I think it's hard for people to put down that kind of money for a spot 9 months away. I won't take a deposit or do serious interviewing until 3 months prior, no earlier. And it's really for this reason.

I will meet with clients and give them the tour, but no contract or policies until 3 months. If they're still interested they'll be the first ones I call.

A lot can change in 9 months. They could move, change jobs... loose jobs... have a death in the family... the child can develop concerns/issues that you may or may not want to deal with.

It's not you! And it sucks that you invested all of that time into these people. At least they left you a note rather then just ignoring you all together.

So sorry this happened. On to the next one!