Why are sellers leary of agents who say "I have a buyer for your house

This has been a totally crazy month, so many buyers call me, the listing agent, on my properties for sale. Sadly, not every one is able to purchase that listing for several reasons:

1. They don't have their financing lined up and the listing has gone under contract in the meantime.

2. They looked on websites like Zillow which doesn't distinguish between an "active" listing and one that is still showing but under contract.

So I tell them I will look for another home that would suit their wish list and budget.

AND I ASK AROUND TO SEE WHO IS WILLING TO SELL:

If you ask enough people, and they ask their friends and neighbors, I often come up with future sellers, or some who have been sitting on the fence.

This past week I could have matched up a buyer and seller but it didn't happen.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The client who told me she will be selling her house next summer - and wants to hire me as her listing agent - talked to a friend whom she was not willing to mention by name. (Actally, I guessed who it was because of the fact that she is thinking of moving is an open secret. AND I HAVE ALREADY TALKED TO HER.) This friend/seller is ready  to sell her home just before the end of the year, but she wants to use HER friend to list it--WHICH SHE DID NOT TELL ME, BUT TOLD MY CLIENT.

This is something I understand--loyalty--however....

What if I could have gotten my buyer together with her and they made a deal for the transaction to be finalized then? I know this home is perfect for my buyer on so many levels.

HOWEVER, THIS IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN.

My buyer and I are looking for a home in the meantime, and will undoubtedly find one.

So not only will this seller miss out on my very qualified buyer, but will be selling her home in the winter season when not much sells in that neighborhood. And this home is not that special that it will fly off the market.

"YOU SHOULD MANAGE TO GET THE TWO TOGETHER", you might say.

No, actually it is to my buyer's advantage to look around in the meantime and maybe find something else and possibly:

1. Sooner

2. Better

3. Plus, with another listing agent advising the seller, there is no guarantee that my buyer will get it.

Too bad for the seller. Unfortunately, she is not handling the sale of her home as a financial decision, but a personal one.

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME NOW OR IN THE FUTURE, IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME.