12 Seller Motivations – Some you will never hear

Posted on October 17, 2008 
Filed Under Buying Your New Home, Listing and Selling Your Home, Valerie Zinger

When buying a home, you will want to know why the seller has put his or her home on the market.  Is there something wrong with the house and how motivated are the sellers to accept an offer.  What is their level of urgency?  The seller’s reasons may also impact the negotiated possession date.  This is all part of the purchasing process.  In most cases, the real motivation for both buying and selling will not be revealed.   Here is a look at some reasons why sellers are selling:  You are unlikely to hear some of these reasons (*) as they would seriously lessen the bargaining position of the seller.  

  1. The market looks great. It is time to sell.
  2. I hate this house. Let’s move. (*)
  3. My family is growing, I need a bigger house.
  4. My partner is leaving and we need the money out of the house to “move on”. (*)
  5. This house is too big. I need something smaller.
  6. This house has too many things to fix. Let’s move and not have fix them. (*)
  7. Something horrible happened in this house. Get out now. (*)
  8. My company has moved me and I need to sell in order to buy in the new city.
  9. I can no longer afford this house – I need out. (*)
  10. I am not getting along with the neighbours. It is too tense living in the house. (*)
  11. I bought my next house and now have to get this one sold. (*)
  12. I need to be in a different school division for my children’s special needs. 

As you can see, there are a myriad of reasons for moving but only some reasons will be revealed.  When you are buying, remember that the seller, through his or her agent, is going to put the best spin on his/her leaving the home.  Do not expect full disclosure on a seller’s reasons for selling.    

 In negotiations, he who cares least wins.

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ T. 613-723-5300 ~ E. vzinger@royallepage.ca

 

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