After talking to other Realtors around the country and here in Myrtle Beach, we all came to the same conclusion, "We've been working with the Vanishing Buyer".
The majority of my clients are from states north or west of South Carolina, they take the time and effort to travel to this area with the sole intent of looking for real estate. We view multiple properties and they find the perfect place. Then I hear, "We'll call you tomorrow if we decide to make an offer" or "We're going home to work on our finances before we make an offer". Poof! They vanish without a phone call or email returned.
In a few minutes I am going to send my "Vanishing Buyer's" an email, not to fuss at them for vanishing but just to let them know that I'm here when they feel comfortable and that not only do I understand their decision to wait I'm glad they made the decision. My reason for feeling that way is simple, if I can do anything to help detour a purchase that a Buyer would quickly regret that's fine with me. Since I believe in "What goes around - comes around" not one of my Buyer Clients who made a purchase during the "real estate boom" has serious regrets about their purchase and in the long run that will be to my benefit.
SANDY KELLER, ABR, SFR, e-PRO, REALTOR
Myrtle Beach Real Estate Retirement and Real Estate Near Myrtle Beach
Sandy:
I have worked with a few of those vanishing buyers this year already. They say that they want a home and they are happy starting to look. Then nothing. Yes, I have a buyers brokers agreement, with then unfortunately --- this does not mean that the buyer is going to buy.
Dear Sandy,
Vanishing buyers are everywhere! I do some follow up, but then I vanish too!
Sometimes these folks actually re-appear!
Barbara
Sandy,
Your suggestion of e-mailing your buyers is excellent. Use the drip method. Each week or every few days send little helpful tips on the buying process. Eventually they will come back to you.
Here is another one. In the future ask your buyers to join you on social networks like Facebook. Comment frequently and they will remember you when they are ready to get back in the market. Facebook allows you to let your sphere of influence know you are still around without being a pest.
Good luck.
Mary
Sandy,
You don't have a market on Vanishing Buyers, Knoxville is full of them!
When I shop at a Department Store, I don't want to be Helped, until I have made a decision or ask for it, maybe, this is what is going on with buyers. Anyway, working with a Realtor, should offer a better buying ex-perience.
My take on helping Buyers, is to communicate with them, use their paramiters, and be as encourageing as possible!