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HOW'S BUSINESS? MOST ASKED QUESTION TO REALTORS

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I have been in the real estate industry for the past seven years and counting. It amazes me how many people ask me the following question, "How is business?" Do you get this question asked to you? What do you tell them? I continually tell them that my business is steady. We have some great months and we have months that you wish never happened as a Realtor.

I have played baseball for my entire life. The game of baseball has many life lessons that include the following

Patience-There are times in baseball that you will not get one ball hit it you. Then, a ball is hit to you that you must make the play or one will lose the game. I have seen it happen many times in baseball. Players must learn patience and be steady each game.
Team-You win and lose as a team. One cannot be a Lone Ranger in baseball. It takes nine players to field a team not one. You must learn how to play as a team. Compromise and communication is a must in the real estate industry.
Swing for Average-You cannot get a home run each time at a plate. Baseball players swing for average. I take this same concept into real estate. I write as many offers as possible in order to get some accepted by the seller. Again, I am going for the average. I will win some contracts and I will lose contracts.

CONCLUSION:

HOW'S BUSINESS? I tell people thanks for asking. Then, I proceed to inform them that my business is steady. Their faces have a surprise look. Then they say, "I heard the real estate market is in bad condition at this time. You must not be doing good." Then, I inform them of all the ways I am creating real estate deals and truly inform on the Phoenix Real Estate Market. They ask for my card. Humility is another key ingredient to be successful in real estate.

HOW'S BUSINESS? HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTION? PLEASE COMMENT

Make the Call, Set the Plan, Do the Deal$!

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Posted by Harry F. D'Elia, Investor , Mentor, BD, Radio Coach, REO Expert, Networker on 06/19/2009 08:17 AM

Comments (32)

Strategies for Building Your Business Game in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

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Originally posted at: Real Estate and Beyond Blog: HOW'S BUSINESS? MOST ASKED QUESTION TO REALTORS

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32 Comments on HOW'S BUSINESS? MOST ASKED QUESTION TO REALTORS

JUN

My business is excellent in today's foreclosure market. Wholesaling and short sales opportunities are everywhere.

I agree Tony-Money is abundant in my eyes.

I am busy in my corner of the world

Thanks for the confirmation

Harry,

This is my second full year of business as a Realtor. My first was banner for a new agent...went into this year hoping to do at least close to last year....I am almost there....I have been busy and am most thankful. And when I do have a temporary couple of quiet days I take advantage of the time to work on that "to do list."

Keep it up Lori. Worst thing to do is have down time. Keep proactive

Your answer is similar to mine...I always see this question as an opportunity to connect with that person, and take it as a compliment that they felt they could ask it, and would get a valid answer.

Great comment Thanks

I always tell the truth... "business is good, but it would be better if you could tell me of someone who wants to buy or sell a home" That usually loosens them up.

Harry - Somehow I think the underlying answer people want to hear is - yes, it's horrible out there. I'm not going to be able to put food on my table next month. I think that's what most people expect to hear - even if they are your friends. It's not that they want bad things to happen to you, but they know the real estate market is not doing great.

I've been asked this question so many times.

I've answered them, and even in my post.

Humility key! However you want the person to know that you are busy and working everyday. I love the word steady----if you are truly working, even if you do not have a closing this week.....well you have a lot to do and it is steady.

I also tell folks that there are deals in every market and if they are looking to buy, now is for sure the time to buy- do they know of anyone that might need my help and give them my card.

Dood luck and hope you busniess stays steady!

~Alisa

Alisa Stone Herring, CRS, GRI
Broker/Owner
Stone Real Estate Group LLC
850-596-2456 Cell
www.thebeachpeach.com

"The Georgia Peach that Sells the Beach"

Boy is that not the truth. I get asked by so many casual meetings. I was jsut getting my eyes examined, "how's business". Great. Business is fabulous. You?

Great post

Business is good for me too. And I do get asked that a lot. But the #1 question people ask me is, "How do you like being in real estate?" There's a lot of fun answers to that one too.

Thanks for you comments - I always tell people homes are selling if they are priced right and in good condition which is contrary to what some people think when they read the paper

Tom Hopkins has a one size fits all answer. Unbelievable.

How is Business? My answer is something like "Thanks for asking, business has been challenging but I always have time for you and your real estate needs."

I don't make it sound quite that automatic, and if they really want to talk about the market I know it well and can give them an update.

Today's buyers and sellers need accurate information and positive encouragement - no time to complain, we have to work the market we have, not the one we would like to have.

Thanks Harry, I like the baseball life lessons applied to real estate!

Kent Davis

JUN

I really like your answer.

It's being more honest than saying "business is great".

You know that the Realtor is not always being sincere.

I truly believe that it takes a team to sell a property.

Here in Ontario, Canada we have properties selling in hours before they hit MLS. Multiple offers too ... business is brisk.

There is money out there for sure!

Patricia

I hear that question many times a week. It tells me it is a popular topic. At the present time, I hope to speak in front of some groups about the real estate market. It may bring in some business. My thoughts are to to get involved with Toastmasters to brush up on my delivery.

Jerry Gray CRB,CRS,GRI / Prudential Carolinas Realty / Winston Salem, NC

I had lunch with a Keller Williams broker a couple of weeks ago. She was wearing a pin made of rhinestones which spelled out the words "Business Is Great." It made me laugh.

Being in the mortgage business I get asked this question quite often as well. The interesting thing is that I believe most people are expecting/hoping for me to tell them how horrible business is. They always seem shocked when I tell them that in the 22 years my company has been in business, this year we have had some of the best months the company has ever seen. 2009 will likely be our best year ever. Then I explain to them that they should not believe most of what they hear on tv.

I would probably go into a detailed market report and put them to sleep. I love baseball stuff and have done some in my own post. Now I will brag I am off to see my son play 1st base for the Mets in todays first game of the Little League District 4 TOC. AAA Level.

Last month, in a passing conversation, I told a lady what I did. Her answer was "oh, so sorry, things must be very bad for you" I had fun telling her this year was up over last year. She was shocked. Bad news is so plentiful that people believe everything is in the toilet. We're rocking in Houston, America!

I've heard that the best answer to that question is that business is unbelievable...Well, we are busy in my corner of the USA also!

My all time favorite is 'unbelievable'. That's also telling the truth!

Man, they ask me how is business and out come the business cards and the most positve spin that you would think I would be dizzy.

I explain the current market and mention that in every market there is a benefit to someone. I always assume that whom I'm talking with is on the good side of the current market.

Mike McCann, Broker

JUN

Harry,

My reply: I'm good , my business is good and "do you know anyone who would love to have their own place here at the beach?"..... No Negatives here!

Kathy Opatka

When asked I always remain positive and state that it is a great time to buy!

JUN

I always tell the person that "Business is UNBELIEVABLE!" Covers all sorts of the market. I do think that the comparison to baseball is great.

Depending on who it is I'll say, - "it's horrible!! Thank God there's always welfare!" They know I'm kidding so then I'll tell them that we are doing well & will continue to do well. As long as we give the concierge service we are known for, we'll be around for a long time.

I always start with saying "Thanks for asking. There are some great opportunities out there right now." That leads to more conversation and sometimes to a new prospective buyer.

JUN

When people ask me about business, I tell them it is picking up but that i would like for mine to be better!

SEP

My answer is usually that "it is very interesting." Then I elaborate if questioned; "how so? "For those that have always wanted to buy, then the prices are right. For the Sellers, though, that are desperate, they are just waiting. When it's great for one, it's usually not so great for the other. But there's usually a turn-around in time. So you better buy now. " (with a chuckle)

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