The 3 Types of Home Sellers Every Homebuyer Should Know

Did you know that the type of seller you’re working with can make all the difference? Understanding who you’re negotiating with can help you make smarter decisions, save money, and avoid headaches. Let me walk you through the three main market seller types you’ll encounter.

1. Developers, contractors, and flippers. These sellers are usually in it for profit. They bought a house to flip or build it from the ground up. They’ve got a team of workers and plans to get things done, so they’re often willing to negotiate. If a home inspection shows problems, these sellers are usually open to repairs. Sometimes, they’ll even offer custom upgrades to the house if you’re willing to pay a little more. They want to sell and make money, so they might work with you more than other sellers. But don’t expect them to lose money on the deal. They’ll negotiate if the numbers work for them.

2. Owner occupants. These sellers live in the home or have moved into another one. They might not be as flexible with repairs since they don’t have a team of workers like developers. Finding contractors or handypersons can take time if something needs fixing, which can slow things down. Within this group, you’ll find two types of homeowners:

• Sellers who have to sell: These sellers might be going through a significant life change like a job move, financial problems, or family issues. They’ll be more open to negotiations.
• Sellers who want to sell: These sellers are testing the market more. They may not be in a rush to sell and could pull the listing if they don’t get the price they want. Don’t waste time on these sellers unless you’re ready to meet their price.
  

3. Probate sales and divorce listings. This type of sale happens when someone passes away or during a divorce. A trustee or the court is in charge of selling the property. These sellers usually have to sell, which means you can negotiate a better price. But here’s the catch: they won’t be willing to make repairs. If you buy from this group, you may have to fix things yourself.

Understanding these types of sellers can help you make better decisions during your home search. If you’re dealing with a developer, you might get a great deal on upgrades. If you’re negotiating with a homeowner, know whether they’re desperate to sell or just testing the market. For probate or divorce sales, be ready to handle repairs yourself. If you want more advice on dealing with sellers, feel free to call or text me at (857) 210-9925. I’m here to help make your home-buying process smoother and more manageable.