For years you have heard of type A and type B personalities. Being a clinical psychologist by practice I have had my share of grading professionals on which of the two they were let (alone what ever the else complexes their lives). But in the Real Estate business getting a type A person can be if anything "a race" I have had cases where I have had to switch over to voice mail screening when I saw that caller ID number or started my progressive muscle relaxation prior to pushing that green answer button. You know you have a Type A buyer when:
1. They have an itemized list if what they want in their future house done on an excel spread sheet.
2. Have written out their counter offers before they have even written their first offer.
3. Have put together a presentation of what they are lookng for in a home complete with power point presentation to be viewed on you're lap top or theirs.
4. Have the listing agent's personal cell number in case they feel you can't reach them.
5. Have their tape measure, voice recorder and video camera with them for each tour.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
So what have I learned in working with the Type A client:
1. Educate your client from the get go. Tell that client what your role is and what you will be doing to ease their worries and concerns. Be clear and concise. Summarize and provide a written outline for them to hold on to.
2. Inform your client that you are working in their behalf and that it is in their best interest and for making the process smooth and successful that they be open and frank about any concerns they may have.
3. Communication Plan. Put that one in flashing lights. Set up a communication plan when you will be keeping tabs on transaction process and even early on when you are in the home search process. People think of communication plans for the listing agent. You have buyer you should have a communication for them too! You want to keep that buyer don't you? A type A buyer will jump ship to another Realtor the minute they feel they have been neglected in some way or another. Which leads to #4.
4. Type A people work with lists, action plans with objectives. Set up that plan and show them where you are in the plan as you go along.
5. These guys are "trigger" happy. They will kill a deal they wanted by their impulsive responses to things like counter offers or overwhelming general inspection reports. Instill calmness in preparing them for possible outcomes / expectations in the home buying event.
6. Reward your Type A person's tolerance and patience. You can do this a number of ways from food and to getting them set up with a massage therapist. Many of these people have great sense of humor and you can use humor as a reward.
7. Learn the signs of you're client getting possibly reactive and nip that by encouraging communication and again educating / informing them where need be. Some of these people their sign is them getting quiet another sign can be use of sarcasm or the occasional swear word. Read into this and react quickly to the point. Tell them where you are in the objectives and goals you set together, sometimes that is all they need to hear... knowing things are still on target.
8. Finally don't forget to reward yourself. Treat your family to family time. Spend some time relaxing and reflecting. Learn to rationally detach your self from "the race" . That way you will start fresh tomorrow with the motivation to continue on.
All in all I do think I attract this group more than any other. They are truly the "motivated buyer" which we all want. If you play your cards right they will be be your top referral generator and you can reap the rewards (after you catch your breath).
Comments(4)