Millions of people visit real estate listing sites each month, but fewer than 500,000 homes are bought in any given month, according to realtor.com. This means that serious home buyers, as identified by the list below, are being completely outnumbered by casual lookers.

Where do you fit? Are you casually looking, attending open houses, trying to boost your credit score, save for a down payment or perusing the Internet? Or do you have everything figured out and are ready to pounce on the next home? Below are 8 ways to take yourself from a casual looker to serious home buyer as studied by reatlor.com.

• Most serious buyers have spent three to six months researching and getting their financials in order. They have been looking at ideal neighborhoods for them and making sure they know what their needs are.
• Serious buyers have an estimated time frame. They give themselves plenty of time to deal with a tight market and have a good idea of how long they are expecting the journey of home buying to take.
• Alongside having an estimated time frame in mind, they are most likely expecting to purchase a home within one year or less. There are large triggers that play a huge part in buying a home such as a wedding, job change or children. These are sometimes mapped out, but also unexpected. It’s important to always keep an estimate of under 1 year in mind.
• Their credit scores and down payments are in line. They aren’t still trying to improve their credit or save for a down payment. They have solidified their options and are ready to pounce when the right home hits.
• Serious home buyers know they qualify for a mortgage. Showing a seller that you are pre-approved insinuates that you are serious about purchasing their home.
• Serious buyers go to open houses and submit offers. They are 4 times more likely to make offers than casual lookers.
• Serious buyers have buyer’s agents. This is HUGE, and of course we are a little biased, but having a buyer’s agent is crucial because you want to have someone there representing you and helping you through the journey. Every step of the way.

If you’re a casual looker and hope to someday be a serious home buyer– it’s easier than you think! Follow the 6 ways above to transform your seriousness.