A Real Estate “Mad Libs” That Might Call You Out (In a Good Way)
Let’s try something different.
Before you read another word, fill this out:
“I want to buy a home in _______
My budget is $_______
My biggest fear is _______
But I have to have _______.”
Simple enough, right?
Now here’s the interesting part…
The way you filled in those blanks probably tells me exactly how you’re going to behave in the market—and more importantly, whether you’re going to win or lose.
After 20+ years in real estate, I’ve seen the same patterns play out over and over again. Most buyers fall into one of five categories.
Let’s see which one you are.
1. The “Play It Safe” Buyer
You wrote something like:
Fear: Overpaying
Must-have: A “good deal”
You analyze everything. You watch the market. You wait for the “right time.”
Here’s the problem: The “right time” tends to pass while you’re still thinking about it.
I’ve seen buyers sit on the sidelines trying to avoid overpaying… only to end up paying more later—or missing out entirely.
Reality check: You don’t lose by buying smart. You lose by waiting too long.
2. The “HGTV Dreamer”
Your answers probably looked like:
Must-have: Updated kitchen, open floor plan, perfect location, great schools… (All within budget, of course.)
You’re not wrong for wanting what you want. But you’re chasing a version of “perfect” that rarely exists.
And when a great house shows up? You hesitate… because it’s not flawless.
Reality check: The perfect house doesn’t exist. The right house does—and it usually requires a tradeoff.
3. The “Deal Hunter”
You filled in:
Budget: Below what you can actually afford
Focus: Getting a steal
Focus: Getting a steal
You’re disciplined. You want to win the negotiation.
But here’s where this can backfire…
In a competitive market, the best homes don’t go to the lowest offer.
They go to the strongest offer.
And sometimes that means terms, timing, and positioning—not just price.
Reality check: Winning isn’t about getting the lowest price. It’s about getting the right house without losing it.
4. The “Emotional Buyer”
Your fear: Losing the one.
Your must-have: “The feeling.”
When you walk into the right house, you know immediately. And when you love it, you’re ready to move.
That instinct? It’s powerful.
But unchecked, it can lead to overextending, skipping key steps, or making decisions too quickly.
Reality check: Emotion should guide you—but it shouldn’t drive the entire deal.
5. The “Strategic Buyer”
This is the buyer everyone should aim to be.
Balanced. Informed. Decisive.
You understand:
The market you’re in
What matters most to you
Where you can flex—and where you won’t
You don’t chase perfection, and you don’t freeze in fear. You move with intention.
And when the right opportunity shows up—you act.
Reality check: This is the buyer who consistently wins.
So… What Did Your Answers Say About You?
Here’s the truth most people don’t talk about:
Your success in real estate isn’t just about the market.
It’s about how you show up in it.
The same conditions exist for everyone. The difference is in the mindset, the strategy, and the decisions.
And those are all things you can control.
Final Thought
If you’re thinking about buying this year, don’t just focus on what you want to buy.
Pay attention to how you’re approaching it.
Because the buyers who win? They’re not the luckiest.
They’re the most prepared.
If you’re curious where you fall—or want to make sure you’re approaching this the right way—I’m always happy to talk strategy.
No pressure. Just clarity.
"My job is to find and attract mastery-based agents to the office, protect the culture, and make sure everyone is happy! "
3912 Battleground Ave , Suite 112 PMB 351, Greensboro, NC, 27410