It used to take me too long to cut someone loose but these days I sniff them out quickly, haha.

Simply put, when any client's expectations of their results do not line up with the realities of the market or specifically for buyers, their budget. My expertise needs to be a mirror for them and in some cases a bucket of cold water.

           Non-Starters

Seller:   "I don't really want to sell, but..."

Buyer:  "Do you have anything non-qualifying assumable with no money down?"

         Terminate the business relationship

Seller:  "Okay, it's a full price offer, but I am NOT going to give them the washer and dryer!"

Buyer:  "Nobody offers full price; I don't care what they say."

Sellers: Well I'm interviewing many agents to see who gives me the best price and lowest commission.
Sellers: I'll have to talk to my wife (or the decision maker) first and get back to you.
Sellers: I'm not fixing a damn thing! As is! (but wants top dollar)
Sellers: You should be able to do this in 90 days so that's all I'll list for.
Sellers: You'll pay for cleaning and repairs, right?

Buyers: Do you have any rent to own?
Buyers: Well I'm in escrow with [agent] now, but . . .
Buyers: It's none of your business how I'll pay for it!
Buyers: Well my friend got a much better deal 10 years ago, so . . .
Buyers: OF COURSE I'm lowballing, so they will counter!
Buyers: I'm in no hurry, waiting for the market to crash but let's start looking now! 

Some may have seen on my FB, a 'buyer' who got info on a property, then went around me and is now in a pickle legally and wants my help, NO WAY, here are 2 attorneys, you're in over your head, good luck. LOL

I will contact a lender when I find the right house.

"I'm going to inherit money. I want to see what's available."

Peter Mohylsky. BRIX REALTY got one half right. The other half is a buyer who keeps finding fault and comments "I am in no hurry"!

sellers comment.  "I don't need to sell:

The example that vividly comes to mind is when I tell a "potential" buyer that they need to get pre-approved and they blow up saying their finances are no ones business. The red flag goes up and I let them know it is our business and I would not show their home to strangers if he/she was a seller as a form of protection for their sake. I usually never see them again at that point.

In one month, I made the decision not to work with 3 sellers. 

1. Unrealistic with the list price. 

2. Wanted a discount on fees - playing limbo on the listing side but willing to pay more to the buy-side.

3. Wanted me to pay for inspections, staging, cleaning, and more and discount my fee.

4.  An attitude of they are doing me a favor by allowing me to work for them. 

None fit my business model. The people that hire me would not expect any of the above and they feel blessed that I agree to work with them. 

We don't have to sell is often used by sellers who really want to say: I am not selling unless I get everything I want. All the money, little or no repairs and we close at my convenience plus scrutiny on all expenses. The strange part for me is that they are correct for the most part. This is their time to cash in and it may not come around again. What they fail to consider or remember is the buyer/market mentality. These specific "attitude" sellers believe some buyer will come along and agree eventually. They also have a lingering, sometimes hidden belief regarding paying out a large (or any) commission too. Here, the FSBO dynamic kicks in. Eliminating the listing agent, they will pay a buyer agent providing they get their way. What can an agent or a buyer say to all that? Either you go along or go your way! 

As to buyers, they have a right to be finicky, not negotiate and take too much time in addition to wanting all repairs. However, in today's market, a buyer will quickly see that personal wants and needs take a back seat to the current sellers' market. If you want a particular home, jump through the hoops presented or lose and snooze. This sobers up all buyers. In the end of it all, perspective and point of view is at work. As an "action" agent, I believe getting in or out of a market effectively and efficiently has value. The market, (and acts of God and man) is no respecter of persons

Honestly I don't mess with people who aren't serious sellers and buyers and can handle whatever the current market can be.  I tuned down a referral a couple of months ago after a zoom call with the buyer. He just sounded like he was playing cat and mouse and expected way to much for what his money would buy in our market. He was from another area of the country.   I respectfully discussed the situation with the referring agent and she made the choice not to work with him either on her end.  The guy was a know it all. Nuff said.

It starts with a list of questions and a refusal to provide a phone number until...

When price expectations don't meet up with reality.

Honestly never had it happen.  But real estate isn't my full time occupation, I generally just help my wife out on weekends.

When someone starts ranting, that's a red flag for me. Angry unreasonable people aren't good for my blood pressure or my health. I'd have to move on from a situation like that. Thankfully, that isn't a common occurrence.

Anytime a potential clients wants me to break the law or put my license in danger they are out of my life.