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Your next potential client, soon to arrive...

By
Industry Observer with ARFCO Media

There’s a group of extremely bright and tech-savvy young people coming up in the world that will be first time homebuyers in the very near future. Will you be ready for them?

Your next potential client, soon to arrive, will in all likelihood be a young person in their 20’s. They grew up with technology, and they have some rather sophisticated expectations about anyone they will work with.

 

Will you know how to work with them?    Will you know how to talk to them? 

Shannon Fabre, Best Buy Geek Squad

 

My daughter (#2) will be 22 this month. She’s going to college, lives on her own, and one of the many things she does is work in the Geek Squad at Best Buy. I call her today’s normal. She didn’t go to school for computers or technology, it was just part of her everyday ‘normal’ upbringing.

 

Shannon doesn’t remember a time when there wasn’t a computer or the internet around. She had her own PC, as did her brother and sister, from a very early age. When she was in high school they did their social studies, math, science, history, and English assignments using word, excel, power point, etc.

 

She’s always had a fascination for computers and exploring the net. She has a wide spectrum of interests and a deep passion for music, theater, and acting. Shannon doesn’t look at technology like its something extraordinary or outside her realm. It just is, and her attitude cracks me up because it’s so, “doesn’t everybody know this stuff?”

 

Shannon still has some school to go and like most students is somewhat starving, but not for long. She attends investment seminars and is busy formulating her strategies to meet her goals. One of which is to own real estate.

 

She does her homework when she wants something and knows how and where to get the answers. She’ll check you out very thoroughly and make choices as to whom she will use to represent her with great scrutiny. 

Shannon Fabre, Geek Squad 

Like a lot of young people today; when she moved back up to Washington from Southern California last year, she handled almost everything online except driving the car. She’s a good judge of character. You can’t BS your way around her and go for a close. She wants to see your value, judge your character, check your motives and will discuss these things with her friends.

Shannon is not bashful; she’s a better negotiator than I am, and a stickler for detail.

Her preferred method of communication is texting then email then maybe Facebook (that is if you’ve made your way into her circle of friends).

She’s an awesome daughter and it’s probably very obvious that I am a proud father. Yet, I say this because she and all of her friends are very much alike in this certain way. They’re smart, hip, investigative, transparent, authentic, street smart, and a little shy at first until they develop some trust for you. They expect you to be honest and know what you’re talking about. They won’t tolerate any pushy sales tactics. You'll have to earn their trust and their business.

 

They are, “Your next potential client, soon to arrive.”

 

Posted by

René Fabre

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

Please Note - The views expressed herein reflect only the individual’s personal views and are not the views of the author’s employer.

The Blackberry Chronicles, a blog by Rene Fabre and his travels around the Greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. Connect w/ Rene Fabre on Google+. Rene Fabre on Twitter. Rene Fabre writes reviews on Yelp. Rene Fabre on Linkedin.com The Audiorium YouTube Channel by Rene Fabre. Facebook.com/renefabre Rene Fabre loves digital photography and here are his shares on Flickr. Rene Fabre is a musician and composer and shares some of his orginal music and recordings on Soundcloud. Rene Fabre shares his interests on Pinterest.
Dave Minder
Wellspring Investments LLC - Quarryville, PA

Great post Rene and I agree wholeheartedly, although we are seeing some of those already.

Aug 13, 2009 02:20 AM
David M. Childress
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Akron, OH
I would love to be your Realtor® in Akron Ohio!

Youngbuyers are awesome and so much fun. You are so right about them wanting it "straight" and beingreal with them! They look you right in the eyes when they ask questions and they want to know if you can keep up with them in technology. They love it when I open the key box with my BB. That's something they usually have not have seen before. (good start) They want me to text them more than a call and only call if something is really necessary to talk over. Thankfully, I have kept up as most on AR have.

Aug 13, 2009 02:30 AM
Home Loan Search.Online
Home Loan Search Online - Newnan, GA

I have connected with a lot of people that were in the youth group at the church I volunteered at. All of those "kids" are now getting married, buying their first home, and having families. Man, I'm getting old!

Aug 13, 2009 02:36 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Rene: Good point. I always ask my potential client how they like to communicate. That should be the way we stay in touch with them. Thanks for the post!

Aug 13, 2009 02:46 AM
Monica Bourgeau
Portland, OR
Business Coaching

Congrats on the feature :) Nice work!

Aug 13, 2009 03:16 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Lorrie: Good point... I would say, she'll pick the agent she thinks will do the best job for her. But, how and where will she find them?

Andrew: Yes, that's true... but she's still a student.

Carol: That's a great line, I'll have to use that. I am meeting young agents everyday that really shine. They're smart and contemporary, and fun to work with.

Kerry: Yes, and it comes natural to them. 

Dustin: The Geek squad is her college gig... You make a good point about Microsoft. You can lead the way, but if know body is following, you're just out for a walk.

Douglas: Yes... I work with more and more agents that say exactly what you are saying.

Michael: Agreed. It's never just one way, is it.

Irene: I hope so. I think we get stuck in the moment sometimes and forget to look ahead to see what's coming... 

Aug 13, 2009 04:15 AM
Steve Schultz
KW Smart Lakeland - Lakeland, FL

I completely agree that the current 20-somethings are extremely tech savvy.  I think the vastly increased integration of technology means a lot of changes for the residential real estate agent.  As a new REALTOR, I'm very concerned that we are allowing technology to make our job obsolete.  Most of the traditional REALTOR-only activities are now freely accessible online.  With online tours, one can even "walk through" a house and I believe many in the younger tech-savy generation are very comfortable with that.  There is nothing stopping the few remaining tasks from being put online, so that a real estate transaction could be completed from start to finish completely through the use of automated technology.  What, if anything, do you feel we have left that cannot be taken over by technology?  And more importantly, how do you get that across to potential clients who see you as nothing more than a "middle man" out to collect a "fat" commission check?

Aug 13, 2009 04:25 AM
Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

Rene,

You are right on the money with this one. These are the clients that force you to be savvy in communications.

Brian

Aug 13, 2009 05:19 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Rick: dang, nice blog! You should post it... I think you're spot on. I was in a conversation the other day with a broker... Story goes like this, I sold the grandparents their home, I sold the kids their home, I interviewed the other day with the grandkids about their home and I don't know if I got the listing. One of the first questions they asked me was, "What do you do on the web to sell listings?" They're interviewing a couple of other brokers. 

Patricia: Indeed, another day in the Olympics!

Bob: Too funny... and yes about some older agents. I realize its a big jump, but we have to cater to the crowd that's in the room. Life has changed a lot and really fast. That's just the way it is. So go for it!

Joe: YES, that is the way of it isn't... And, I agree about average age of buyers now at 28. They're here and my daughter is only a couple of years away. 

Chris: thanks... I know, there are those of us with kids around that age and share an insight, "wow" how about these tech savvy kids!... (ha ha).

Michelle: Yes they will... and to them, it will be a very natural thing.

Dave: Agreed, they are here already...

David: Good for you... I think it's not so much about all the techy things you can do, but more about your attitude about it, and your willingness to embrace it. Your comments sum up a lot of my conversations with my clients lately.

Darrell: Yes... seems like that somedays... but keep going!!!

Paul: thanks for stopping by... I think that's a very important part of today's etiquitte, ask the question: "How would you like me to communicate with you?" Thanks... 

Kevin & Monica: Thanks... Suprized me when I checked in this morning... I wasn't expecting that!

Steve: I grapple with that sometimes too, but I've come to the conclusion that the more tech savvy our clients are, the more they are going to need a very great and SAVVY realtor...

Brian: Yes, and what I think is cool is... they are really willing to give you a chance if your position is: we're in this together, and I know what I know... you don't fake it or have some attitude about it. 

Aug 13, 2009 07:11 AM
Damon Gettier
Damon Gettier & Associates, REALTORS- Roanoke Va Short Sale Expert - Roanoke, VA
Broker/Owner ABRM, GRI, CDPE

I seem to get a lot of the younger buyers and they usually are easier to work with than older buyers, simply because they understand technology and are willing to work with it.

Aug 13, 2009 07:18 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Damon: Agreed, I am hearing that a lot lately.

Aug 13, 2009 08:20 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Hi René !

Great point, and great spotlight on your daughter !

I text my clients more than ever now, and all faxes are scanned and emailed to easier filing.

I couldnt live without my GPS, and dont even get me started in my BlackBerry !

It's the age we're in, and it aint leavin' !!!!!

Those who dont embrace technological advancements, and learn how to communicate with the current day consumer, will miss out on a lot of opportunities moving forward.

Congrats on the feature too René !

Cheers !

Sheldon :o)

Aug 13, 2009 03:09 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Sheldon: thanks for stopping by! Yes, it is the age we're in and I like it here and will excel to do my very best.

Aug 13, 2009 03:30 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

I find that the clients a little older than your daughter are very similar to your description of your daughter.  It also seem that those a fair amount older demand almost the same thing, and that we need to be technologically savvy to satisfy our clients.

Aug 13, 2009 04:52 PM
Christianne O'Malley
Dickson Realty - Reno, NV
Exceptional Service - Delivering Results in Reno!

I love this - selfishly. I am the youngest person in my brokerage and sadly, I'm 38. I have a 13 year old son I am grooming for the business. I am not sure why there are not a bunch of young real estate professionals in my area, but the agents in my office are NOT adapting to the changes in the market.

The dynamic that the younger generations are bringing are insurmountable from the agents perspectives. So they are getting doubly behind because they can't even keep pace with today's technology.

I see a definitive thinning of the real estate professionals herd because the older agents would rather retire than adapt to market changes.

Aug 13, 2009 05:19 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Christine: I think most of us are scrambling to get a savvy as we possibly can. No matter how technical we may have been in the past, we didn't realize how profound the impact would be socially.

Christianne: I wish them well, but I have to agree with you. I think we are going to see a big change in the demographic that is a real estate career. 

Aug 14, 2009 03:18 AM
Sandy McKee
Sunstreet Mortgage - Tucson, AZ

Hi Ren'e,

I enjoyed reading your post. It looks like you have done a nice job with your children!. I can relate to young daughters and only hope she will make good decisions. Have a great day.

Aug 16, 2009 05:07 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Sandy: I hope so!... They're great kids, and now it's Dad who's scrambling to keep up!

Aug 16, 2009 12:01 PM
Heather Fitzgerald
REALTY WORLD-Harbert Company, Inc. - Greenwood, IN
REALTOR Greenwood Indiana Real Estate

Rene',  that is great that your daughter is so savvy!  That will help her with business as she gets older.

Aug 21, 2009 01:56 PM
George & Arlene Paukert
Road to Wealth, Inc. - West Palm Beach, FL

I have to admit if I were still in the business of selling real estate I would have to change my mindset on how to communicate with clients. Selling and marketing really have never changed, but how we interact certainly has.

Aug 24, 2009 03:49 AM