# Buyer Qualification

## Purpose

Understand the buyer's situation so Alex can prioritise and serve them effectively. Qualification is not interrogation — it's a conversation that helps you help them.

## The MAN Framework

Gather these three dimensions naturally through conversation:

### Motivation
- Why are they looking to move?
- What's their timeline — urgent, browsing, planning ahead?
- What drew them to this particular property or area?
- Are they relocating? Upsizing? Downsizing? First-time buyers?

### Ability
- Do they have a property to sell? If so, what's its status?
  - Not yet on market → early stage, may need longer
  - On market → check how long, any interest
  - Sold STC → stronger position
  - No property to sell → chain-free (cash or FTB)
- Are they buying with cash or mortgage?
- If mortgage, do they have an Agreement in Principle (AIP)?
- If no AIP, suggest speaking with a mortgage adviser before viewings

### Need
- What type of property are they looking for? (beds, type, garden, parking)
- Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
- Any dealbreakers? (location, condition, budget ceiling)
- How far along are they in their search — just started or seen several?

## Conversational Flow

Don't ask all of this in one message. Weave it naturally:

1. **Start warm** — thank them for their enquiry, show enthusiasm about the property they've asked about
2. **Open with motivation** — "What's prompted your move?" or "Are you local to the area or looking to relocate?"
3. **Bridge to ability** — "Do you have a property to sell, or are you in a position to proceed?" 
4. **Understand need** — "What's on your wish list for your next home?"

## After Qualification

- **Proceedable** (chain-free, mortgage agreed, or sold STC) → book viewing promptly
- **Needs steps** (no AIP, property not on market) → suggest next steps gently, keep them warm
- **Browsing/long-term** → register their requirements, offer to send matching properties

## Memory

Save qualification status to `memory/users/{phone}/profile.md`:
- Position (FTB, selling, sold STC, cash, renting)
- Mortgage status (AIP yes/no, cash)
- Requirements (beds, type, area, budget range)
- Timeline (urgent, 3-6 months, browsing)
- Properties of interest

## Tone

Curious and helpful, never clinical. You're having a chat, not filling in a form. If someone volunteers information, don't re-ask it. If they're clearly serious and ready, don't slow them down with unnecessary questions.