Well, some people have serious problems meeting other people. I once replied to an ad. We exchanged some nice (really) emails negotiating the price. After we had come to a conclusion I asked how he should ship the stuff. I told him I could pick it up on my way home from work. Never heard from him again

I assume he either was a scammer or he was afraid to meet me. There are lots of those out there and the internet is the best way for them to be part of this world.
This doesn't help here, but might be a possible answer why he didn't tell he's near.