Comments on: Does Your Story Matter?

By: brandonnelson

brandonnelson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:13:41 +0000

Great story, Apryl. Good for you for truly loving the house and respecting the seller enough to say, “Yeah, we’ll pay your price!” So many times in this market buyers want to “Win!” on price even if the house is already priced right. In fact, I think I’m going to blog about that today. Thanks for the idea… I owe you one!

By: brandonnelson

brandonnelson — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:11:20 +0000

Hey Liz, I agree with your comment, and whenver possible I try to dig in on that seller’s story. Honestly, it’s usually just a matter of asking.
“Can you sell for 80% of list, or would you have to bring money to the table or short sale? Are you willing to short sale? How attached are you to the pool table? Would you consider carrying the loan for a couple years? How are these neighbors? What’s that smell? Where’s your next home, and why there? Would you want to rent back? Really? For how long?” A lot of times, like any living, breathing person, sellers LOVE to be asked questions about their story. And of course, they love it even more if we are then good listeners. Thanks again for posting, Liz.

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:43:43 +0000

As a buyer (4x over) I have often wished that I knew the SELLERS current story. Usually, I figure they want as much $$ with as little effort as possible but really what is their situation? are they looking to get out quick with a short escrow? or do they need time to find a new home for themselves? or are they going through a divorce and this hasn’t been a happy home for them or did they love the neighborhood and doi they hate to leave? I have always wanted more information while house shopping.

By: Apryl

Apryl — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:05:19 +0000

Great Post! I would have never thought of including a letter. We did get lucky though with our house and the seller DID care about our story. We didn’t write a letter…though I wish I would have thought of that. We did look at our current house one time when the sellers were there. I told them in person how much I loved the house & wanted it so bad because I grew up in the neighborhood & wanted to have kids grow up in the same neighborhood & on & on about everything I loved about the house, yard etc…& admired all their hard work they had put into it. I’m hoping that’s what got us the house Along with our full price offer