Hi Chris -- I ask people what form of communication they prefer.  Some like face-to-face others prefer texting.   Remind them(again) that there are time frames and consequences.  Document.  Document.  And then document again.   There are some people who just don't realize the importance of time.

Chris,

You either go with the flow, or forget working with this person.  It is a tough situation to be in.  A

I just let them do their thing, work with another client.  If they miss out on a deal that is on them.  Eventually they will get serious.

Chris Mamone Remind them that time is of the essence and follow Michael Jacobs response to document everything.

I've had this happen to me before. Unfortunately, if you've explained what needs to be done and they don't response in a timely manner...I would off and whatever happens happens.

Wonder if they really want to buy a home.

I do my best to accomodate their schedule, however if they are not ready to purchase in 30 days or less I will not be as accomodating.  

Good morning Chris. I have to everything possible to accommodate my clients as best I can, hopefully one way or another that happens.

Make it a great week!

I think it is up to you to have discussion about market activituy and if they really like something then they should not hesitate to make an offer and then respond and keep seller focused on your buyer but if he doesn't respond then let him lose a deal and then process and how this can be prevented in the future.

If you are in escrow let the client know they risk losing the contract and in some cases losing money (e.g. buyer losing earnest money) if they don't meet the deadlines. And always document your communications. I had one client who suddenly complied when he received an email from me with a closing sentence stating I was retaining a copy of this notification to protect me from involvement in any law suits for his non-performance.

You do your best and explain that missing timelines can be a very expensive decision.

Idea: discuss how you are perceiving that they are not taking this seriously and perhaps they should best call you when they are ready to handle this transaction as needed.  Time is of the essence and they are acting more as a liability.  Document, document, document....

Chris, I believe Michael Jacobs has given you a great answer.  Especially the part about keeping documentation as many of these types of people like to blame others when things go bad.

If they are serious between being able to sign online, smartphones and wifi just about everywhere they should be able to get it done. Maybe they are not that serious about buying yet and I would have that discussion with them.

its tough, at some point , if NOT in contract , you might cut them loose. depends on your volume you have at the moment. perhaps babysitting them will pay off (depends on the size of the deal), but no matter what, it is a business. and there is a risk/reward/effort formula in there somewhere

YIKES . . . hope you get this transaction closed soon.   If it's a time line that, if they blow, they'll lose their earnest money?  Because money talks  . . . mentioning that will make them act!!

Give it a try, but if it goes on for too long, you have to start questioning their motivation.

During my buyer consultation I ask how they prefer to be communicated with, best time to reach them, etc. Some people work in areas where cell phones are restricted.  I use electronic signing and always tell them when we need the documents back and make them aware of the deadlines. All you can do is over communicate and if there is a drop dead time frame they need to meet, document in email, voice mail, text, etc.  Some people just move to their own schedule....and it can be maddening!

I do it all of the time, I just ask for better communication as their schedule changes.

Nurses are actually some of the most dificult in this regard as they can work from 7A to 7P early in the week, and the reverse by the end of the week.

When it comes to me, They are looking for a new agent real fast.

Chris Mamone tell them - time is of essence! And if they can't meet the deadlines in signing itself, how do you expect them to stick to it later on when transaction is in process?

Make it 3 strikes and out!

It happens. You just need to find a way to ''corner'' them and find that perfect way of communication or time of the day. If you are in the escrow, there is no space for ''time lines do not apply''.

As long as you document what the consequences are if they are late meeting a deadline, you should be covered. Personally, I hound them until I get what I need--which is to their own good, I explain to them. If they don't like it, they can fire me. But they never do.

As long as expectations and communication about it the time frame is made clear to all parties and I understand the whys of any delays I'm okay with it so long as it's also made a part of the written offer so expectations of all participants are clear.

I remind them that THEY are what is holding up progress on their purchase. I usually can get my clients to speed it up.

Work on their time-frame.

If you've explained things to them, there's not much else you can do. Maybe have a heart to heart with them and see why they aren't performing right away. 

I know the feeling Chris, I have one now who is at least 15 minutes late every time to showings and it drives my OCD self nuts.

I tell them they have until the ind of the day or closing gets pushed back because the work can't get done.   And I WILL do that.