How to Approach Unmotivated Sellers

[Sharane Ellis]

Hi, my name is Sharane. I am roughly new to “taking action” with my real estate investing. I’ve been working for corporate America in the mortgage business since 2012 at the same company that I’m currently at till this day. So far, my targeted investing area is Southfield, MI (and a few cities nearby Southfield). 

I’ve attempted to do about 10 deals so far within the last 3mos, but none have fell through and it’s beginning to be a little discouraging. ...but I refuse to call it quits. 

I need help on some tips when approaching sellers. Thus far, I’ve had sellers get upset with me for what I offer and they aren’t even willing to negotiate when I suggest to tell me how close they’ll get to the number I offer. 

ALSO, the phone call I just now made to a seller (which led me to come here and seek some advice), before I even asked the seller what his asking price was, he asked “Are you a wholesaler?”... I replied saying “I’m a real estate investor.” Because I didn’t want to scare him off with the word “wholesaler” which apparently is viewed negatively :( 

I just need help on how to address a seller. And how to get them to budge on their price a little. I would like to get something under contract soon! I’m just not sure what it is that I’m doing wrong. 

And if anyone in Michigan is open to having me intern under them, I’ll be glad to do it for free. I can do some leg work for you; I just want to get some more experience and learn. 

Thanks! 

Sharane Ellis

[Kyle J.]

Two thoughts come to mind when reading your post... 

One, you say you've attempted 10 deals in the last 3 months.  That's a pretty small sample size.  Don't get too discouraged yet.  It's a numbers game and it's likely going to take a LOT more attempts before you get a deal.

Two, the title of your post says "How to approach unmotivated sellers".  You really need to focus on motivated sellers because you're not likely going to get unmotivated sellers to come off their price because, well, they're not motivated.

Good luck.