GET SOME RESPECT! PREPARE YOUR CLIENTS FOR A GOOD OUTCOME AND PRODUCE IT!

HOW DO REAL ESTATE AGENTS GET RESPECT?

BY LETTING OUR BUYER AND SELLER CLIENTS KNOW THAT . . . . .

WE ARE PAID FOR WHAT WE KNOW, NOT FOR WHAT WE DO!

WE GET RESPECT by preparing the buyer or seller client for the home buying or selling process step-by-step and producing the best outcome. 

This post inspired by Greg Nino's excellent article this a.m. "I Get No Respect".     He did his job and his sellers thought he was overpaid "for the work he did".

GET SOME RESPECT!  One thing I love to hear from a buyer or seller is "Lenn, everything that you said would happen did happen." 

PREPARING HOME BUYERS. 

When touring homes, if the buyers absolutely love a home but want to "sleep on it", don't hesitate to warn them that, since this home is newly listed, under priced for the area and condition, if you love it, so might other smart buyers.  Take all the time you need but don't be disappointed if it sells quickly.  I'm available to write and offer when you are. 

When writing an offer, if you buyers want to make what you know is a ridiculously low offer, don't hesitate to warn them that based on the price and competitive homes in the area, your offer will probably be countered.  Or, if there are other offers, it could be rejected.  If you're serious, you might want to bring your offering price more in line with other similar homes that have recently sold. 

YOU KNOW YOUR MARKET and you know what price, terms and conditions of a contract is likely to be well received.  If your buyer is more interested in negotiating than buying a home, they're wasting your time.  On the other hand, if you prepare your buyer for the likely outcome of their poor decision, they will gain a lot of respect for your experience.

PREPARING HOME SELLERS.

When pricing a property, if the seller wishes to price a home above market, let them know up front that it will not likely receive any offers at that price.  If you follow the sellers price and don't warn them that homes priced above market are not likely to be shown or even receive offers, they will respect you when the property sits quietly with no agent or buyer traffic. 

When preparing a property for sale, if the seller refuses to keep the landscaping neatly trimmed or the house is obviously in poor condition compared to the competition, let the seller know that they may get traffic due to the competitive price, but the poor condition will likely reduce the likelihood of receiving a serious offer. 

YOU KNOW YOUR MARKET and you know that the condition of a home, even when priced properly for the area, will not be taken seriously by home buyers unless they are looking for a fixer-upper and will then want to discount the price drastically. 

TELL YOUR BUYER OR SELLER clients what is likely to occur if they make pricing decisions out of market with your best experience.  "In my experience. . . . " is a powerful clause because, fact is, you are the one with the experience to know the best course of action to achieve the buyer's or seller's goal. 

If the buyer finds a home and gets a Contract of Sale quickly, it will be because they followed your advice.  You'll get some respect.

If the seller gets a ratified Contract of Sale on their property quickly and for a good price, it will be because they followed your advice.  You'll get some respect. 

Don't hesitate to remind your buyer or seller clients that you are paid for what you know, not what you do, and that your experience is valuable to them in achieving their goal. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

                        

                             "Lenn, it happened just the way you predicted.  Thanks for the good advice."