Spotting Serious Buyers

Not all buyer inquiries are created equal. Some buyers are ready to move fast and make strong offers. Others are just browsing, dragging their feet, or testing the waters. When you’re selling a home, especially in a highly visible listing that gets quick attention, it helps to know how to read the signs—and focus your energy on the people most likely to act.

They Respond Quickly and Ask the Right Questions

Serious buyers tend to engage early. They often reach out within hours or days of the home hitting the market, especially if the presentation stands out. But it’s not just about how fast they respond—it’s what they ask. Are they inquiring about access, flexibility, or offer timing? Those are green flags.

Buyers who are vague or only asking surface-level questions ("Is this still available?") may not be fully committed yet. On the other hand, someone asking about your ideal closing window or how quickly you’d review an offer likely has intent and possibly an agent helping them strategize.

They React to Scarcity and Urgency

A key trait of serious buyers is how they respond when told they may not be the only ones interested. If you (or your agent) mention that several showings are lined up or that interest has been strong, a serious buyer will typically try to act fast, ask for early access, or push for a private showing.

Creating structure around showing availability, not just keeping the home open-ended, should be part of a home seller’s strategy. If a buyer is trying to get in before the scheduled showing window, they’re likely motivated. 72SOLD agents often use this to help identify and prioritize the most ready buyers before the full wave of activity hits.

Their Agent Is Engaged (and Strategic)

Many serious buyers come through agents who are actively helping them navigate the process. You’ll often see these agents ask direct questions about competition, how pricing is being handled, or whether the seller is likely to entertain early offers. These aren’t tire-kicker agents—they’re doing groundwork.

A seasoned agent who is asking about specific features or framing questions about positioning is usually representing someone ready to move. By contrast, a lack of engagement or generic questions from the agent side may be a sign that their client is early in the process—or still shopping without real urgency.

They Treat the Showing Like a Decision Point

Buyers who are just browsing tend to move through showings quickly and stay neutral. Serious buyers engage—they ask about details, linger in key rooms, and react emotionally to the property. They’ll often comment on how the home compares to others or mention how soon they’d need to move.

This is one reason 72SOLD agents use a structured showing process designed to bring out these reactions. By walking the buyer through the home's unique selling points and asking simple questions during and after the showing, they can get a better read on interest and likelihood of an offer. Serious buyers usually give themselves away.

They Lean Into the “Opportunity” Framing

When positioned correctly, a strong listing creates the impression that buyers are being given a window to act—not just casually touring. If a buyer is receptive to being told they can see the home ahead of others, or that offers may come in quickly, that’s a sign they’re ready to compete.

One tactic used by 72SOLD is to ask whether a buyer would like the seller to consider an offer before the home is made available to others. A serious buyer typically sees this as a privilege and will at least entertain the idea. If someone hesitates or waffles, they may still be unsure—or unwilling to compete.

Identifying the Qualified and Interested Home Shoppers Early Can Accelerate Your Sale Without Sacrificing Competition 

You don’t need dozens of buyers to sell your home—you need the right one. Learning to spot serious intent early lets you streamline showings, protect your time, and focus your strategy on the buyers who matter most.

With the right process in place and accurate targeting, most serious buyers will reveal themselves within the first few days. The key is knowing what to look for and having a system that effectively gets your home noticed. You can learn more about 72SOLD’s process and get our price on your home by filling out the form on our website.