Have Some Respect, Please!

I recently got a referral a couple who were not first time buyers, they had owned a property and sold it and were now looking to buy another.  Because this buyer had owned previously there is hope that they would have a little knowledge about at least some of the aspects of the process.  I have no problem with an initial meeting or showing in order to meet a potential client, it gives them a chance to meet me and me a chance to meet them.

The first time I met them I asked about their financing and had they been to the banks.  They said no and I won't state the reasons why they hadn't here but this buyer had a reason, not a good reason, but a reason why they hadn't spoken to a banker.  When I approached this subject this would have been an excellent time for them to explain a little bit about what they were planning, a little bit about their finances and some of their issues. But they didn't.  They said nothing.  They asked nothing.  I sent them the name of a mortgage broker.

Two weeks later I get a phone call, can you show up this co-op this evening.  This evening!  This is urgent they must like something about this unit and if it is urgent then maybe they are ready to move forward.   They knew they didn't have the down payment but urgently that evening wanted to see this apartment. Why, I haven't a clue.

They could not get approved but wanted to begin their search.  They don't plan to buy for another five months but want to see properties now.  Want to see properties in the evenings, want to see properties immediately with no notice in terms of an appointment, urgently.  They are not approved.  They don't have the down payment and won't have it for a while.  They want an agent who will show them properties during the next few months and then maybe they will get an approval.  I finally found out what they are up to when the approval was not issued, a clue!

The husband told me "not to worry" about any of this. Is he kidding?

What would you do?  I told them I am not interested in showing them properties until they have their finances in order  and that perhaps another agent would be willing to, but I was not.  I wished them luck and I wish the next agent luck.  I hope that they tell the next agent they are not approved and won't be buying anything for a few months, maybe.  At least then the agent can make the right decisions.