Do you recall budgeting for a car, researching the appropriate model specs online, and making a commitment to limit the cost to 'x' but then seeing something completely different and blowing your budget because you just HAD to get the new this that or other model that was 30% more expensive??
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Have you ever received a wish list from a buyer and tried for weeks to find the exact house that matches every little hot button but then they disappear and may switch on you or they call saying they fell in love with the EXACT PERFECT house they saw online or driving by in a completely different area and want it desperately! And when you see what they are talking about and show them the property and inside it has VERY LITTLE to do with the specs they told you had to be in their dream home!!!
Quite often what people THINK they want and what they REALLY want are two different things. It is maddening.
You can go round and round on something and all of a sudden a completely different plan or style appeals to them. It seems the longer the hunt, the more likely the change in mind.
Well, obviously something has gone awry. And I think it has to do with two things: psychological and financial timing.
Buyers and Dreamers hold their cards close to their vest unless they are transparent and tell you exactly what they can afford and want. At that moment. For some, it's a game. And if a couple, watch out -- they each have their own agendas. At the beginning of a quest though are many unanswered questions and a real lack of knowing what newer product has to offer.
My guess is that they really have no idea what works best for them. Initially. It may be that empty nesters with a healthy budget are the worst in terms of elastic budgets and expectations. These folks have been in a house presumably long enough to raise children and haven't really walked through newer product with all the features, colors, technology, etc. that is up to date. We are talking, what, 15 years of being out of the picture?
Do you keep extra bedrooms for family and relatives or buy smaller to be economical, etc.? One story or two? French Country or Italian Villa, or hey: Mid Century Modern!! Why not!?
Yanks moving to Florida have to have a formal Living Room because they just came from a house outfitted with such. In the midwest, the Family Room negates the formal furniture, etc. Casitas in California, bonus rooms, media and exercise rooms, etc.
Do they want a view or wish to build close in or save money and buy in suburbia or rural areas vowing to shop once a week and enjoy nature??
Some buyers are not completely honest with you. Most likely they don't know for sure themselves.
These folks make you jump through hoops and all of a sudden pull a switcheroo on you.
The best timing for the Realtor I suggest is that they have been pondering their dream home for more than 15 minutes before they contact you or you find them! The longer the time they have been thinking and planning a new house purchase, the shorter the time it will take for you to find them the perfect house.
How often do you encounter this situation and what can you do to forestall countless wasted hours until the 'ah ha' moment presents itself?
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