Articles on: Best Practices

Reusable Buyer Description Checklist

Effective buyer qualification is where great deals start! The first conversation with new customers isn’t just about getting to know each other; it’s about confirming the buyer’s motivation, timeline, budget/financing readiness, and who the real decision-makers are. It also helps you to set expectations early, so the search stays focused and productive.


Qualification isn’t always a perfect science. In fact we find it more of an art. But, there’s a core set of information you should gather before scheduling multiple viewings or building a long shortlist. It's also important to note, that in PropWise, the Buyer Description you create doesn’t just keep your notes organized, it also feeds our AI tools, which will help you match listings, cross-reference uploaded documents, and support you throughout the transaction.


Lastly, it's always best to let your new customers do the talking. Keep your questions open-ended and quietly listen while taking notes. Use the outline below to help guide your conversation and enjoy uncovering your new client's goals and aspirations they're hoping this next move will support.


1. Buyer Context

  • Who is the buyer? (individual, couple, family, investor)
  • Why are they buying? (new job, investment, family change)
  • Primary motivation (living, investing, relocation, lifestyle upgrade)
  • What is their targeted move-in date?
  • Do they need to sell/rent their current home in order to move?
  • Who will be on the deed?

Green flag: clear reason, defined deadline, responsive communication.

Red flag: vague urgency, “just browsing” with no next step.

2. Property Type

  • Apartment / House / Commercial
  • New build vs resale
  • Minimum size (sqm)
  • Minimum bedrooms / bathrooms

2. Location Preferences

  • Which are do they want to move to, and why?
  • Acceptable secondary areas (have they considered other areas with similar features that fit their home goals?)
  • Deal-breaker locations (explicitly list)

3. Budget & Financial Constraints

  • Target price range with maximum comfortable ceiling (if financing, what are their comfortable monthly carrying costs?)
  • What can they afford as a down payment and from what source will it be coming from?
  • If they intend on financing, have they received a pre-approval letter? From which lender?

Best Practice: If they are financing, ask for the pre-approval, or refer them to a lender before scheduling multiple viewings.

4. Must-Have Features (Non-Negotiable)

  • Location(s) and commute constraints
  • Renovation tolerance (turnkey vs. fixer-upper)
  • Parking
  • Outdoor space (balcony, terrace, garden)
  • Elevator
  • Storage
  • Accessibility requirements

6. Nice-to-Have Features

  • View (sea, city, nature)
  • Floor level preference
  • Building amenities (gym, concierge, pool)

7. Lifestyle & Proximity

  • Schools
  • Public transport
  • Commute time
  • Beach / city center / nature access

8. Deal Breakers

  • What would immediately disqualify a property?

9. Decision Drivers

  • What will make the buyer say “yes” faster?
  • What typically causes hesitation?


Takeaway

PropWise Buyer Portfolios are not folders.

They are a decision-making systems.


Agents who organize around buyers win trust faster, waste less time, and close more cleanly.

Agents who organize around listings stay busy, but not effective.

Updated on: 04/02/2026

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