How to Rank Buyers by Their Response Speed and Engagement

Some buyers ask once, disappear, and never reply again.

Others send a follow-up 30 minutes later, call you the next morning, and keep the conversation going until you tell them it’s sold.

These aren’t the same kind of buyer, and you shouldn’t treat them like they are.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to categorize your buyers based on how they behave after the first message.

Because it’s not just what they say, it’s how they follow up that reveals who’s worth your time.

The Problem With Static Buyer Tags

Most dispo managers or wholesalers keep buyer lists with just a few tags:

• Cash buyer

• Has bought before

• Wants rentals

• Likes flips

• Verified funds

• Has agent

These are helpful… but they don’t tell you anything about urgency.

Two buyers might check every single box above. But one replies instantly. The other waits 4 days, then asks if it’s still available.

If you’re not tracking follow-up behavior, you’ll treat both buyers the same, and lose the deal to the faster one.

Why Follow-Up Behavior Predicts Action

Buyers can say whatever they want:

• "I’m super interested."

• "This looks great."

• "I’m a cash buyer."

• "Let’s move quickly."

But you know what cuts through the noise?

What they do next.

• Do they ask the right questions?

• Do they request a walkthrough?

• Do they check in if you go silent?

• Do they follow up more than once?

That’s motivation you can measure.

Segmenting Your List by Follow-Up Type

You don’t need a fancy CRM. Start with a spreadsheet. Add a column called Follow-Up Type, and use these labels:

1. "Ghosted After First Ping"

• Sends initial message, then disappears

• Doesn’t reply to follow-ups

• No call, no text, no show

• Often fishing or mass-blasting

What to do: Keep them in your list, but don’t prioritize or spend time chasing them.

2. "Polite But Passive"

• Responds eventually, but slow

• Rarely asks specific questions

• Doesn’t take initiative

What to do: Give them full info, set clear next steps. If they don’t take action, move on.

3. "One-Time Follow-Up"

• Sends a second message to check back

• Usually short: "Still available?" or "Any updates?"

What to do: These buyers might be legit but distracted. Respond promptly, but don’t assume high urgency.

4. "Active & Timely"

• Responds fast, within hours or same day

• Follows up with questions

• Often includes financing info or contractor availability

What to do: Prioritize these buyers. If multiple deals match their buy box, proactively send them first.

5. "Persistent Closer"

• Doesn’t wait for you to follow up

• Calls, texts, and emails

• Asks about contract status

• Wants to secure the deal fast

What to do: These are your A-tier buyers. Save their number. Build a direct relationship.

Bonus Segment: The Overly Aggressive Buyer

Sometimes a buyer follows up too often…

• Sends 4 messages in 30 minutes

• Demands a walkthrough today

• Tries to skip steps

This isn’t always bad, but it can be a red flag. They may get flaky later or back out at the last second.

What to do: Proceed, but ask for soft proof of funds or intent (contractor scheduled, LOI, etc.).

Using Follow-Up Segments to Close Faster

Once your list is segmented, you can:

• Prioritize sends when a new deal drops

• Match urgency levels to your dispo timeline

• Spend less time chasing flaky buyers

• Spot hot leads before they ghost

Pro Tip: Track Frequency and Timing

In addition to the follow-up type, track:

• Number of messages sent per deal

• Average response time (buyer)

• Days between first message and offer

This lets you build a motivation profile for each buyer.

You’ll quickly learn:

• Who’s all talk

• Who drags their feet

• Who’s ready to wire funds today

And when that next contract hits your inbox… you’ll know exactly who to text first.