Times are tough for real estate agents and home sellers, so let me share a personal insight into the buyer-seller relationship:
Give Me a Reason To Care
It Won’t Be Here Tomorrow!
In my particular real estate area of Vermont, my wife and I have been searching for our first home since moving back to the Green Mountain State.
Recently prices have come into the realm of affordability and we’re optimistic there are good deals to be had.
Today I got a call from an agent selling a newly constructed town home.
My wife and I had stopped in to see the property, so it wasn’t a cold call and I was happy to speak with the agent.
Here’s the thrust of the conversation:
The agent told me someone had put in a bid, but that they would hold the property for us since we did not have a home to sell and could reasonably be expected to move in quicker.
I trust this agent was acting in good faith, but the words sounded like an old selling trick, which is to tell a potential buyer it won’t be here tomorrow.
A More Effective Real Estate Call
What if the agent had started a conversation with me about finding a low interest mortgage?
I’d be shocked to meet an agent who would arrange a meeting with a mortgage specialist from a state sponsored program like we have in Vermont, VHFA.
Since mortgages are vehicles for acquiring a home, it’s reasonable to think an agent would focus on helping buyers receive one.
Personalizing the Message
I’m an admitted tech geek.
How effective would it be if a new home construction agent made me a reasonable offer, combined with help acquiring a loan, and packaged into the deal a new Macbook or Netbook, along with a whiteboard for filming my videos (less than $2,000 investment)?
Geez, I’d care so much I would start handing out their business cards.
Thoughts? How do you make people care about your product or service?
Killer Social Media
How strong is your social media strategy?
When are you going to get off the sidelines and build a social media business, or simply grow your online army of followers?
Joe Mescher teaches people how to build 'word of mouth' social media networks.
- Email Joe to request a free quote for social media speaking engagements and services.
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In every industry there are sharks and snakes mixed in with the saints. Real estate is no exception to that. When hiring a lawyer or and accountant or any other professional do you ask your respected friends and associates for their recommendations? Often this brings the best results.
Real estate agents have many designations, among them Certified Buyers Representative. It is beneficial for buyers to look for this advanced level when purchasing a home. This agent will work directly for the buyers in locating, and negotiating a new home. This is a relationship with a professional who can locate other professionals necessary to the purchase of a home , including mortgage brokers, home inspectors and real estate attorney’s.
As fan admitted tech Geek you have valuable information to professional Realtors via the internet. Do a little searching in your area. Find the agents who have taken the time to make a presence. Those are often the same agents who are successful in their business and do not have to resort to games or manipulation.
Final thought. Did you check to see if the property in question is now under agreement. The agent may have been telling it to you stratight.