A seller tells you:

“I’m ready to move fast.”

Your pulse jumps. You think: This is it. Done deal. Let’s lock it up.

But three days later, they’re ghosting. Or they’re “talking to someone else.” Or they want their cousin to look over everything. Or they’re still thinking.

Sound familiar?

That’s because “I’m ready to move fast” doesn’t mean what you think it means.
It’s not a commitment. It’s a signal. A green light, not the finish line.

This article breaks down what sellers actually mean when they say they’re ready to move fast, and how to respond so you don’t blow the momentum (or your offer).

Why Sellers Say “I’m Ready to Move Fast” in the First Place

Sellers use this phrase for different reasons:

• They feel emotional urgency

• They don’t want to lose your interest

• They think saying it will make things move faster

• They’re trying to test your response

• Or they mean it, but only if nothing feels “off”

It’s often less about timing and more about comfort.

Translation:

“I want this over with, but I’m not fully sure how to make that happen.”

So when they say “I’m ready,” what they’re really saying is:

“If everything checks out emotionally, logistically, and financially… I might be ready to say yes fast.”

5 Things Sellers Might Mean by “Ready to Move Fast”

Let’s decode what’s actually going on behind that phrase.

1. “I’m emotionally tired of this situation.”

This is the most common driver. They’re not in love with your offer. They’re exhausted by the problem:

• Inherited property

• Bad tenants

• Expired listings

• Pending foreclosure

• Divorce, probate, or relocation stress

“I’m ready to move fast” really means:

“I’m tired of thinking about this. I want out, if it doesn’t feel risky.”

But if you show up with aggressive language, confusing paperwork, or a lowball offer, they snap out of it, and slow everything down again.

How to respond:

• Match their pace but stay calm

• Reassure, don’t rush

• Confirm details and obstacles

• Ask follow-up questions like:

“What would a fast and easy process look like for you?”

That keeps the energy moving without triggering hesitation.

2. “I don’t want to lose this opportunity with you.”

Some sellers will say they’re ready because they want to keep you engaged.

They’re not ready to sign, but they don’t want you walking away either.

You’re one of three buyers. They like your tone. They’re curious. But they’re still weighing options.

“I’m ready to move fast” becomes a placeholder.

How to respond:

• Acknowledge the urgency, but qualify it:

 “Totally get it. When you say you’re ready to move fast, are you talking days, or do you still have a few things to handle on your end?”

• Use it to get clarity on their timeline, not close them immediately

• Keep light pressure: “I’d love to help you wrap this up this week. What still needs to happen before we get the paperwork going?”

This creates gentle accountability without sounding pushy.

3. “I think this is supposed to go fast, right?”

Some sellers have pre-loaded expectations. They’ve read online that investors can close in 7 days. They think a fast close is standard, so they’re trying to match your process.

But inside, they’re not emotionally ready. They haven’t told their spouse. They haven’t looked at moving options. They’re overwhelmed.

They say “I’m ready” because that’s what they think you want to hear.

How to respond:

• Gently tap the brakes:
  “That’s great to hear. Sometimes when folks say that, they still need to handle a few things, do you already have a plan i place for [moving / closing / signing / keys]?”

• If they pause or hesitate, slow your offer down a notch

• Remember: slow is smooth, smooth is fast

Don’t force the close just because they said “fast.”

4. “I’ve been burned before, I need to see if you’re real.”

This is a test.

They’re using the phrase “I’m ready to move fast” to see how you handle pressure. They might’ve been:

• Ghosted by other buyers

• Tricked by a wholesaler

• Misled by an agent

• Strung along by relatives

So they want to know: Are you for real? Or are you just another buyer who’s going to waste my time?

How to respond:

• Stay professional. Keep the tone simple. Deliver what you promised, fast.

• Send next steps clearly and promptly

• Avoid hype, avoid pushy language

• If they pull back, don’t chase. Just reaffirm your position:

“No pressure at all. I’m here when you’re ready, just know my availability does fill up quickly.”

Being calm and consistent builds trust faster than urgency ever could.

5. “I’m ready… but I still have invisible deal-killers.”

Some sellers truly believe they’re ready.

But they haven’t:

• Told their co-owner

• Found a place to go

• Looked at the payoff

• Reviewed liens or taxes

• Considered how this will feel when it’s real

They want to move fast, but that doesn’t mean they can.

You’ll be halfway through the process when suddenly…

“Actually, I need a few weeks.”
“I talked to my brother and he’s not on board.”
“I forgot about that second mortgage.”

How to respond:

Ask:

• “Is there anyone else involved in the decision?”

• “Do you already know what you’ll be doing after the sale?”

• “Any paperwork or property stuff you’d need help with?”

You’re not looking for nos. You’re looking for friction points.

Because the faster they want to move, the more important it is to uncover what’s actually in the way.

The Danger of Taking “I’m Ready” at Face Value

When a seller says “I’m ready to move fast,” it triggers excitement.

But if you:

• Push too hard

• Move too fast

• Skip key questions

• Or assume they’ve already processed everything emotionally

…you increase the risk of:

• Seller ghosting

• Backpedaling after signing

• Cold feet after the inspection

• Sudden price renegotiation

• Getting shopped to other buyers

Speed without stability leads to volatility.
The better move is to create structured momentum, fast, but with clarity.

How to Harness Momentum Without Creating Pressure

Here’s how to keep “fast” deals on track without scaring the seller off.

1. Mirror their language, but clarify it

“Awesome. When you say ‘fast,’ are you thinking this week? Within 10 days?”

This shows you’re listening, but not assuming.

2. Offer a simple roadmap

“Here’s what that looks like on my end: we agree to terms, sign the agreement, then I open escrow and start my diligence. I handle most of it behind the scenes, just need you available for a couple of items.”

Make “fast” feel simple, not risky.

3. Confirm seller-side obstacles proactively

“Anything on your end that might hold things up, like paperwork, co-owners, or moving logistics?”

This shows you’re serious, but gives them room to tell the truth.

4. Set expectations early for fast closings

If they truly are ready, great. Now is the time to anchor:

• What you’ll need from them

• When will key dates happen

• How you’ll communicate

Fast closings fall apart when people assume “fast” means invisible effort. Lay out the process early.

What “I’m Ready to Move Fast” Should Trigger in You

Not excitement.
Not pressure.
Not a rush to write the contract.

It should trigger a playbook.

Because now you know:

“This seller is giving me a window, but I need to stabilize the deal before I try to close it.”

It’s a sign that urgency exists, but clarity is still needed.

So instead of asking for the signature too soon…

Ask for the truth. Instead of rushing to paperwork…

Create a plan. Instead of pushing hard…

Listen carefully, move cleanly, and let the deal come to you.