Seller Motivation and the Offer Price

By: Robert A. Hulme - Realtor - Loan Officer -Utah County, Including Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Highland, Alpine and Cedar Hills, Eagle Mountain, Payson, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, Springville, Mortgage Xpress, Agent

When looking for homes for my buyer clients, I have found that the Seller's Motivation can have a dramatic affect on the price of the home.  The most common "Motivated Seller" is someone who has already bought his or her next home or is relocating to a new area.  They will be under the gun to sell the home quickly or face the prospect of making two mortgage payments at the same time.  Since that can drain a bank quickly, most sellers want to avoid such a situation and may be willing to give up thousands of dollars to avoid the possibility.

Family crises can be a motivation for a seller to make a quick deal.  However, when you see a real estate ad that mentions, divorce, motivated seller, relocation, or something to that affect, beware.  Many times this kind of ad is designed to generate phone calls and leads rather than sell the home.

There are times when the seller truly is distressed, willing to make a quick sale and sacrifice thousands of dollars.  With the seller's permission, the listing agent will post this information on the Multiple Listing Service.  They may also inform other agents during office meetings or by flyer sent to other real estate agents.  Provided this information has been made generally available to Realtors, your agent should know when a seller is truly motivated and when it is just "puffing" designed to elicit interest in the property.