Data Dictionary — The 8 Seller Motivation Signals

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Understand the real estate data signals that predict motivated sellers. This free guide explains what makes a seller actually motivated to negotiate.

The 8 Signals:

1. Absentee Ownership (35% correlation): Owner's mailing address 40+ miles away. Absentee owners typically can't care for distant properties.
2. Tax Delinquency (42% correlation, STRONG): 2+ years unpaid taxes with accruing penalties. Financial pressure = motivation to sell.
3. Probate Status (38% correlation): Recently inherited or in probate. Heirs often want to liquidate quickly.
4. Foreclosure/Pre-Foreclosure (55% correlation, HIGHEST): Notice of Default or Sale filed. Time pressure creates urgency.
5. Code Violations (22% correlation): City filed violations. Expensive to fix; owners often want out.
6. Vacancy (25% correlation): Mail returns, utilities off, abandoned. Carrying costs = motivation.
7. Rising Market (Increases potential): Neighborhood comps rising. Window of opportunity to sell.
8. Stacked Signals (68% correlation, MOST POWERFUL): Multiple signals = highest probability. 2+ signals = 68% sale probability in 24 months.

Key Insight: Properties with stacked signals (e.g., absentee + tax delinquent) close 3x faster than single-signal properties.

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