This unforgettable case took place during the post-MCO market recovery, when property activity was slowly picking up again. I had a prospective buyer who happened to run a business selling avocados, with an outlet located conveniently in the same neighborhood where they were searching for a home.
I showed them an apartment that I had been trying to sell for quite a number of years. It wasn’t the easiest listing to move – until they walked in.
Love at First Sight
The moment they stepped inside, the couple fell in love instantly. Why? The unit had been painted in a charming blend of dark and light green themes a color palette that resonated deeply with their avocado business. But that wasn’t all. The apartment faced complete, unblocked greenery a lush forest view and was oriented to the east, flooding the space with beautiful morning sunlight. The couple felt an immediate connection, almost as if the unit was destined for them.
The First Offer – And the First Setback
Eager to close, they submitted their first offer. I brought it forward to the vendor (seller) promptly. To my surprise, instead of accepting, the vendor changed her mind and increased the price slightly. I took a breath, updated the buyer, and gave them time to consider.
Guess what? They accepted it without much hesitation.
The Second and Third Price Hikes
I informed the vendor immediately only to face a second price increase in a row. At this point, disappointment crept in. I started to question whether the vendor was genuinely sincere or simply had no real intention to sell.
Still, I updated the buyer again. Unbelievably, they accepted it once more and instructed me to prepare the booking form they would have the booking deposit ready.
With a mixture of relief and anxiety, I contacted the vendor for the third time. This became the turning point that made me seriously question her motives. This time, she raised the price for the third time pushing it to the highest possible level given the current market situation.
To make matters worse, her replies grew increasingly sluggish. Delayed by a day, sometimes two. The enthusiasm I once sensed had completely faded.
The Buyer’s Patience Runs Out
After much back-and-forth, the buyer against all odds accepted the final inflated price and asked me to seal the deal. I reached out to the vendor once more. Days passed. My messages went unread. No replies. Silence.
I began showing the buyer other available units, hoping to salvage the situation. But they insisted they wanted this specific, green-themed apartment.
Eventually, however, their keen interest evaporated. The long waiting game had drained their enthusiasm entirely. They found another unit far more affordable one that happened to suit their needs perfectly and they moved on.
The Vendor’s Late Regret
About two weeks later if my memory serves me right—the vendor finally replied. She asked if the buyer was still keen.
I didn’t reply immediately. What was there to say? The buyer had already made their decision elsewhere.
Later, I discovered the real reason behind the vendor’s behaviour. She had been ill-advised by other agents who convinced her that she could fetch an even higher price for the unit. What a piece of advice that turned out to be, I thought.
The Bitter Lesson
This became a classic cautionary tale in my real estate career. The vendor ignored market realities, inflated her expectations based on poor counsel, and allowed arrogance and ego to override sound judgment. She had a genuine, motivated buyer willing to accept three price increases, yet she still held out for an unrealistic dream.
Three chances. Three missed opportunities. And in the end, she lost a solid, hassle-free deal.
Even as I write this today, I often wonder has she finally sold that unit, or is it still sitting empty, waiting for a buyer who may never come?
Key Takeaway for Sellers and Agents Alike
In the property game, greed and procrastination are deal-killers. A genuine buyer with strong interest is rare and precious. When you find one especially one willing to stretch their budget multiple times the wisest move is to close the deal, not chase a mirage.
Sometimes, the best offer you get is the one right in front of you.