As a Los Angeles real estate agent,  sometimes I represent home sellers and other times, buyers.  When I represent the home seller, I remind my client to keep their motivation to themselves. Typically, the seller wants to sell their home for the highest possible price and the buyer wants to purchase it for as little as possible. 



When selling your home, it is best if you are not there during showings. But if for some reason you are caught with a potential buyer and their Realtor, be quiet.  Buyers and their Realtors often “innocently” ask the home seller any of the following:

Where are you moving? This is a tricky question as it appears friendly; as if they are really interested but most likely they want to know have you found a home?  Has the offer been accepted?  Are you making two house payments?  Exactly, how motivated are you?
What you should answer:  I am not quite sure

Will you accept a 30 day escrow period? Well if you don’t know the price how can you even answer that? Doesn’t it all pretty much boil down to the price the buyer is offering?
What you should answer:  Seems like that might work, why don’t you ask my Realtor?

Will you accept a little less on price?
Obviously, if the other terms meet your needs, you probably will, but what is a little less?  We all have our own definition of a discount.  If you agree to a number today, believe me by the time it is put on paper in the form of an offer, it will be less.
What you should answer:  Hmm, I hadn’t really thought about that, why don’t you ask my Realtor?

Will you include the patio furniture?
Why is anyone negotiating furniture prior to negotiating the selling price? This is a great example of putting the "cart before the horse". 
What you should answer:  Hmm, I hadn’t really thought about it, why don’t you discuss that with my Realtor?

As the home seller, your job is to keep your home in show condition. Your real estate agent's job includes negotiating on your behalf.  Don’t divulge your motivation; allow us to do our job.