How the heck do you find a "motivated seller?"

The motivated seller doesn't wear a tattoo on his forehead that announces the distinction. And he never drags you onto his property begging you to buy.

In fact, the motivated seller may be very subtle in trying to hide his strong desire to sell. He may not want to exhibit his anxiety. (And if he did act anxious, you would suspect problems with his property!)

You will almost always pick up a property at the best price and terms when buying from a motivated seller.

That pronouncement sounds OK, but what does it mean?

Here's an example.

Has your mode of transportation ever become a junker?

Everyone who has owned a car or truck would probably admit "yes." We arrive at this perspective because of some dissatisfaction with the vehicle. Maybe it didn't run like it did when we drove it off the lot. Maybe it had lost the luster in appearance. Maybe repairs became more frequent, and we concluded that it was too much trouble to fool with any more. That vehicle became a noose around our neck. It was an albatross. It had become a huge liability. We wanted to get rid of it. We had become motivated to ditch the junker.

Sellers develop similar attitudes toward their real estate investments.

A rental house doesn't have to "fall apart" for the owner to become a motivated seller. Property management can be tough and aggravating. Landlording can be Dullsville.

Maybe a landlord gets sick, and can't continue to keep up his rental house.

Maybe a landlord becomes fed up with tenant problems, and wants to throw in the towel.

Maybe the owner of a residence gets a job transfer to another city, buys a second house, and can't sell his first house. Do you think making TWO MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS per month can convert a smug seller with a firm price into a motivated seller who will accept a discount?

Maybe a couple divorces, and the court orders a house sale for settlement.

Maybe a family is facing bankruptcy, and selling their house quickly is the only solution they see for relieving financial pressures.

This short list of motivational reasons is just the tip of the iceberg. Sellers can develop strong motivations to sell in the flash of a moment! That's when sales price firmness softens, and ease of negotiation begins.