Does It Matter Why A Seller Is Selling Their House?

With the spring housing market comes also the spring sellers out. And a popular question today is why is the seller selling their house? This question has always fascinated me and I am always shocked that a listing agent will tell me why their seller is selling a home. Let's be fair; does it really matter why the seller is selling the home? Their is a property disclosure statement that the seller fills out and signs detailing if there is anything they know to be wrong with the house...So outside of wanting to know for reasons of negotiating; why would I tell anyone why my seller is leaving or moving. When I have a buyer that is motivated to purchase a house; I call the listing agent first. I see what type of motivation the seller has to move the house and get it sold. I will ask why they are selling the house. This is all ammunition I use for my buyers when we are getting ready to present an offer on the house. Knowing the motive behind the seller’s reason for selling the house and informing your buyer of such reason can only help you out in the negotiation process. I have negotiated and closed more transactions because of this tactic. If I know the seller has to move because of a job, divorce or a variety of other reasons I will offer a substantially low price on the house to see what type of response I get back. Because a motivated seller will not let me walk away from the house without trying to give me everything they can afford to; THEY HAVE TO SELL... A seller who is downsizing; but in no hurry to sell will hurt me in negotiations because they do not care. If they get what they want for the house they will sell. If they do not they will stay in the house until it sells at their price. So, does your Realtor tell prospective buyers or Buyer’s agents the reason for your move? This could be hurting you in negotiating your sale on the house. We are not required to disclose that information…Yet they all give the reason as to why….. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker www.davedicecco.com