In real estate, it’s not just about finding buyers—it’s about recognizing the right ones. Every showing takes time, energy, and coordination, and not everyone who walks through the door is truly in the market. The good news is that learning how to tell if a buyer is serious is entirely possible and can save you from chasing leads that were never going anywhere in the first place.

Here’s how to spot the difference and avoid wasting time with buyers who aren’t ready to commit.

Signs of a Motivated Homebuyer

Serious buyers usually make it known, even if they’re not yelling it from the rooftops. You’ll often notice a few patterns in how they show up, what they ask, and how they follow through.

For starters, they’re financially prepared. They’ll usually say they’re pre-approved—or at least in conversation with a lender— up front. Even better, they’ll also ask questions that go beyond small talk. For example, instead of focusing on staging or decor, they’ll want to know about roof age, school zoning, or whether there’s room to negotiate closing dates.

And just as important, they stay in motion. After a showing, they’ll follow up. Then, if they’re interested, they’ll move to the next step without needing reminders.

Common Red Flags to Watch For

On the flip side, there are a few classic signals that someone may not be ready, or isn’t serious at all. None of these are dealbreakers on their own, but together, they can start to form a pattern.

For example, a buyer who isn’t serious often:

• Doesn’t have financing in place and doesn’t seem in a hurry to get it.
• Reschedules or cancels multiple showings with little notice.
• Gives vague or noncommittal answers about their timeline or decision-making process.
• Has an interest seems more social than practical—they’re browsing, not buying.

These are the kinds of buyers who may love every house, but never make an offer. The ones who stay “just curious” no matter how many listings they tour.

How to Avoid Wasting Time with Buyers

This is where a little structure goes a long way. You don’t need to grill people, but it’s fair to ask the kind of questions that help you tell if a buyer is serious early on.

A few examples:

• “Have you had a chance to talk with a lender yet?”
• “Are you hoping to buy soon, or still feeling out the market?”
• “Are you currently working with an agent?”

Framed the right way, these don’t feel pushy—they feel professional. Most serious buyers will appreciate the clarity. And if someone isn’t ready to answer or avoids the topic, that tells you what you need to know.

Serious Buyer vs Casual Shopper

At a glance, these two types of buyers can look similar. They both show up to showings, ask questions, and express interest. But the serious buyer usually backs that up with action. They take the next step. They stay consistent. In short, they know what they want—or they’re actively working to define it.

The casual shopper? They linger. They delay. They stay surface-level. And often, they disappear just as quickly as they showed up.

If you’re ever unsure which type you’re dealing with, watch what they do next. That’s where the clarity usually comes in.

Working with Buyers Who Are Ready to Move

Selling takes time, and the last thing you need is to waste it on buyers who aren’t serious. At Hawkins Real Estate Group, we help you focus on what matters—pricing strategically, marketing smart, and staying ready when the right offer comes in.

If you’re getting ready to sell and want to work with a team that knows how to move things forward, contact us to speak with one of our agents today.