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25 Interview Questions for Buyers

Here they are...

How long have you been looking for a home?
Have you seen any homes that you liked?
Why didn't you buy it?
Have you worked or are you working with another salesperson or broker? Who? What forms have you signed?
Have you worked with a real estate agent before? What was it like? What didn't you like about it? What did you like about it?
Do you currently rent or own? When do you want/need to move?
Do you need to sell a home or complete a lease period before buying? What is that timeframe?
Is your home currently on the market? Is it priced well? Have you determined your net proceeds?
If we find the right property are you ready to make a decision to by it now? If no, why not?
Is anyone else be helping you with the buying decision? (e.g., parent, partner, friend - even if they are not in the deal they can have a huge impact and you need info from them)
Is anyone else contributing to your finances to make this purchase? Are you getting a gift?
Are you borrowing money (other than the mortgage) for this purchase? (e.g., 401K, credit cards, parental loan)
Where are you employed? Spouse/Partner? Where are they located?
What is your price range?
What is your total monthly budget for payments?
Has a lender pre-qualified you for a loan? How much?
Name and number of the lender *OR* I will send you the names and numbers of some lenders - who can pre-qualify you before we meet again.
Are you comfortable with your lender? Did you want to talk to a second lender?
How much cash do you want to use for the purchase?
What REALTOR services are important to you?
So...if we decide to work together...you WILL buy a property from me and work with me exclusively?
Will you agree not to go to open houses without me?
What style of home did you have in mind?
Bedrooms? Baths? Any Special Needs? Special Furniture or anything that needs to be accomodated?
Do you have any additional questions?

Would love to hear your questions!

Posted by Yvette Chisholm on 09/03/2007 11:12 AM

Comments (9)

questions, buyers, interview, purchase

9 Comments on 25 Interview Questions for Buyers

Thanks for the useful help.

09/03/2007 11:16 AM

by Dan Homan (Dan Homan Business Consultant and Advertising Specialist)

Greate questions Yvette - thanks for putting them in one place :-)

09/03/2007 11:20 AM

by Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas County Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon (Charles Rutenberg Realty)

This is great - bookmarked!

Except #22, as I like to encourage buyers to check out homes on their own as much as possible. I don't fear the 'other agent', in fact, they are usually predatory, so it only enhances the relationship they have with me. I give them a short stack of my biz cards and tell them to carry them to open houses so they can flash it and be left alone by that agent. I also assure them that if they see something they especially love, we'll go back inside together ALONE later in the day so they can really feel it out without any pressure or friendly narration.

This approach has worked well for me - it builds loyalty and leaves my clients feeling more protected.

Love these questions!!

09/03/2007 11:20 AM

by Portland Oregon Real Estate Broker * Jennifer Bukaty * (RE/MAX equity group, inc.)

Yvette,

Nice post. Great list. If I were in a hurry to 'screen' a prospect, I would use 1, 6,13, 19, & 23. I would add to 13 length of employment and earnings. Thanks, Fran

09/03/2007 11:21 AM

by Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.)

Great list.

09/03/2007 11:27 AM

by Christi Stewart, Prudential Calif. Realty (Prudential California Realty)

Jennifer, sometimes if buyers go to open houses on their own they look in price ranges that are not in their budget and they are NEVER happy with the homes that you are showing them that cost 25% less. Also, I like to see what they are seeing and what they like and don't like...it might spark something else.

I agree...I am never worried about the other agents.

09/03/2007 11:32 AM

by Yvette Chisholm (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)

Great list... Thanks for the post.

09/03/2007 11:52 AM

by Scott Myrick & Tinsley Myrick, Realtors Serving Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL (Remax of Orange Beach)

Nice Reminder Yvette... Things like this are sitting in the back of my mind on my unwritten to-do list. One of these days I'll develop a questionnaire for prospects. Would come in handy for the occasional walk-in's or to use as chit-chat with unrepresented buyers at open houses.

09/03/2007 07:44 PM

by Dan Cummings - Connecticut's Running Realtor (Raveis Real Estate)

good list of questions! I sat down to write my own and drew a complete blank so I needed inspiration. Thank you for giving that to me!

03/10/2008 11:49 AM

by DeVerie & Josh Riley~Your Realtor for Kern County~ (Associated Real Estate)