Is This a Motivated Seller?

just because a home  is listed does not mean thee seller is motivated to sell. I have seen plenty of unmotivated sellers in this market still reaching for the sky, not any of my listings tho:) As far as asking for more information, I love how buyers will ask for more pictures like I have a whole file of pictures not on the MLS. When someone asks me if they are really motivated that tells me they are going to lowball. You neveer know what a seller wiill take until you make that offer.

Carla - well done! I couldn't agree with you more in your statement regarding a breach of fiduciary duty. Unless you seller specifically authorizes you (and I'd have it in writing) that you can discuss their willingness to take a low offer or their level of motivation, listing agents need to get the highest price possible for their clients. Interesting too, how buyers want to know motivation before they even see the house. It could be a real steal at the list price!  Continued success to you!

Yes to this dynamic and how we all go about it...it goes on

I remember that game!

I also get this question a lot. I always answer the same. You need to make an offer. That usually will answer the question. 

I always try to answer that question from my experience evaluating listings. Of course I share the reality, "no way to really know unless you make an offer" however there are signs as to whether a seller is motivated or not. If we can help our buyers understand those signs that's real value.

Carla, I agree the real question is what price will the seller agree? The only way to find out is to write an offer. 

I would say that...they may be...lets take a look and write an offer...

I answer, "everyone is motivated with a good offer."

Good blog...

Yes sellers are ALL motivated to sell at full price, do no repairs, pay no closing costs, close at their convenience and get a commission reduction from the listing agent because property sold too quickly.

Eve

Sellers are always motivated, sometimes they need time to realize that what they want and what they will be offered for the house is not the same number.

Carla, I absolutely hate that question. Are you really not a mind reader? I thought that was required. LOL

Carla I always find that an interesting question. Like you, my thought is of course they're motivated (almost always) or the home wouldn't be on the market. How motivated? Who knows, that takes time and due dilgence to figure that one out and it normally doesn't happen until an offer is on the table.

Carla, I've had my share of those kinds of emails. I always tell them the best way to find out is to throw an offer at the property. Rarely do they follow through.

Carla, It's one of my least favorite questions.  They're motivated enough to put their home on the market and try to sell it.  From there, only they know for sure what they'll do when they have an offer in writing in front of them.  And what they'll do isn't always what they told us they'd do when they listed the home.  And like you said, those are beans we can't spill without explicit direction to do so from the seller, and rarely are they going to say spill those beans.

What they are asking is will the seller sell for less money, and what I would ask them is: what do they think of the price. Do they think it's too high or too low or what exactly are they getting at when they ask for a motivated seller because that's code for: I want to lowball, and if that's what they want to do, they should lay it on the line with you. Then they'll deny it, and you can hang up on them and get on with your life.

Carla - I agree, if a seller has their home listed for sale I would assume they are motivated.

Carla-Tough to respond to "give me more information", with an intelligent answer.

Carla ~ The people who ask, "is the seller motivated," are the ones who aren't motivated buyers. Funny how that works.