Several agents including Broker Bryant and Scott Daniels have written blog posts about not becoming a taxi service for potential real estate clients. And like other agents I try to qualify buyers, ask the right questions and make sure they have a pre-qual prior to gassing up my car and driving around all day. In fact I ask enough questions that my employing broker criticizes me for being to pushy. But with gas being what it is today, I feel like I've got to do a little research first and be prepared for everything.
Three examples of recent buyers that recently fell threw:
1)Nice couple with a new baby have been contacting me on and off for a year. They had some credit issues but have it all cleaned up now and a pre-qual in hand. They have done plenty of internet searching and have a good idea of what they want and what they can afford.
The problem? They can live anywhere! They aren't tied to their jobs and there are way to many housing opportunities. Any where is a BIG place.
2)This couple is planning for the future. Where can they commute to work today and retire tomorrow? They can pay cash for a new home and based on years of being together have a good idea for what each wants in a new property.
The problem? Deciding to downsize and still be reasonable with their needs and wants. Again way to many housing opportunities.
3) A friend of a friend of a friend of mine. A mature single woman with a live in companion. The house will be in her name only because his credit isn't what it should be. She is excited about buying her FIRST house and the loan process has started. She has a practical eye and no need for excess or frills.
The problem? The boyfriend is imposing his wants and needs on my buyer. She and I will go out and find a place she likes only to get vetoed by the boyfriend later. After all there is a better place just down the road - right?
I've got a couple of buyers as well with cold feet. They asked me to draw up the papers and make the offer. Now that it has come down to brass tacks they got cold feet. I'm sitting in my office this minute only because I'm waiting for two( 2, too, to) offers to get faxed back. And while I'm waiting the acceptance dates have come and gone.
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