When gathering information from sellers, which two aspects about them should you clarify?

Clarifying motivation and expectations is essential when gathering information from sellers because these factors greatly influence their decisions during the selling process. Understanding a seller's motivation—such as whether they are driven by a need to relocate, financial reasons, or downsizing—helps the real estate professional tailor their approach and provide more relevant advice.

Similarly, clarifying expectations allows the agent to meet or adjust them accordingly. Sellers may have specific outcomes they want, like a certain price point, timeline for the sale, or conditions for closing. Knowing these details ensures that the agent can align their marketing strategy and communication effectively, ultimately leading to a smoother transaction process.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not address the most critical aspects that directly affect the sales process for sellers. For instance, while budget and location are important for buyers, they are less critical for understanding seller behavior. Experience and credibility may be relevant for the agent's perspective, and style preference and timeline can matter, but they do not delve into the foundational motivations and expectations that drive sellers' decisions in the market.