How do you tell if someone will make an offer on a house?
Sign #1: The agent calls right away. “If there's no call [from your listing agent], the chances of a forthcoming offer are slim,” says Lagrois. Of course, some agents call after every showing, even if there's no exciting news to share. So it's not just the call itself that's important, but the information it conveys.
As a seller, getting a showing request is a big moment. As you fluff the throw pillows, sweep up crumbs, hide the pets, and turn on all the lights, the excitement starts to build. You might try to temper your expectations, but there’s always that underlying current of hope: “This buyer could be the one!”
The showing comes and goes…and you wait for the follow-up call from your agent. Sometimes you hear nothing. Other times, you might hear feedback like “the buyers liked the house, but it needed too many updates,” or “they loved the floor plan, but are looking for a more private lot.” This cycle of anticipation and letdown can be draining and discouraging.
But once in a while, the response after a showing is unmistakably optimistic. If your agent shares any of these telltale signs a house showing went well, the buyer could very well be on the brink of making an offer.
Sign #1: The agent calls right away.
Marc Lagrois, a top agent in Rochester Hills, Michigan, says that an agent calling back immediately after a showing is the surest sign that the tour went well. It’s promising if the agent asks whether there are any other offers, whether the price is negotiable, and what the closing terms are. “If there’s no call [from your listing agent], the chances of a forthcoming offer are slim,” says Lagrois.
Of course, some agents call after every showing, even if there’s no exciting news to share. So it’s not just the call itself that’s important, but the information it conveys.
Sign #2: The buyer lingers.
If someone is in and out of a house in just a few minutes, it’s safe to assume the property didn’t pique their interest enough for a closer look. But if a buyer remains in the house for an extended period of time, that’s a good sign that they are seriously considering buying.
Lagrois says interested buyers also tend to hang out after the showing is over, perhaps lingering in the driveway for a discussion with their agent.
The length of the visit can be telling, too. A five- or 10-minute pop-in probably isn’t a good sign, but if someone spent half an hour or longer in your home, that indicates a deeper level of interest.
Sign #3: The buyer requests a second showing.
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If a buyer wants to return for another showing in order to bring more family members or friends, that signals they are considering making an offer, but want to get a trusted second opinion first. (Of course, the challenge here is that the home must also win over the new visitors!)
But keep in mind that the buyer could be scheduling second showings at a few different homes because they’re having trouble deciding between them. And while a return visit is a sign of continued interest and could potentially lead to an offer, Lagrois says that in his experience, it usually only takes one showing to solicit an offer if a buyer is really excited about a home. “This is particularly true in a seller’s market, when buyers are more motivated to make quicker decisions,” Lagrois adds.
Sign #4: There’s a focus on the details.
General questions about pricing and closing terms are pretty standard, but if the buyer’s agent starts drilling down into finer details like homeowner’s association bylaws, the age of specific components of the house, average utility costs, and whether certain furnishings or fixtures can be included in the sale, that’s a telltale sign of significant interest.
Another positive indicator is if the buyer focuses on a single specific area of the home, whether it’s the kitchen of their dreams, a cozy window seat, or those two perfect hammock trees in the backyard.
Sign #5: The area is highly desirable to the buyer.
Lagrois has had agents call him with a buyer who is waiting for a property to become available in a certain community, neighborhood, or street. If they see a house that looks good and meets their location criteria, they’re more likely to jump on it and make an offer — even if it doesn’t check off every single box on their wish list. This might be for logistical or practical reasons, but it could also stem from the buyer having an emotional connection to a location, which can be a powerful factor in choosing to purchase a home.
Sign #6: The buyer starts nitpicking at the little things.
It might not seem like criticism is a hallmark of an interested buyer, but if a prospect starts to point out small items around the house, like “look at those cracks in the wall over there by the window” or “that old light fixture might need to be replaced,” that indicates they are examining the property closely and are thinking about the changes they would make as the new homeowner.
“This shows they have a real interest in the property — if they weren’t interested, they wouldn’t be making any comments at all and would just move right along to see the next house on the list,” says real estate investor Jonathan Lerner.
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Sign #7: The buyer starts mentally making the house a home.
This might not be something you’re privy to, but if a buyer chats about the home in terms of them living there, that’s a strong sign that an offer is imminent. “When a buyer begins talking about where the best place for furniture would be, which family member will be getting which bedroom, or what color scheme and decorations will work best in different rooms, they are already picturing themselves owning and settling into the home,” says property investor Owen Dashner.
Sign #8: The buyer’s agent wants to schedule a pre-inspection.
A request for a pre-offer inspection means the buyer has significant interest in the property, but wants to make sure there aren’t any major issues. While an offer could be around the corner, keep in mind that depending on the results, the inspection could ultimately send the buyer running — or could result in a lower offer to compensate for any unfavorable findings.
While all of these signs paint a hopeful picture of an imminent offer, it’s impossible to know with certainty a buyer’s thoughts and intentions. You can’t bank on an offer coming until you actually receive it — and even then, it’s a long road to closing. It’s important to have a trusted agent by your side to help you navigate the entire process, from the very first showing to the final signing.
Soulmate Gem
Photo: Angela Roma
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