Agents getting ghosted by buyers

How to Deal with Getting Ghosted by Buyers in Real Estate

Ghosting is a term that describes the act of cutting off all communication with someone without any explanation. It is usually associated with online dating, but it can also happen in real estate. Buyers who show interest in a property, schedule a viewing, make an offer, or even sign a contract may suddenly disappear and stop responding to calls, texts, or emails from the agent or the seller.

Ghosting can be frustrating and costly for agents and sellers, who may lose time, money, and opportunities while waiting for a response that never comes. It can also damage the reputation and credibility of the agent or the seller, who may appear desperate or unprofessional to other potential buyers.

So why do buyers ghost agents or sellers? And what can agents or sellers do to prevent or deal with ghosting? Here are some possible reasons and solutions:

Reasons for Ghosting

• Buyer’s remorse: Some buyers may have second thoughts about buying a property after making an offer or signing a contract. They may feel overwhelmed by the commitment, the financial obligations, or the risks involved. They may also find a better deal elsewhere or change their mind about their preferences. Instead of facing the consequences of backing out, they may choose to ghost the agent or the seller and hope that the deal will fall through.
• Lack of trust: Some buyers may not trust the agent or the seller, especially if they feel pressured, misled, or manipulated during the process. They may suspect that the agent or the seller is hiding something, inflating the price, or pushing them to make a hasty decision. They may also feel that the agent or the seller is not listening to their needs, wants, or concerns. Instead of confronting the agent or the seller, they may choose to ghost them and look for another option.
• Poor communication: Some buyers may not receive clear, timely, or consistent communication from the agent or the seller. They may be confused about the next steps, the deadlines, or the expectations. They may also feel ignored, neglected, or forgotten by the agent or the seller. Instead of seeking clarification or feedback, they may choose to ghost them and move on.
• Personal issues: Some buyers may have personal issues that prevent them from continuing with the transaction. They may face financial difficulties, health problems, family emergencies, or other life changes that affect their ability or willingness to buy a property. They may also be embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid to share their situation with the agent or the seller. Instead of explaining their circumstances, they may choose to ghost them and deal with their problems.

Solutions:

• Build rapport: Agents and sellers should try to build rapport with buyers from the start. They should show genuine interest in their needs, wants, and goals. They should also be respectful, honest, and transparent throughout the process. They should avoid being pushy, aggressive, or deceptive. By building rapport, agents and sellers can establish trust and loyalty with buyers, which can reduce the chances of ghosting.
• Communicate effectively: Agents and sellers should communicate effectively with buyers at every stage of the process. They should provide clear, timely, and consistent information about the property, the market, and the transaction. They should also listen attentively, respond promptly, and follow up regularly with buyers. They should use multiple channels of communication, such as phone calls, texts, emails, social media, etc., and tailor their messages to suit each buyer’s preferences and personality. By communicating effectively, agents and sellers can keep buyers engaged and informed, which can prevent misunderstandings and confusion.
• Set expectations: Agents and sellers should set expectations with buyers from the beginning. They should explain their roles and responsibilities as well as those of the buyers. They should also outline the steps involved in buying a property, including the timeline, the costs, and the contingencies. They should also discuss potential challenges and risks that may arise along the way and how to overcome them. By setting expectations, agents and sellers can prepare buyers for what lies ahead and avoid surprises and disappointments.
• Follow up: Agents and sellers should follow up with buyers after every interaction. They should thank them for their time and interest, recap what was discussed or agreed upon, and confirm the next steps or actions. They should also ask for feedback or questions from buyers and address any issues or concerns they may have. They should also remind buyers of important dates or deadlines and check on their progress or status. By following up,