While most property owners put their homes on the market for sale, the motivation for selling can vary from homeowner to homeowner.
As a buyer, there are certain clues to look for when gauging the enthusiasm of the seller.
Understanding some of the signs of a motivated seller often can help in the negotiation process.
When a buyer is viewing potential home prospects with their realtor, some notice must be given to the seller, especially if the home is still occupied.
There are two reasons to notify the seller ahead of time.
One is a courtesy since living in the home.
The other reason is to allow the homeowner to quickly pick up any odds and ends to insure the home is in top condition.
If your real estate agent has been given the OK to show the home and you arrive only to find a cluttered kitchen and toys strewn about the living areas, it is a good bet that the seller may be unmotivated.
Remember, your realtor has given the homeowner ample notice.
Keep this in mind should you decide to make an offer on the home.
In contrast, if you walk into the same home and notice the lights on, soft music in the background and everything in its place, more than likely you have come across a motivated seller.
This type of staging for a home showing tells us that the seller is engaged in the process and is eager to receive an offer.
This also may lend an idea as to the upkeep and maintenance to the home.
After days of getting in and out of the car viewing homes, you finally find the home of your dreams.
You and your real estate agent begin looking at comparable sales.
Comparable sales would be homes that are similar and have recently sold within the neighborhood or community.
Here comes the reality check.
The home that showed so well with the music and soft lighting is priced considerably higher than the most recent sales.
This is where the experienced realtor comes into play.
An experienced realtor will do additional research about the recent sales.
This research will include the condition of the homes, the lot size, square footage and amenities.
Armed with this information, the buyer's agent can present a strong case to the seller's agent as to why the property is priced too high for the neighborhood.
A motivated seller is a wonderful match for a buyer who is looking for a home.
Sometimes the seller just needs a reminder as to where the real estate market has been and where it is going.
With the right information, you just might be moving soon.