Why are you moving? You’ve outgrown a space. You’re ready to downsize. Your life has made an unexpected turn. It’s a deeply personal question, but people ask it so nonchalantly.
When buyers ask us why a seller is moving, we typically reply with a job transfer, or they had more kids and need extra room. It’s usually something along those lines that’s vague but tells you enough.
When a listing agent asks us for more info about why our buyer is moving – we keep it loose there, too! We don’t want to spill the beans on your pregnancy, or promotion, or whatever it is!
What I’m saying is, we may not tell the full truth on why anyone is moving because it is private to a lot of people. But we also have thoughts on what home buyers and sellers ask and do to find out the source of someone’s motivation for moving.
What I don’t say
Sometimes a seller is moving because they went through a divorce or breakup, and this household has bad memories now. We don’t feel like that’s anyone’s business, and we won’t share it.
We won’t ever share your specific reasons for moving unless you want us to.
Quit stalking people online
Honestly, I know y’all do it. But it’s kind of creepy. And it may not be the whole story you’re seeing.
We had a buyer who felt like they knew the sellers’ entire life and motivation for selling based on social media posts. When it came to negotiations and repairs after inspections, she believed she had the upper hand because the seller’s entire life must be desperate to get out of the house. WRONG.
The seller didn’t have a mortgage on the house and wasn’t going to be bullied about price or repairs. It didn’t matter to her. Our buyer was left mystified and couldn’t believe she didn’t get more. Never assume that someone can’t afford to pay for a house they’re not living in. Some have parents to help with the costs; others have enough cash to do it. Whatever it is, buyers shouldn’t convince themselves into thinking they know everything.
We see it a lot. People fantasize stories and scenarios and then give themselves anxiety over these make-believe ideas. Take a breath and the guidance of your realtor.
Why is the buyer moving?
Every seller and buyer has different motivations for moving. People ask about sellers moving, but why is the buyer moving? Is it your first home? Are you tired of renting? Are you expanding your family? Do you hate where you live? The same reasons you move are the same reasons sellers move. And if a seller has this info on you, they may now feel like they have the power! Which is also why we tell you to keep your business off social media.
If you’re expecting the tea…
No seller is going to tell you they are moving due to crime. Or the shitty neighbors. Or that they’re going to jail and need to sell before then. (This actually happened to us) Or anything else bad. So while homebuyers ask in hopes of having a leg up on the negotiating process, you’re never going to get the full story.
Better questions to ask:
- What maintenance have they done on the house?
- What type of wiring does the house have?
- How old is the roof?
- Has the current owner made any improvements since they purchased the home?
You know… ask questions about the HOUSE.
Is the reason behind anyone’s move that pertinent?
Sometimes it can be!
Sometimes an agent lets us know the seller is moving into assisted living. For us, this means the seller is unlikely able to make repairs on the house. Maybe the seller has already relocated. Meaning they also don’t have the capacity to make repairs, and you may receive a credit instead.
It’s not like this kind of info about a home seller can’t ever be helpful. But, oftentimes, it’s just prying.
In a world full of eyes on you, people like to have a little privacy. So don’t be shocked if you’re met with an answer like, “They just wanted to move!”
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