Skip to content
Two investors reviewing resources on a laptop

Get industry-leading resources — for free

Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.

By continuing, you agree to BiggerPockets LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Buying & Selling Real Estate
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

38
Posts
8
Votes
Matt Dorsten
  • Commercial Real Estate Broker
  • Denver, CO
8
Votes |
38
Posts

How to motivate and UNmotivated seller

Matt Dorsten
  • Commercial Real Estate Broker
  • Denver, CO
Posted

I'm looking at a commercial piece of property that is a For Sale By Owner property.  The owner is older, very difficult to deal with, very unmotivated, and out-of-town... and in my opinion has the property over priced by about 25%.  The property needs a LOT of work (currently vacant & rundown, would be a redevelopment project) but, has good return potential (buy and hold).  So, my question is- how have you all dealt with difficult owners?  Any tip, tricks, or lessons you can share with me is greatly appreciated.

I've spoke with him on the phone which, was painful to say the least.  I'm considering mailing him an offer letter (below is asking price) but, it's likely I'll lose him if I can't grab his attention with the letter.  Hell, maybe the letter is the wrong approach so again, any tips or tricks is greatly appreciated!

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

17,040
Posts
13,375
Votes
Ned Carey
  • Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
13,375
Votes |
17,040
Posts
Ned Carey
  • Investor
  • Baltimore, MD
ModeratorReplied

To answer the question in your subject line - You don't!  You spend your time looking for motivated sellers. Don't waste time trying to convince unmotivated sellers. 

The best strategy is simply be polite respectful and helpful. Follow up from time to time to see if he has come to his senses. I have had many sellers come back to me up to a year later with a deal that made sense. They called me because of the way I treated them when I first spoke with them. 

It is worth a shot sending him an offer but I haven't found that effective.

  • Ned Carey
  • Loading replies...