Why does he have to be saying anything other than he's tired of house hunting?  It really isn't fun for the majority of people.

Depends.  Most likely is bummed because what he wants he can't afford or he's getting beat up in multiple bids and not winning one.

my champagne taste on a beer budget isnt going to work... so i will sit on the sidelines of life some more and waste my life away....now, having said that, there are times renting is a better idea. right now is not that time...

He's scared. He has gone over the deal in his mind and his fears kicked in

Most likely it means that the person can't afford what they want...they are not happy w/ what they are able to afford.  Or, it could just mean that they aren't ready yet or that they don't like looking at homes.

What I want costs more than what I have. 

"I don't have enough $$ for want I really want".

He's lost his joy and some hope. He's saying you need to do something different for him to change this experience.

I have a great tool for this and I had to use it 3 times, successfully thank goodness, in 2015 alone. 

Maybe I'll blog about it, I've actually already done that in the recent past and I know I've mentioned it in the Q&A.

I know it works.

Looking at homes can be overwhelming especially if you don't find something that really speaks to you. That TV show where you look at 3 and HAVE to pick 1? So not the real worls.

It really depends ... but when a buyer would say that it could also mean there is just nothing on the market that is exciting him and he wants to just put this on hold til things change.

He may be looking for another agent. 

Some are saying exactly that. I've had buyers get tired of looking and decide to rent. Others eventually realize that they aren't going to find a $400,000.00 house for $300,000.00.

He's either 'not seeing the right one' or he's 'disappointed in what he is seeing', meaning what is out there in his price range Debbie Reynolds.    

Depends I think. Could truly be tired or frustrated with looking. Maybe making a switch in plans? Not truly serious right now?

I agree with Susan Emo - not much more to say and keep in touch for when he is ready to start again.

He know he can not afford a home that he likes. He may want to save more money.

He doesn't like what he is seeing - He's depressed - He's scared & wants to hide for another year & probably never pull the trigger.

If he is renting he's getting pressed hard 60 days+ to resign - they can be really nasty.

In your area, where homes are very affordable, this would be an indication of the absence of motivation. In our are with high prices, it could simply be frustration.

Debbie Reynolds - the motivation is now low! Simple.

The 'compecency' is now more dominant than the benefit of home ownership.

That happens sometimes and they are just tired of looking at houses!

Debbie,

Like Susan Emo I would takeit at face value.  A

It means to me that there may be a financial problem or something else, such as a pending divorce.

Could be a couple of things, things are moving to fast or he really doesn't know what he wants.

It sounds to me like this isn't really a committed buyer. 

Maybe he is unrealistic about the market and prices.

Either he is really tired of looking and will rent for a while or he's looking for a new agent.

I don't have enough information.  Has he made offers?  Low inventory?  Has seen a lot of homes doesn't like them?  

Having read all the comments you have received so far Debbie Reynolds I will put ditto marks under Mike Rock comment.

It says Debbie she works too hard.  Ask him to call you when ready.

It's not about you --- it's about him....or maybe it is about you.   Real buyers buy.  

He's not ready.

With such "thin" inventory, they probably haven't found a home or condo in the community of choice.

They were window shopping.

Probably that he can't afford what he really wants.  

Debbie Reynolds This person wasn't a real buyer. You probably learned that nothing made this person happy when looking at homes. How many homes did you show the buyer? That might be a hint.

He can't make a decision! His level of discomfort with his current situation is not high enough to motivate him!

I'm with Anna Banana Kruchten!

Sounds like 2 possibilites to me:

Tired of looking at houses - perhaps his price range has given him 2nd thoughts

He wasn't a good prospect to begin with

The first question that crosses my mind is how motivated is this buyer. This is the mirror image of a seller who "wants to test the market, but doesn't really need/want to sell." This may be a buyer who "wanted to test the market and didn't really need/want to buy."

Kenneth J. Jones nailed it...

He's probably saying "I'm tired of looking at houses and I think I'll rent for a while."

Seems pretty darn clear to me.

He is saying he is not motivated.

Good by:) Buyer is not ready to commit to home ownership

Can be frustrating for buyers also.  Maybe they can't buy the type of home they want. Could be tired of searching... 

Depends on the person...they may be frustrated or they decided they don't have faith in you...or...

Sounds like he's tired and he has cold feet

Could be he:

• hasn't found something he likes
• is too embarrased to say he needs to save up more money
• wants to work with someone else and doesn't have the balls to come out and say it.

A.  He's telling the truth.

B.  He really doesn't want to buy.

C.  He found a home he's buying with another agent. FSBO, etc.

D.  His wife just found out about his mistress and is divorcing him.

E.  Any or all of the above.

I had one client that we wrote 17 contracts and were always beat out, they are renting till next year.

He is saying someone showed him too many homes without giving  him a reality check, and now he realizes that he can't afford what he dreams of at night.

Eve

he could be giving out many messages...he's changing Realtors; he is truly going to rent; you're not showing him the right homes; and many more scenarios....

That he is tired of looking at houses to buy and it might make more sense for him to rent for a while and look at his leisure?

Buyer fatique from not seeing what he has envisioned that he would find. I would be concerned that he has decided to work with another agent.

Debbie, My sense is that it may mean something different for each individual.  It could mean just about anything … including maybe getting cold feet.

They can't afford the home they want and are unwilling to settle for less.  This is why we get paid the big bucks. It is our job to keep them involved and to buy the best available property within their budget.  They need to know that in the long run they will be much better off than renting.