How to Avoid Time-Wasters When Selling Your Home
Selling your home is a major undertaking—between staging, scheduling viewings, and negotiating offers, the last thing you need is unserious buyers wasting your time. Unfortunately, not everyone who walks through your door is a genuine prospect.
Here’s how to spot time-wasters early and ensure only serious buyers view your property.
Common Types of Time-Wasters
- The Curious Looky-Loo
- They enjoy touring homes with no real intention to buy.
- Often just “getting ideas” or killing time.
- The “Maybe One Day” Buyer
- Only exploring options, not ready to commit.
- Might move in the distant future—if at all.
- The Unrealistic Dreamer
- Thinks they can afford your home but hasn’t checked finances.
- May overestimate their budget or underestimate costs.
- The Last-Minute Lowballer
- Makes an offer, then tries to slash the price just before closing (gazundering).
- Wastes your time and risks derailing the sale.
Warning Signs of a Time-Waster
No Proof of Funds or Mortgage Agreement
- Serious buyers typically have a mortgage in principle or proof of cash.
“Just Seeing What’s Out There”
- If they admit they’re only browsing, they’re not serious.
Few or Irrelevant Questions
- Real buyers ask about offer deadlines, local schools, or moving timelines.
- Time-wasters make vague comments like, “Nice place.”
Viewing Completely Different Properties
- If they’re touring tiny condos one day and luxury homes the next, they’re not serious.
Vague or Contradictory Answers
- Dodging questions about their timeline or budget? Red flag.
How to Stop Time-Wasters Before They View
Let Your Estate Agent Screen Them
A good agent will ask:
- “Do you have a mortgage approved?”
- When are you looking to move?”
- “What’s your budget?”
Host an Open House
- Saves you from multiple individual showings.
- Filters out casual visitors (they won’t book a private tour).
List as “Offers Over X” or “Cash Buyers Preferred”
- Deters bargain hunters and non-serious buyers.
Require Pre-Qualification Before Viewings
- Some sellers only allow viewings after proof of funds.
Can You Refuse a Viewing?
Yes! If someone seems unserious, your agent can (and should) say no.
Final Tip: Trust Your Instincts
If a buyer feels flaky or unprepared, they probably are. Focus on qualified, motivated buyers to speed up your sale.
By filtering out time-wasters early, you’ll sell faster and with far less stress.
