The question below was sent to my via FACEBOOK, by a great client.

So I’m curious about the ads on TV about benefits of having a realitor: that they screen prospective buyers. How is that done? What info do you get?

- Loretta

Hi Loretta;
It depends on the context and the Realtor, to be honest. Many agents will show homes to anyone anytime anywhere.

Personally, I screen prospective buyers on my own listings by asking a series of questions. For instance:

- Do they have a Realtor already?
- Have they been pre-approved?
- Are they currently renting (with a lease end date) or do they need to sell a home?
- Why are they buying?
- What is it about the specific property that interests them? (Why do they want to see it).

If it’s a buyer that I’d be showing multiple properties to, I ask similar though not exactly the same questions. Unfortunately, when the buyer is represented by another Realtor, my ability to control the buyer and qualify them is obviously limited. That’s where my past experiences with that Realtor come into play.

I’m sure that you don’t recall me qualifying you when we first met, but we did talk about most of this stuff before we went to look at the condos in downtown Edmonton. I just roll it into the conversation, to make it less intrusive.

I hope that answers your question!

John