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7 Tell-Tale Signs a Buyer Might Just Make an Offer on Your House
It’s easy to find yourself dissecting every little clue, every subtle gesture, hoping for some hint that an offer might be coming when your house is for sale. The trouble is, it’s hard to get a read on buyers sometimes, especially if you’re not home while they tour your home—and you shouldn’t be—to witness their oohs and ahhs… or lack thereof.
However, while you don’t always get face time with your potential buyers, there are little signs and signals you or your agent might pick up on that suggest a buyer might be gearing up to make an offer.
Here are 7 tell-tale signs a buyer might just make an offer on your house:
1) They Show Up to See Your House ASAP
When a buyer makes an appointment to see your house within hours (or even the first few days) of your home hitting the market, it’s a good sign they’re serious.
2) They Linger Longer Than Expected
If you got out of the house to give buyers some space to see the house without you breathing down their neck and they’re still there an hour later, that probably means they took a few laps around the house.
A serious buyer won’t just take a speedy stroll through the house poking their head into each room. They’re checking every nook, opening cabinets, doing a slow sweep of the backyard, and then heading back in for another lap inside. A quick visit isn’t an outright no, but an hour-long stay says, “We might be home.”
3) They Ask Very Specific Questions
It’s a solid indication that they might be making an offer when the questions go beyond “How old is the roof?” and veer into things like, “Are you expecting any offers?” or “How soon are you hoping to move?” Or maybe they’re trying to feel out how motivated you are to sell… hmmm.
4) Your Neighbor Knows More About Them Than You Do
When a buyer stops to chat with a neighbor, they’re often testing the neighborhood waters, seeing if they’re up for weekend barbecues or evening waves across the fence and getting a sense of the general vibe on the street. But they could also be trying to get the inside scoop on how many other buyers have been coming to see the house to gauge their competition! Either way, if they’re taking the time to do that, there’s a good chance they’re thinking about making an offer.
5) You See Them Drive by Later That Day… Verrry Slowly
If you look out your window and see a car that looks vaguely familiar to you slowly driving by your house several times later in the day after a showing, the odds are it’s just the buyer craning their necks to get one more look at what might be their next home. If you happen to notice they seem to have a friend or family member in the backseat, that’s an even better sign because they dragged them along for the ride to share their hope and excitement.
6) They Request a Second Showing…
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When a buyer schedules a second showing, things are getting serious. A second visit isn’t for tire-kicking; it’s because they’re trying to make sure your home is as perfect as they remember. They’re likely running numbers in their head—and maybe even imagining their furniture in each room.
7) …and They Bring Their Parents Along
If they’re back for round two with Mom, Dad, or even just a trusted friend in tow, get excited. Bringing others along means they’re looking for that final stamp of approval, and if the family’s on board, an offer could be right around the corner!
