Right now it's the lack of inventory and getting buyers to understand they need to get out and see homes quickly and make decisions quickly. I address up-front and without mincing words. Some get it right away and others need to lose out on a good house or two before they get it.

Coming to grips with budget and reality.

Wayne Martin nailed this one.

Not aware of price points. It is a process to educate them. Not as easy as "Property Brothers"!

The most common problem is that the buyer(s) think they know better than you when it comes to pricing a home to make an offer.  I allow them to send an offer with their number and when they loose 2-3 properties, I take over and submit the offer that will get them the property they like. 

Shortage of inventory to show them. How do I address it? Watch the MLS constantly and network with other offices and agents letting them know of my clients needs. That way, they get a lead on a listing, I am first to know about it! 

Champagne taste on a beer budget. 

I seldom work with them, but the agents on our team do spend great effort in preparing them for the process and what it takes to be successful

The biggest challenge I've faced is that the buyers think we're not showing them everything.

Jeff - Either financing issues, or buyers expecting more home for the money. They kinda go hand-in-hand.

Jeff,
Shortage of “good” properties under $250,000.

Shortage of inventory.  I tell them to be patient ... and do not give up. I educate them on how much over asking they may need to go to get their offer accepted.

It's hard to get them to get pre-qualified.  They want to find a house first.

Some still think there is a "deal" out there, and there are 15-20 offers coming in on listings. 

My most common problem since September has been limited homes on the market.  I show for sale by owner, expired & withdrawn listings.

They can't make a decision.  

Focus!! they're getting so much information from so many sources that they're all over the place with ideas on how they should be doing things.

I love an educated buyer, but there's a ton of bad info out there, it can derail people pretty quickly.

Honesty. Once I have evidence that they are dishonest, we cut them loose.

The challenge is lack of inventory in the $600K and below market. Buyers get frustrated and give up.

Unrealistic expectations.  Some can be shown the way by showing them the market data.  Others, just don't want to face the facts and don't end up buying.

Waiting for the perfect home at the perfect price... not likely to happen in my market for most buyers. I show them what we have in inventory and let them know the need to get real if they want to get a deal!

Well, they are afraid to ''overpay'', since to win you have to bid on the property. 

Indecision.  Once they lose out on a few houses, they get the idea they can not linger with decisions.  

The inability to pull the trigger on a transaction...

Inventory is lacking. Do whatever I can to keep spirits high.

I agree with many of the comments, but hate it when I hear a buyer refer to an online valuation as if that is the true value of a house.

Buyers wnating more than they can affoard...I just ask how they plan on paying for the extra amount

Working with some of the agents is more difficult than working with the buyers.

lookie, lookie, not good enough, wait til price gets lower.....

another reason to focus on listings..... you will never need to deal with buyer problems....

lack of willingness to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement - we refer those - and NEXT!

The biggest problem is the one that you don't see coming because you did not interview the client properly in the beginning.

The biggest problem is a shortage of homes on the market to show them

Appraising - most need 3-6% Seller assist which forces the offer at List or higher .

With investors it is convincing them that we are out of the fire sale market.

Showing them the good stuff first.

They act slowly, and lose, then live in the expectation something better is around the corner.

In a low inventory market around the corner is also a different price tag.

Listening to their agent more than their parents... What you get for your $$ has changed.  ;)

Motivation.

Real buyers buy.  

Real agents work with real buyers.