I read an article in the newspaper a few months back about mistakes people make on job interviews.  It struck me that many of these mistakes might also apply to realtors when meeting with homeowners for listings presentations.  Here are some mistakes (modified for real estate).

- Don't Prepare - Not being able to answer questions such as:  How many homes have sold in this neighborhood this year?  What's the median sale price?  Days on market?

- Dress Inappropriately - Well, I'm in Hawaii and things are a bit different here.  Aloha shirts and shorts are the norm.  I think we might be concerned with OVERdressing as well as UNDERdressing.  For men, don't wear a three piece suit if the seller is wearing a t-shirt and rubber slippers.  And don't wear a t-shirt with holes in it.  For women, it seems that skirts at least to the knees or pants are appropriate in the islands.

- Poor Communication Skills - Positively connect with the seller.  Shake hands, make eye contact and show confidence without being an arrogant know-it-all.

- Too Much Communication - Turn off your cell phone or leave it in the car, unless you're expecting a REALLY urgent message.  Don't make the seller feel like a nobody.

- Talking Too Much - Answer questions concisely, don't be a "Portagee" and ramble on for days. 

- Talking Too Little - Being short and giving "Yes" and "No" answers will not convince the seller you have the communication skills needed to sell their home.

- Avoid Fuzzy Facts - Make sure you're accurate when you give out information.  If you don't know, tell the person you'd like to check.  Be sure that the info you provide is accurate.

- Giving The Wrong Answer - Listen to the seller's question carefully and make sure you answer it, instead of answering another question that wasn't asked.

- Badmouthing Others - Saying bad things about other homeowners, buyers and real estate agents does not make you look better.  Be nice and show Aloha!

- Forgetting To Follow Up - Take notes and follow up on the items you talked about.  If not, the seller will respond to the other realtor who did the follow up.

It's summer time!  Buying season is here and interest rates are back below 5% - let's sell some homes!

Aloha, Mike Bates

Hawaii realtor