How do you tell good buyers from time wasters, and people who should not be in your house? Generally: you will see Tire Kickers, ("looky lous"), credit problems, and investors. A few will be good buyers who simply don't know a Realtor, or have had a bad experience with one. Tire Kickers, nosy neighbors (or the 'friends' they send over) are a big waste of time. They act nice, and say they like the house, but then you never hear from them again. The ones with bad credit problems may make lowball offers, or they may make a good opening offer. But if they cannot get the financing, they will ask you to reduce the price. By this time they hope you like them. You may have moved forward with your own plans - thinking that the house was sold. Because of these things, and because you lost a lot of time on the market, it is emotionally hard to say no to a price reduction when the bank sets a limit. Investors are buyers that may or may not have credit problems. ALMOST ALL looking for an especially low price. They want to make money by profiting from people who have to sell fast. They keep going til they find what they want. Some try to take advantage of inexperienced sellers. The opening offer, if you are lucky enough to get one, is likely to be about 75% or 80% of your asking price. They hope to wear you down until you settle for less than your house is worth. BUT - and this is the magic.... Sometimes - For Sale By Owner does work to your advantage. If you want to try it, and you have some time to spare, then you might get lucky and get some Good Buyers in for showings.   Be Smart to increase your chances!  You can ask buyers if their credit is pre-approved before allowing them in the house.  Realtor's do this, so you can too.  If the buyers balk at this you have a decision to make.  Does it mean something? Do you show the house or do you ask them to come back when they are approved by a lender? One way you still have a chance to show the house - but you never really know if your effort is worth the trouble. The other way, you may offend them, but if they come back at least you know they have been to a bank and can get enough credit to buy your house. Remember, "Pre-Qualified" means almost nothing.  Make sure they are "Pre-Approved".  The difference is this.  "Pre Qualified" buyers have told a lender what they make, and the lender has said, essentially, "If that is true then you might qualify for a loan up to $ XXXXXXX."  A "Pre-Approved" buyer has proven income and submitted a complete credit application.  The lender has checked credit and approved a loan up to $ XXXXXXX - so long as the house appraises well.    For more info, please sign up for our free BY OWNER Newsletter > byowner@fsbo-toledo.com