How to Determine Whether Your Visitor is a Serious Buyer

You have listed your home for sale, and now you are getting a lot of visitors. But don't expect each one of them to make an irresistible offer. Many people who visit a property are not serious buyers. They simply want to take a look at the house and leave.

This can frustrate the seller, but remember that showings are a normal part of the home selling process. If you really want to sell your property, you should be ready to show it to a number of potential buyers. You must be wondering if there is a way to determine whether a buyer is serious or not. Yes, you can decide whether a buyer is serious by simply asking them a few questions before they turn up to see the house. If the answers aren't satisfactory, you can refuse the visit.

Here are the questions you need to ask:

Do you think that my home will meet your needs?

Ask the prospective buyer if they have reviewed your listing thoroughly. And if so, do they think that your home will meet their needs? If they want three bedrooms and you have only two bedrooms, chances are things won't work out.

When do you intend to move in?

You should know when the buyer intends to move in. If the buyer wants to move in quickly and you are not ready to vacate the home in six months, then it isn't a good match.

Are you looking for 'extras'?

Some buyers expect 'extras'. For example, they might assume that you will sell your home appliances with the property. If that is not the case, you should let them know. Clearly state what items are included and what items are not included in the sale.

Do you have the financial means to buy a home?

Ask the buyer if they have got a mortgage pre-approved for the price of your home. If so, it is a clear indication that the buyer is serious. Serious buyers will explore the possibilities of getting finance even before they start looking for properties. However, just because a visitor doesn't have a pre-approved mortgage, you cannot assume that they are not serious. It is possible to get a mortgage approved after making an offer.

Hold an open house

If you feel that buyer visits are consuming too much time, you can consider holding your house open once a week. Ask everybody who has expressed an interest in your property to come and see it during this occasion. An open house will attract many visitors and at least one of them will hopefully come up with a great offer.

Selling a property can be a time consuming process. Don't expect to find a buyer overnight. There are, however, a few things you can do to sell your house quickly and profitably.

First of all, make sure that your asking price is right. If you quote an astronomical sum, finding a buyer will be very difficult. You also need to ensure that your home is in good condition. Even minor issues like leaking faucets and dysfunctional light bulbs need to be fixed before listing the property for sale.