It is important to qualify a seller by asking questions about their motives. Which of the following would NOT be a good question to ask?

Asking the right questions when qualifying a seller is crucial for understanding their motives and tailoring your approach accordingly. In this context, the correct answer highlights a question that does not serve the purpose of gauging the seller's intent or willingness to negotiate.

The question regarding what is always actually paid by a buyer does not provide insight into the seller's situation or motivations. It focuses on a specific transaction aspect rather than understanding the underlying reasons for the seller wanting to sell. Knowing the buyer's financial obligations does not directly help assess the seller's urgency, reasons for the sale, or any possible constraints they may have, which are essential for effective negotiation and strategy formulation.

In contrast, asking about the reason for selling provides direct insights into the seller’s motives and emotional factors influencing their decision. Questions about negotiating the sale price indicate the seller's flexibility and openness to discussion, which is crucial for forming a negotiating strategy. Similarly, understanding their timeline is vital to gauge urgency and prioritize actions accordingly. Therefore, the other questions facilitate a deeper understanding of the seller’s perspective, while the chosen question does not contribute meaningfully to this goal.