I learn to read my clients, often what they say and what their actions say are different. 

Often they do not know what they really want until we have started and they have learned more about what is possible.

When this happens we keep exploring before we commit to the wrong plan.

Yep, it happens.... and it's normal. And it's a learning opportunity for both you AND your client - they are learning about themselves. And without realizing it, you may have been the catalyst of this change.

It'll happen.... "they don't know what they don't know".  I recently had a closing with a client whose initial call was to find a two family home on a large parcel.  She bought a single family home on a "typical" neighborhood block.  You just have to listen, watch, engage and sometimes put the breaks on and calmly review what is working and what is not and how it'll fit into the plan to move forward. 

  As long as they qualify financially, go with it!

I listen...and roll with the punches!

Go with the flow!

I just go with the flow. Sometimes as they start looking, they change their mind about what they want.

Heidi Theodore - if they are committed to you, commit to them. Simple. Though do not wait for 5 years before they buy.

I'm flexible too! Can't say I have had anyone completely change their criteria but certainly there have been shifts!

Go with the flow....

Go with the flow.

It's sometimes like when your friend makes a list of qualities she wants in a guy and to everyone's surprise, your friend ends up with a totally different dude.

Buyers have certain things in mind and once they see those things, they often realize their wants/needs don't match what they thought they wanted.

Property searches are often dynamic and change over time. If the criteria continuously changes and the buyer never sees anything they like, you may have a fake buyer on your hands.  If that's the case, you have to have a heart to heart talk with them and decide whether or not to continue or let them go.

Go with the flow. It happens! Sometimes a break for a refreshment and conversation is warranted!

I've yet to find many who don't.  Most want what they can't afford.  If they can afford it, it needs to much work.  Give and take...if they take too much I then decide if the journey is worth the time.  

It's their prerogative to change their minds... I just find them homes that meet the new criteria. 

Why are you frustrated? They must be too because they are not seeing anything that fits 'their bill'. Are you sure you are showing them what they want?

Go back to the initial meeting and try to determine why things have changed.

If the shoe will still fit, adjust and keep showing.

Just go with them and enjoy the ride

go with the flow - and circle back and requalify them - 

Buyers often don't know what they want until they start looking. I am prepared to change right along with them to help the buyer find a home they love.

I listen to their observations and anticipate and adjust to their wants need and desires.

As REO Speedwagon sang "I roll with the changes" and make sure the pre-approval supports them.

Go with the flow, I had one buyer that only wanted a ranch style but drove by a 4 level and wanted it instead after weeks of looking.

Good question. When first time buyers just start looking for a home, it is quite common that first time buyers change their criteria since their expectations meet reality...:)

Determine who the decision maker is, and really listen.

This is quite common, as others have said just "go with the flow." -Kasey

I found it to be pretty typical.  Listen carefully and hopefully you are always learning.   

If you think there is hope, then change your criteria along with them

Show them properties with the new criteria.

Have you not heard the real estate agent saying "buyers are liers"? Just go with the flow, they'll know what they want when they see it. Don't be afraid to suggest what you think they might like, based on what you know of them, it often works.

Sit them down and talk to them. If they are still figuring things out, maybe they should step back and evaluate before wasting everyone's time.

Keep up with them...Go customer service "deep"

guide them in the right direction

It happens often despite how much time you spend going over wish lists, what they need, want, dont like as once they see a home, it can change. You limit showings to only a few and work out what they do want

Go with the flow. If you can not adapt to change with your customers you will be in trouble. We are in the "SALES" business.

Easy... You have to "go with the flow"

Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR nailed this one!

 it happens.... and it's normal ideally you pin down pretty close what they want before actually beginning though

I stopped by thank you for sharing.

Roll with the flow.  Sometimes what they initially thought they wanted isn't what they need or want once they get out there...

Some you need to get them put in writing. The ones who have a realistic general requirement is already a challenge as anything looks like a shack has multiple offers on the bidding since 2012.

Heidi Theodore It happens! Have a sit down and re-evaluate their needs.

It can happen. Cope with it.

Buyers will do that. Especially first time buyer who are working through what they really want ... and what they are willing to pay for it. 

I consult with them and get them re-aligned with their priorities. 

The same way I handle buyers who partially change their criteria.

Heidi,

With great courtesy, just like the salesperson at a store does, when you decide you want a dress instead of shorts.  A

I say, "You are FIRED!"

Seriously, when folks move from Chicago to FL they really don't know what they want. My job is to expose them to the lifestyle and locations most likely to stimulate their strive to thrive.

The problem with my plan is they SEE the lifestyle and don't want to spend weekends working on the house and start looking at the carefree lifestyle of condo living. 

As others have said, you go with the flow. The goal is referrals. Referral come because they knew the goal was exceeding their expectations, NOT getting to the closing table.

I have buyers now that hated tri-levels, and now have grown on him.   They do change their criteria.

Depends.

With flexibility and patience. Often buyers redefine "needs" and "wants" when they see what they can actually afford.

The majority of my clients will change criteria to some extent.

you become a listing agent.... that's how I handled it 39 years ago...