  First of all I don't know a single Realtor who has a Crystal Ball that can answer that question.  Shortly after that question usually comes another that goes something like:  "do you think they'll take $XXXXX's and can't you just call them and ask?....I really don't want to fill out all the paperwork if they're not going to take my offer".

Maybe in a perfect world crystal balls and verbal contracts and non-binding conversations reign supreme, but the real estate world on our little planet works a little differently.  First of all no one knows what's inside the mind of a seller and most buyers for that matter.  Circumstances change frequently for sellers whether it be financial, job related, health issues, emotions, time lines, maybe they're building another house and need to sell quickly, maybe they don't have to sell at all and are waiting for the buyer willing to pay their price or maybe still just wanting to get on with their lives.  There are a lot of reasons a seller has listed their home and asking will not always get you an honest answer...not even a crystal ball will be of much help.  

Another thing to consider is that if you the buyer are making a verbal offer most sellers will not take you seriously and won't respond for good reason.  You have nothing in the game...are you pre-approved?  Where's your earnest money?  Are you employed? Are you just fishing with no intention or means of buying, maybe you're going to list your house and you're trying to find out what others are willing to sell their homes for...maybe you're just wasting everyone's time...who knows, but what I can tell you is that no one is going to take you seriously and no one is going to respond...at least seriously.

Most all sellers require a pre-approval letter and copy of your earnest money check to be submitted along with your written offer.  Your Realtor will educate you about the local market and show you what you can expect to pay by showing you what homes have sold for recently and thereby helping you establish a reasonable offer...one that will be taken seriously...an offer that can be negotiated to a successful end.

So, if you're interested in the opinion of a Realtor who's been involved in real estate for over 30 years:  get pre-approved, work with an Realtor that is knowledgeable and a good fit for you and put that offer in writing.  Of course there's always Madam Zelda above. 

If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area.