How To Screen Potential Buyers For Your FSBO Home

How to Screen Potential Buyers for Your FSBO Home

Protect Your Time, Your Home, and Your Peace of Mind

Imagine This...

It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon. You just listed your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), and your phone rings. A potential buyer wants to see it—right now. They sound interested. Eager even.

But something feels… off.

You wonder:

✅ "Do I just let them in?"

✅ "What should I ask first?"

✅ "Am I even allowed to say no?"

Welcome to the wild world of FSBO—where you're not just the seller… you're the gatekeeper.

In this post, we’ll break down how to filter buyers like a boss—using smart questions, safety-first tactics, and proven tools. Let’s dive in.

🔎 Why Screening Buyers Is Non-Negotiable

You wouldn’t hand the keys to your car to a stranger, right?

Your home deserves even more caution.

Fact: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of FSBO sellers say their biggest fear is dealing with unqualified or suspicious buyers.

When selling without an agent, you become the first line of defense.

🚫 No background checks.

🚫 No agent vetting.

🚫 Just you, your instincts—and now, this guide.

✅ The FSBO Buyer Pre-Qualification Checklist

Before allowing a showing, here’s what you need to know:

📞 Step 1: Ask These 5 Buyer Screening Questions

(Ask over the phone or via email before scheduling a visit.)

1️⃣ Are you working with an agent?

2️⃣ Are you pre-approved or buying with cash?

3️⃣ What’s your timeline to move?

4️⃣ Do you need to sell another property first?

5️⃣ What’s your price range?

These aren’t just questions—they’re filters. Ask them before your time gets wasted.

Red flag: If a buyer gets cagey or vague, that’s your first sign to proceed with caution.

💰 Step 2: Always Request Proof of Funds or Pre-Approval

This isn't rude—it’s responsible.

Ask for a pre-approval letter or proof of cash before confirming a showing.

Real buyers won’t blink.

💡 Pro Tip: The FSBO Power Play Course includes a pre-qualification form you can send out automatically—no awkward convos required.

🚨 Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

FSBO attracts shady buyers—ones who assume you don’t know the game.

Here are 3 major warning signs:

❌ “I’ll Pay Cash—Just Send Me Your Info”

One of the oldest scams in FSBO.

Buyer claims they’re overseas or “too busy” to view, but want to wire funds now.

🚨 Hard pass.

❌ They Avoid Pre-Approval Talk

If a buyer sidesteps financial questions or says things like "I’m just browsing," they’re likely wasting your time.

❌ Overly Aggressive or Pushy Behavior

Legit buyers don’t rush or pressure you.

If they do? Trust your gut.

🔒 Safety Tips for In-Person Showings

Selling FSBO is empowering—but it requires boundaries.

🛑 Never show the home alone (bring a friend or family member)

🌞 Schedule during daylight hours only

🆔 Ask for a copy of their ID before showing

🔒 Keep valuables and personal items locked up

📅 Use a showing app or calendar to track who visits

💡 Bonus Tip: Consider virtual showings via Zoom or FaceTime before allowing in-person visits.

🛠 Tools That Make Screening Easy

No need to wing it—use these tools:

📄 Pre-qualification form (FSBO Power Play Course)

📝 Buyer screening script (Know exactly what to say)

📊 Digital intake tracker (Keep notes on every potential buyer)

🤝 Transaction Coordinator (TC) (Handles the back-end details)

🚀 The more automated your screening, the less stress—and fewer sketchy leads make it through.

🎭 Real FSBO Story: Why Screening Matters

Carlos in Orlando listed his FSBO home and got an inquiry on Day 2.

The buyer sounded motivated—even offered $10k over asking—but refused to provide proof of funds.

Carlos trusted his gut, declined the showing, and later saw the same person flagged in a local Facebook group warning other sellers.

📢 Moral of the story?

Never let the excitement of a quick sale override your instincts.

❔ FAQs

Q: Can I refuse a showing if the buyer doesn’t show proof of funds?

✅ Absolutely. You’re not obligated to show your home to anyone.

Q: Should I ask for ID?

✅ Yes. It’s a simple, smart move that adds a layer of safety.

Q: What if a buyer gives off a weird vibe?

✅ Trust your gut. Reschedule—or say no altogether.

Q: Do I need to be there for the showing?

✅ Ideally, yes—but never alone. Have someone with you, or use a showing service.

🔥 Final Thoughts

Selling FSBO is bold—but bold doesn’t mean reckless.

By taking just a few steps to screen buyers properly, you protect your:

🏡 Property

⌛ Time

🧘‍♂️ Peace of mind

The FSBO Power Play Course isn’t just helpful—

it’s your peace of mind in PDF form.

Plug-and-play tools. Ready-to-send forms. Scripts for every situation.

No guesswork. No stress. Just clarity and control.

💬 What’s the weirdest buyer inquiry you’ve gotten? Drop it in the comments!

Stay smart. Stay safe. And sell like a pro. You’ve got this.