Which Buyer Type Are You?

We deal with a lot of buyers. Hundreds each week. Thousands each year.

Across the Jellis Craig network, there are more than a million contacts in our database.

If you’ve ever enquired on or inspected one of our properties… you’re in there.

One of our core roles as real estate agents is qualifying buyers.

For a typical Stonnington sales campaign, we’ll see 30–60 groups through. If all goes well, one becomes the buyer. A handful of others are close contenders who miss out.

That still leaves around 90% who aren’t real prospects — not interested, not ready, not motivated, not financed, or simply not able to buy.

We try to help buyers at every stage of the journey. Most do eventually buy. And eventually… most become sellers. Win-win.

But for our vendors, the priority is clear: sift through the crowd, find the real contenders, and help them get in a position to buy.

For speed and sanity, we agents tend to “profile” buyers into a few familiar stereotypes…

(Humour intended.)

The Sticky Beak

Usually a neighbour with no plans to buy or sell — just loves a look. If they’re feeling awkward about snooping, they’ll say they’re “looking for a friend.” We love them. They make our opens busier and often become sellers… a decade later.

Their favourite line: “Surely it’ll get more than that!”

The Well-Intentioned Parent

A Baby Boomer from out of area who inspects without their child’s knowledge — or intention to buy. They always grab a brochure. They often borrow a pen. We’re shocked if the child ever shows up.

The Browser

On their first or second weekend. Cramming in 10–12 opens. Tired by midday. No pre-approval. No clear brief. By Monday morning, they’ve learnt not to answer the phone.

The Serial Inspector

They’ve been “just looking” for years. Seen 50+ properties. Never buy. Agents eventually stop calling after the twentieth encounter.

The Opportunist

Appears when the market dips. Has read 107 doom-and-gloom headlines. Their famous parting line: “Call me if it passes in.” They rarely, if ever, buy.

The Downsizer

The most particular of all. Wants: garage, north-facing, brick, freestanding, near shops, downstairs master, great storage… and the living room must fit their furniture. Excellent budgets. Minimal urgency. Searching since 2017.

The Investor

About 20% of the buyer pool. Usually, Gen X or Boomers. Say they’re “not emotional” but still melt for good styling. Often inspect once and roll the dice at auction. Crush many a first home buyer’s dream.

The Active Buyer

Graduated from the browsing phase. Finance pre-approved. Inspected 20+ properties. “Ready to go if we find the right one.” Haven’t offered yet — but they’re close. Never ignore these buyers.

The Hot Buyer

Already bid or offered. Inspects twice. Requests the contract. Talks terms. We can rely on them to raise their hand at auction. Every agent knows who they are — and keeps them close.

The Rebound Underbidder

A hot buyer with a bruised ego. They’ve just missed out on their dream home (maybe more than once). Keen, motivated, and ready to pay overs to avoid the sting again.

For agents, these buyers are pure gold. We have their number saved.

Do you fit into one of these stereotypes?

Have I missed any? I’d love to hear which one you are…