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Heidi Theodore, We know where the buyers are coming from (KELLER WILLIAMS COASTAL ESTATES)

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Ambassador
6,392,889
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I learn to read my clients, often what they say and what their actions say are different. 

Often they do not know what they really want until we have started and they have learned more about what is possible.

When this happens we keep exploring before we commit to the wrong plan.

 

May 18, 2017 09:09 PM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Yep, it happens.... and it's normal. And it's a learning opportunity for both you AND your client - they are learning about themselves. And without realizing it, you may have been the catalyst of this change.

May 18, 2017 09:35 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

It'll happen.... "they don't know what they don't know".  I recently had a closing with a client whose initial call was to find a two family home on a large parcel.  She bought a single family home on a "typical" neighborhood block.  You just have to listen, watch, engage and sometimes put the breaks on and calmly review what is working and what is not and how it'll fit into the plan to move forward. 

May 19, 2017 05:03 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  As long as they qualify financially, go with it!

May 18, 2017 09:21 PM
Ambassador
5,229,243
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I listen...and roll with the punches!

May 18, 2017 09:11 PM
Ambassador
2,160,948
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Go with the flow!

May 19, 2017 05:13 AM
Ambassador
2,435,649
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I just go with the flow. Sometimes as they start looking, they change their mind about what they want.

May 19, 2017 03:00 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Heidi Theodore - if they are committed to you, commit to them. Simple. Though do not wait for 5 years before they buy.

May 18, 2017 10:14 PM
Ambassador
5,048,708
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I'm flexible too! Can't say I have had anyone completely change their criteria but certainly there have been shifts!

May 18, 2017 09:28 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Go with the flow....

May 19, 2017 04:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Go with the flow.

May 19, 2017 12:59 PM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

It's sometimes like when your friend makes a list of qualities she wants in a guy and to everyone's surprise, your friend ends up with a totally different dude.

Buyers have certain things in mind and once they see those things, they often realize their wants/needs don't match what they thought they wanted.

Property searches are often dynamic and change over time. If the criteria continuously changes and the buyer never sees anything they like, you may have a fake buyer on your hands.  If that's the case, you have to have a heart to heart talk with them and decide whether or not to continue or let them go.

May 19, 2017 12:18 PM
Rainmaker
5,215,488
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Go with the flow. It happens! Sometimes a break for a refreshment and conversation is warranted!

May 19, 2017 06:03 AM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

I've yet to find many who don't.  Most want what they can't afford.  If they can afford it, it needs to much work.  Give and take...if they take too much I then decide if the journey is worth the time.  

 

May 19, 2017 06:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

It's their prerogative to change their minds... I just find them homes that meet the new criteria. 

May 19, 2017 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Why are you frustrated? They must be too because they are not seeing anything that fits 'their bill'. Are you sure you are showing them what they want?

May 19, 2017 05:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,072
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Go back to the initial meeting and try to determine why things have changed.

May 19, 2017 04:46 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

If the shoe will still fit, adjust and keep showing.

May 19, 2017 04:40 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Just go with them and enjoy the ride

May 19, 2017 04:15 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,579
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

go with the flow - and circle back and requalify them - 

May 19, 2017 09:00 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Buyers often don't know what they want until they start looking. I am prepared to change right along with them to help the buyer find a home they love.

May 19, 2017 08:12 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,333
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I listen to their observations and anticipate and adjust to their wants need and desires.

May 19, 2017 06:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

As REO Speedwagon sang "I roll with the changes" and make sure the pre-approval supports them.

May 19, 2017 03:46 PM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Go with the flow, I had one buyer that only wanted a ranch style but drove by a 4 level and wanted it instead after weeks of looking.

 

May 19, 2017 11:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Good question. When first time buyers just start looking for a home, it is quite common that first time buyers change their criteria since their expectations meet reality...:)

May 19, 2017 10:53 AM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Determine who the decision maker is, and really listen.

May 19, 2017 10:38 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

This is quite common, as others have said just "go with the flow." -Kasey

May 19, 2017 06:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I found it to be pretty typical.  Listen carefully and hopefully you are always learning.   

 

 

 

May 19, 2017 06:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

If you think there is hope, then change your criteria along with them

May 19, 2017 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Show them properties with the new criteria.

May 19, 2017 06:23 AM
Rainmaker
900,008
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Have you not heard the real estate agent saying "buyers are liers"? Just go with the flow, they'll know what they want when they see it. Don't be afraid to suggest what you think they might like, based on what you know of them, it often works.

May 19, 2017 06:20 AM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

Sit them down and talk to them. If they are still figuring things out, maybe they should step back and evaluate before wasting everyone's time.

May 19, 2017 05:57 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Keep up with them...Go customer service "deep"

May 19, 2017 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

guide them in the right direction

May 19, 2017 05:37 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

It happens often despite how much time you spend going over wish lists, what they need, want, dont like as once they see a home, it can change. You limit showings to only a few and work out what they do want

May 19, 2017 05:35 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Go with the flow. If you can not adapt to change with your customers you will be in trouble. We are in the "SALES" business.

May 19, 2017 05:23 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Easy... You have to "go with the flow"

May 19, 2017 05:23 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR nailed this one!

May 19, 2017 05:21 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

 it happens.... and it's normal ideally you pin down pretty close what they want before actually beginning though

Apr 08, 2018 08:51 PM
Rainer
505,742
Noel Mayer
Upper Montclair Weichert Realtors - Montclair, NJ
YOU WILL BE RIGHT AT HOME WITH NOEL !

I stopped by thank you for sharing.

May 20, 2017 01:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Roll with the flow.  Sometimes what they initially thought they wanted isn't what they need or want once they get out there...

May 19, 2017 01:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Some you need to get them put in writing. The ones who have a realistic general requirement is already a challenge as anything looks like a shack has multiple offers on the bidding since 2012.

May 19, 2017 09:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Heidi Theodore It happens! Have a sit down and re-evaluate their needs.

May 19, 2017 09:34 AM
Rainmaker
7,834,961
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It can happen. Cope with it.

May 19, 2017 09:29 AM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Buyers will do that. Especially first time buyer who are working through what they really want ... and what they are willing to pay for it. 

I consult with them and get them re-aligned with their priorities. 

May 19, 2017 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

The same way I handle buyers who partially change their criteria.

May 19, 2017 07:26 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Heidi,

With great courtesy, just like the salesperson at a store does, when you decide you want a dress instead of shorts.  A

May 19, 2017 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I say, "You are FIRED!"

Seriously, when folks move from Chicago to FL they really don't know what they want. My job is to expose them to the lifestyle and locations most likely to stimulate their strive to thrive.

The problem with my plan is they SEE the lifestyle and don't want to spend weekends working on the house and start looking at the carefree lifestyle of condo living. 

As others have said, you go with the flow. The goal is referrals. Referral come because they knew the goal was exceeding their expectations, NOT getting to the closing table.

May 19, 2017 05:06 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have buyers now that hated tri-levels, and now have grown on him.   They do change their criteria.

May 22, 2017 03:19 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Depends.

May 20, 2017 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

With flexibility and patience. Often buyers redefine "needs" and "wants" when they see what they can actually afford.

May 20, 2017 05:49 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

The majority of my clients will change criteria to some extent.

May 19, 2017 04:47 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

you become a listing agent.... that's how I handled it 39 years ago...

May 19, 2017 08:34 AM