Getting an offer on your home is exciting—but not every buyer is the right one. Whether you’re selling with an agent or going the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route, knowing what to watch out for can help you avoid delays, wasted time, or even a failed sale.

Here are some common red flags to look for when reviewing potential buyers:

1. No Mortgage Pre-Approval

Why it matters:
If a buyer isn’t pre-approved for a mortgage, there’s a chance they may not qualify for financing later. That could delay the process or cause the deal to fall through.

What to do:
Ask for a pre-approval letter before accepting an offer. If you’re working independently, you can include this as a requirement in your listing description or during communication.

2. Offers That Skip Key Details

Why it matters:
If a buyer submits an offer without basic information—such as financing type, closing date, or contingencies—it could mean they’re not serious or they don’t fully understand the process.

What to do:
Look for complete, well-structured offers. If you’re unsure, flat fee MLS platforms like List With Freedom often provide offer review guidance or tools to help you stay organized.

3. Unreasonable Contingencies

Why it matters:
Some contingencies are standard (like financing and inspections), but too many or overly broad ones can complicate the sale or give buyers easy ways to walk away.

What to do:
Review every contingency carefully and don’t be afraid to negotiate terms that protect your interests.

4. Buyers Who Avoid or Delay Showings

Why it matters:
A serious buyer wants to see the home as soon as possible. If someone continues to delay showings or won’t make time to view the property, they may not be truly committed.

What to do:
Prioritize buyers who are responsive, communicative, and flexible. That’s usually a sign of real intent.

5. Lowball Offers Without Justification

Why it matters:
Some buyers throw out very low offers in hopes of scoring a deal. If the offer doesn’t come with a reasonable explanation—like needed repairs or market data—it may be more of a test than a serious attempt.

What to do:
You can always counter, but it’s okay to walk away from buyers who don’t respect the value of your home.

6. Hesitation After Making an Offer

Why it matters:
If a buyer starts backpedaling after submitting an offer—asking to renegotiate or seeming unsure—they may be emotionally or financially unprepared.

What to do:
Stick to buyers who are clear, confident, and ready to move forward.

7. Avoids Paperwork or Delays Signing Documents

Why it matters:
A serious buyer will be responsive and cooperative when it comes to submitting offers, signing disclosures, or moving forward with required paperwork. If someone consistently stalls, avoids paperwork, or makes excuses, it could be a sign they’re not serious—or worse, hiding something.

What to do:
Set clear expectations from the start and stick to reasonable timelines. Using a platform like List With Freedom helps keep your paperworks and transactions organized, so you can spot delays early and stay in control.

Stay Smart, Stay Protected

Selling your home is a big deal, and choosing the right buyer matters. By watching for red flags early, you can protect your time, your money, and your peace of mind.

If you’re managing your own sale, a little preparation goes a long way. Services like List With Freedom offer tools to help sellers handle the process confidently while staying in control. 

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