How Motivated Is Your Seller? Here’s the Truth from a Fort Walton Beach Real Estate Pro
A Saturday Morning Real Estate Reality Check
Saturday morning. Coffee in hand, I hit "publish" on a new listing at 19 Stewart Circle. By lunch, my phone was buzzing like a teenager's on prom night.
And that's when the real education began - not about real estate, but about human nature.
The Three Offer Types Every Seller Sees
1. The Lowball Lightning Strike
The first offer came in within an hour of the listing going live. It was from an investor who probably hadn't looked at the photos. The number was so low, even my calculator laughed.
The seller wasn't desperate - they were realistic. There's a difference.
2. The Tire-Kicker Text
Then came the text: "How motivated is your seller?" I replied: "How motivated are you?" Crickets.
If you're not ready to make an offer, don't expect the seller to be ready to give the house away.
3. The Goldilocks Offer
Finally, a buyer who had read the listing. Asked real questions. Made a clean offer. We countered once and got the deal done.
Sometimes magic happens when people actually do their homework.
Motivation Isn't a Vibe - It's a Written Offer
In real estate, motivation is measured by:
Money (What you're actually willing to pay)
Terms (How flexible you can be)
Conditions (What you need to make it work)
Spoiler alert: Your thumbs texting "maybe later" don't count as negotiation.
Buyer Questions, Seller Reality
If a seller planned to give their home away, I'd know. I'd buy it myself - or call one of my clients.
That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.
What the MLS Actually Does (That Zillow Can't)
The MLS isn't just some fancy spreadsheet. It's the backbone of Fort Walton Beach real estate marketing.
When entered properly, a listing gets broadcast to Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, and hundreds of other sites. That's where real buyers find real homes - priced right, and marketed professionally.
Motivation in Niceville, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach
Here along the Emerald Coast, from Niceville to Shalimar, we deal with:
PCS military moves
Vacation home buyers
Locals moving up or downsizing
After 20 years in this business, I can tell you: deals stick when both sides show up serious.
The Serious Buyer's Checklist
Before you ask "how motivated is the seller?" ask yourself:
✓ Have you been pre-approved for financing?
✓ Do you have funds ready for a down payment?
✓ Can you write an offer today if it makes sense?
✓ Have you actually looked at the listing details?
If you answered "maybe" or "just looking" - congrats. You've found the motivation problem. And it's not the seller.
Final Thought: Motivation Without Action Is Just Daydreaming
Real estate isn't a game show. It's not about guessing the lowest price. It's where value meets opportunity, and serious buyers meet motivated sellers.
At 19 Stewart Circle, we went under contract fast - because someone showed up ready to do business. They didn't just ask the right questions; they made the right moves.
FAQ
Q: What does a 'motivated seller' mean in real estate? A: A motivated seller is someone ready to sell quickly - due to relocation, financial reasons, or life events. It doesn't mean they'll accept a bad offer.
Q: How can I tell if a seller is truly motivated? A: Look for price drops, vacant status, or time on market. But your best move is always the same: make a real offer.
Q: Can I just text to see how motivated the seller is? A: You can. But don't expect a real answer until you show real intent. Motivation meets action - not emojis.
Q: What's the difference between motivated and desperate? A: Motivated sellers want to move forward but still expect fair value. Desperate sellers might take any offer. Most sellers are motivated, not desperate.
Q: How should I approach a motivated seller situation? A: Do your research, get pre-approved, and make a fair offer based on comparable sales. Don't try to lowball just because someone needs to sell.
Q: Why do agents get annoyed by "how motivated" questions? A: Because it usually comes from tire-kickers fishing for a steal rather than serious buyers ready to make real offers.
Ready to Get Serious?
If you're done kicking tires and want to actually get into a home (or sell one for top dollar), let's talk.
Call me at 850.499.2940
Schedule a consult
After almost 20 years helping buyers and sellers along the Florida Panhandle, I can tell you this:
The serious get results. The curious get ghosted. Choose wisely.
