How to tell an agent you're waiting another year to buy?

Question

Our agent hasn't done much of anything yet (not meaning that negatively) Just that we haven't seen anything really catching our interest just yet, haven't gone to showings or anything like that.

Our lease for our apt is coming up, we're renewing.

Our agent (so far) has only emailed us houses, still is.

How do we tell her we're done looking for now and we'll catch up with her again next summer?

Just say that ^^? lol.

We really like her, we want to stay with her, but with the lease creeping up on us, we're running out of time to buy this year. We do not want to "just blow her off" as some have suggested.

So if you were (or are) a realtor, what would you like to hear from buyers in this regards?

I feel real bad, she's been emailing homes to us to look at for a couple months now, she's very dedicated to her clients, so... I'd like to be as profesional and respectful to her as possible.

Answer 1

TELL her

She'd rather you be upfront and honest, than to waste her time

A little gift wouldn't be amiss, although not required, a bouquet of flowers, a box of candy, a restaurant gift certificate in Thank You card. . . .

Answer 2

Just tell her, this isn't all that unusual.  I'd rather have a client tell me what their intentions are so we are all on the same page.  

Dont feel bad, it happens.

Answer 3

Try this:

Dear ___________________

Thank you so much for your commitment and hard work in helping us find a home.  Unfortunately with school opening day fast approaching we feel we are running out of time this year and do not want to pressure you or feel under pressure to find our new home.  My partner and I have decided to hold off until next summer when we will have more time to re-evaluate our finances and house preferences before resuming our search with you.

We very much appreciate working with you and will be sure to contact you when we're read to start looking again.  Please find enclosed a small token of our appreciation for your efforts during the past few months.  Hoping you have continued success.

Cordially yours,

____________________

****

The small "token" of appreciation can be a gift certificate of some kind.

Answer 4

just tell them that.

Why are you waiting.  Interest rates are increasing which WILL cost you more each month and the US gvpt just passed a 7,500 TAX CREDIT for first time buyers (but its only good for one year).

I will say this, if the agent is just sending you pictures, etc, SHE IS NOT DOING HER JOB.  With all the houses out there for sale, if you haven't found something at this point, either you or the agent are not really serious.

Answer 5

It's better to go ahead and tell her so she can concentrate her time on buyers who are ready now.  Tell her that you have no problem with her but you decided to renew your lease and you hope she'll be willing to work with you later.  I would call her or e-mail her around 4 - 6 months before your lease expires so you'll have plenty of time to look at houses and get to closing before you have to move.  You can count on it taking at least 30 days to go to closing from the time you make an offer, if you are getting a mortgage.  Some sellers ask for additional time after closing to be able to move out.  It might take a couple of months or so for you to find what you want.  That's why I'd suggest the 4 - 6 months before your lease is up.  When you look at it that way you are only asking her to wait around 6 - 8 months to start showing you houses.

Answer 6

Just explain the situation - that you've changed your mind and you really did intend to buy, and you will let her know when you are ready next year. She hasn't lost a client, so there shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 7

I would tell your agent just what you said, that you are going to wait another year. I am in the same boat, we have a wonderful agent who has shown us quite a few houses. I told him we were going to wait another year, not only because of us not finding a house we like but to pay off some of our debt to have more money for a house. Good luck!