What questions to ask Estate Agent about a potential buyer before accepting an offer?

[MsFogi]

I am a bit of a rookie on this but am trying to help my aunt. If she gets an offer from a potential buyer in a chain what should we be asking about the others in the chain? If not in a chain what questions should we be asking? Generally, any steer from the wise MNers who know more about this than me on what to ask about potential buyers before accepting an offer would be really helpful!

The EA should be checking their financial position, they should prove they have the £ and mortgage(in principle).
It depends if you want to move quickly or not, if it’s possible to avoid a chain with a FTB or cash buyer or someone who has sold already.
If going in to a chain you need to find out if the chain is complete or is someone still looking, all sorts of things can make chains fall apart, timescales on people buying new build, probate issues all sorts of unexpected things.
Just remember that the highest £ offer isn’t always the best as the persons position may not be the best, also some people offer high to get the property then negotiate down after survey or other small things. Also people say they will move in to rented to break chain, but in reality often won’t and some people just lie 😂

I’d be asking the agent to do a full chain check. Buyers can be a bit vague so I’d be wanting them to check with the other agents.

The EA should have proof of funds and know the position of the buyer.

However, from my experience I'm not convinced EAs do this.