One of the first questions buyers ask when they show interest in a home is simple and predictable:
“Why are they selling?”

The assumption is that the answer reveals leverage, risk or hidden flaws. Sometimes it does. Often, it does not.

What Buyers Think the Question Reveals

Buyers tend to believe the seller’s motivation will tell them:

• Whether the property has problems

• How flexible the seller might be on price

• Whether there is urgency or distress

In theory, this makes sense. In practice, the reasons for selling are usually far more ordinary.

The Most Common Reasons Sellers Sell

Most sellers move for reasons unrelated to the property itself:

• Job relocation

• Growing or shrinking family needs

• Divorce or marriage

• Estate or inheritance situations

• Financial restructuring

• Desire for a different neighborhood or lifestyle

None of these automatically signal that a home is flawed or that a seller is desperate.

When the Answer Does Matter

There are situations where the reason for selling can be relevant:

• Estate sales with multiple heirs

• Divorce sales with legal timelines

• Corporate relocations with firm deadlines

• Financial distress requiring quick liquidation

Even then, motivation does not always translate into a discount. Many highly motivated sellers are also well advised and well priced.

Why the Question Persists

The real reason buyers ask “why are they selling” is psychological. Buying a home is emotional and expensive. Buyers want reassurance that they are not missing something. The question is often less about strategy and more about comfort.

What Actually Matters More

Buyers are better served by focusing on:

• Pricing relative to comparable sales

• Condition and inspection results

• Market supply and competition

• Carrying costs and long-term suitability

A compelling narrative about why someone is selling does not change market value. Data does.

For Sellers

Buyers will ask. That’s normal. A clear, honest answer is usually enough. Overexplaining or becoming defensive often creates more concern than clarity. If you’re buying or selling and want to understand how motivation, pricing and market dynamics really interact, I can help you separate meaningful signals from background noise.

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Suggested External Links:

• National Association of Realtors, Buyer Behavior: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Homebuying Basics: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home