1) When are you looking to purchase?

Translation: When do I need to give a 100% effort and when will I make a commission? If you are looking to buy in 6 months I really only need to give you a 10% or 20% effort. I need to spend most of my energy on those who are willing to buy now.

2) Have you arranged financing yet or are you paying cash?

Translation: How serious are you about buying and am I dealing with a well heeled buyer? Getting pre-approved isn't the funnest thing in the world and I really don't want to spend any time or energy on someone who isn't that serious.

3) Are you already working with a Realtor?

Translation: How loyal is this person and am I possibly stealing this buyer from another agent? Also, do they understand how real estate works and how Realtors get paid? I could be that Realtor that has already shown them property.

4) What is a comfortable price range?

Translation: Has this person gone through the exercise of knowing what they can afford? Let's narrow down your choices to those properties you can afford.

5) Do you need to sell a home prior to buying?

Translation: Can I possibly get a listing and at what point do we start looking for home seriously? Let's not waste too much time until you are actually ready to buy.

6) Have you been to Sarasota before?

Translation: Shouldn't you really fall in love with Sarasota first before we look at a bunch of property? I really don't want to show you homes unless you know you really want to buy here.

7) Is this an exploratory trip or are you ready to buy?

Translation: Is it likely to make a sale this visit or will I have to wait until your next visit?

8) How long have you been looking for a home?

Translation: How realistic is this person and are they a career home buyer? There is no such thing as a perfect home. Those who look for years tend to be looking for that.

9) How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?

Translation: Does this buyer know exactly what they want or are they pretty flexible?

10) Are you looking in other cities?

Translation: How in love are you to my city? I might handle a buyer differently if they are looking in Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Naples and Ft. Myers.