3 Signs That Buyer Isn’t Serious
Selling your home is exciting, but let’s be real—some buyers aren’t actually buying. They’re just looking, dreaming, or (worst case) completely wasting your time.
So, how do you tell the difference between a legit buyer and someone who’s just along for the ride? Here are three huge red flags that scream not serious!
1. They Haven’t Talked to a Mortgage Broker (AKA: No Pre-Approval, No Proof!)
A serious buyer knows their budget. They’ve met with a mortgage broker, crunched the numbers, and have that magical pre-approval letter in hand. If a buyer hasn’t done this step yet?
🚨 Red Flag Alert:
They say they’ll “figure out financing later.”
They think they can afford your home but haven’t actually confirmed it.
They’re avoiding the topic of pre-approval altogether.
💡 What to Do: Before you get too excited about an offer, make sure they’re actually in a position to buy. A great agent (oh hey, that’s me!) will always ask about financing upfront.
2. They Make Unrealistic Offers (Or Keep Changing Their Mind!)
Some buyers treat home shopping like an extreme sport—they throw out wildly lowball offers, hoping someone bites. Others fall in love with a house one day and ghost it the next. If they’re constantly flip-flopping, they’re probably not serious.
🚨 Red Flag Alert:
They make an offer way below market value with no real reason.
They put in an offer but then suddenly “need to think about it.”
They keep looking at homes but never actually commit.
💡 What to Do: A serious buyer is decisive and makes realistic offers. If someone is playing games, it’s time to move on to buyers who actually want a house.
3. They Just Want to Look Around (AKA: The Open House Hobbyist)
We all love looking at beautiful homes—some people love it a little too much. These buyers (or rather, browsers) treat home shopping like a fun weekend activity with zero intention of actually buying.
🚨 Red Flag Alert:
They show up to every open house but never make an offer.
They’re just starting to look (but have been saying that for months).
They have no urgency—no moving deadline, no lease expiring, nothing pushing them to buy.
💡 What to Do: A serious buyer has a reason to move. If they’re just curious, they’re not your buyer.
Bottom Line: Time is Valuable—Work with Real Buyers!
Selling a home is a big deal, and you don’t have time for tire kickers. The good news? A great real estate agent (ahem, me!) can spot these red flags early and help you focus on buyers who are actually ready to buy.