Money talks and Promises walk...
Have been on the other end more than once when someone says " I;ll take it hold it for me" and lost others buyers only for them to cancel or try offer something stupid.
A deal is only a deal after a deposit is received IMHO.
If travelling draft a e-mail and get a confirmation of receipt via email and pay a deposit to hold 1st option..
Bit much to expect a seller to turn away a buyer for you in this market, if he has no deposit..
That said he should have been upfront ..he/she wants to sell ..to who, they dont care ..1st to turn up with cash will drive away with it.
I think his front lawn is the innocent victim ...LOL
Jet