A Seller’s Checklist for Choosing the Right Buyer

Accepting an offer on your home is not just about the amount you’ve been offered.

The ‘best’ buyer is often the one who is best placed to see the sale through to completion.

With a significant number of property transactions falling through, asking potential buyers the right questions early can save time, stress, and disappointment later.

While buyers often come armed with questions of their own, savvy sellers and experienced agents know that a successful move requires research both ways.

Here are nine questions a serious buyer should be able to answer clearly and confidently.

 

1. How is the purchase being funded?

 A strong buyer can explain whether they are using cash, a mortgage, or both, without hesitation or confusion.

2. Do they have a property to sell?

If so, clarity matters. Is it already on the market, under offer, or yet to be listed?

3. When was their property listed?

A home that has been on the market for a long time may introduce risk, especially if price reductions have already been made.

4. Is there a property chain involved?

Shorter chains are usually more reliable and less prone to delays.

5. Do they have a mortgage agreed in principle?

Most serious buyers will already have this in place before making an offer.

6. When does the mortgage offer expire?

This helps identify whether time pressure could affect the transaction later.

7. Are there any fixed deadlines?

School places, job relocations, or rental notice periods can all influence how smoothly a sale progresses.

8. Do they have a solicitor instructed?

Buyers who have already appointed a solicitor are often better prepared to move quickly.

9. Do they understand what being a cash buyer actually means?

A genuine cash buyer has the funds available now, not once another sale completes.

Making the right decision

The highest offer is not always the best one. In many cases, a slightly lower figure from a well-prepared buyer can lead to a faster, more secure sale.

An experienced local agent will help you look beyond price alone, assess each buyer’s position, and advise on the likelihood of a successful completion.

If you are selling in 2026 and want help choosing the right buyer for your home, contact us for clear, practical advice based on our experience in the local market.