A recent comment on one of my posts, brought up another thought. When do you actually "put a prospect in your car?" Do you drop what you are doing and rush to meet them at the property, because they are standing out front? Or, do you insist that they meet you at your office? If, the later, what transpires once you get them in the office??
Comments please-
Liz, if it is a first meeting I prefer it be in person at my office. A kind of "get to know you and your needs" session. Also, I never EVER drop everything and meet someone new at a house. Far too dangerous.
I usually meet them in my office and rarely do they ever get in my car. I learned a long time ago that if they follow me, I don't become a tour guide for someone who gets orange juice in their veins!
We recommend meetings at the office before going out to see properties. There are major safety issues to consider in metropolitan areas.
I prefer to meet them at my office so that I set the standard and the pace when showing homes. Just a personal thing with me.
I always meet them at my office. You may not only being putting yourself in harms way, but they may not be someone you want to work with. I always will not work without a contract.
You didn't even mention or talk about the safety issue. Especially with women agents. Be good of you to address that aspect as well. That's the biggest issue.
First meeting should ALWAYS be at the office for first time buyer prospects/clients. Buyers agreements, proof of funding/pre-approval, (copy of drivers license let's others know who you are with when showing), and the big screen TV mounted on the wall are great reasons to have prospects come to the office.
I work with a company that has a conference room with a large wall mounted TV; great for showing photos of homes! When the heat index is 112 degrees outside (Texas), the AC and cold drinks are appreciated by prospective buyers.
If the clients have kids with them my suggestion is never put them in your car. A good explanation is, "Please follow me in your car as I do not have childrens car seats".
I agree with Larry, SAFETY is the major and most important issue. Rapists and other criminals do not wear a sign around their neck identifying them as such. There are still "Ted Bundy" types running around out there.
I prefer to meet them first at my office, where I can qualify them as a buyer before I waste any of my time. After that, I explain to then about Buyer Representaion, the benefits and expectations. And then, when they are qualified, and hire me to represent them, they can follow me to the property.
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