In this episode, Lisa and Billy discuss the curious and occasionally concerning phenomenon of "make-believe buyers"—individuals who present themselves as serious property purchasers but ultimately have no genuine capacity or intent to buy. These individuals appear across all price points, including multi-million-dollar properties, and can be surprisingly convincing at first, using local numbers, WhatsApp, and even involving friends or family. While their motivations vary—ranging from a desire for validation or social status to impressing a partner—agents are left playing detective, looking for telltale signs such as evasiveness, reluctance to provide ID or financial details, or inconsistent stories.

The duo outlines clear strategies for agents to protect their vendors from wasted time and emotional rollercoasters, including requesting proper ID, verifying deposits into trust accounts, asking specific questions about finance and property history, and involving solicitors early. They stress the importance of flagging red flags with vendors early and maintaining clear communication throughout. While such situations are rare, they emphasize the value of being cautious and thorough, especially when alarm bells ring. The key takeaway: trust your instincts, do your due diligence, and never hesitate to verify a buyer’s legitimacy to safeguard your clients and your professional integrity.