It didn't take me long to realize that some people have no appreciation for the time agents spend searching out properties, mapping out the route and driving all over town nor do they even consider the amount of gas it takes.
In the beginning of my career (which was not that long ago) I jumped at every call where there was a so called "buyer" on the other end who wanted to see a property. I would get so excited, spend time getting as much information about the property and then either meet them at the office or the property.
Sometimes, they would lead me on for a few months looking at different things not really commiting to 
much- but I just didn't want to own up to the fact that they were not going to buy and were wasting my time.
Is it the feeling of not wanting all that you have already done seem like a waste and maybe if you just keep showing them homes- they will eventually pick one and then it would all be worth it. If you cut them loose and find out a few months later that they bought through another agent..ouch!!
After going through this cycle a few times I decided I just couldn't do it anymore. I once had a wonderful speaker say "I would rather have you sitting by the pool drinking a Margarita not working than to be driving around wasting time, spending money with nothing to show for it."
So, I received a call the other day on a listing in our office. It was a bank owned property about 40 minutes out. I actually directed the call to the listing agent who normally deals with these type homes. She sent it back to me. I guess she was too busy?
I spoke with the lady for a few minutes and decided I would ask her some specific questions regarding if she needed to sell a home, price range, time frame, and most importantly if she was working with a bank or mortgage broker.
Needless to say, after her answers and weighing whether or not I wanted to drive 40 minutes to open a house she was not ready to buy, I decided to give her my information and explain to her that once she got a pre-qualification letter from her mortgage lady to give me a call back and I would be more than happy to meet her and open the house.
Have I heard from her? No. Did she just decide to move on to an agent that would open the home or do you think she is working on getting her letter?
I could almost feel bad for not meeting her but I don't. I spent a wonderful day with my kids hanging out by the pool.... not wasting a few hours and gas and "I'm not quite ready yet."
You never know- Maybe she is working on her letter and going to call me as soon as she is ready.
I am not holding my breath. Any turn aways you hinge on regret?
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