When a Buyer Sounds Perfect… Listen for the Red Flags
I want to share a recent experience as a reminder to stay alert, even when everything initially feels legitimate. I was contacted by text about one of my listings. The messages were specific, thoughtful, and clearly tied to the property. I sent full details, photos, and even a video. The questions made sense. Then came a request to schedule a Zoom call, at my convenience, which was encouraging and felt very real. I was genuinely looking forward to sharing more about this very special listing.
At the scheduled Zoom time, today, things shifted. I did not receive the Zoom invite, even though I was told it had been sent twice. At the same time, emails related to this contact were being quarantined by my system. I was advised to release it from quarantine and then asked to provide a personal email address.
I suggested alternatives. A quick phone call. FaceTime. Both were declined. I was told the husband needed to be part of the Zoom, yet the only contact information provided, repeatedly, was an email address. When I requested a phone number, I received the response: “My number is not available at the moment.”
That was the turning point. No phone number, no FaceTime, quarantined links, pressure to move communication off my business email, too many red flags to ignore.
The important takeaway is this: I was not “taken.” I was doing exactly what we do every day, responding professionally to a buyer who appeared engaged, informed, and interested in a specific property. Scammers are getting better. They ask the right questions. They sound reasonable. They even respect your schedule. That’s why sharing these experiences matters. When communication starts to shift away from transparency, verifiable contact information, and normal safeguards, it’s time to pause.
Why I’m sharing this:
Because many of us are generous with our time. We want to help. We respond quickly. And we’re used to adapting. But your process exists to protect you, your license, your data, your clients, and your peace of mind. If something starts to feel “off,” even after a good start, trust that instinct. Experience isn’t just knowing what to do. It’s knowing when to stop.
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