We all have questions we ask our buyer clients before we begin working with them. We screen because we need to focus our time and attention on those prospective purchasers who are truly ready to begin the home buying process. An agent told me recently that he did not want to scare off buyers and felt he shouldn't ask so many questions at first contact besides are you pre-approved and for how much? I feel that is a mistake; you really need to probe a bit further so you won't be wasting time. I would rather know ahead of time of any stumbling blocks that may or may not occur down the road than simply start work only to realize later that your time has been wasted.
Retired - Seattle, WA
There are many things I try to find out about buyers at the first meeting. But often I forget to find out what they expect me to be for them. I recently worked with a young gentleman who eventually wanted me to help him buy anything as long as he got at least 50% off list price. He was very detailed about things he needed in a home (and his price range was entry level, so they were hard to find). When we got to making the offer I realized I was not the agent for him. Wish I'd found that out in the first place.
Feb 06, 2010 12:36 AM
Drossner Realty Inc. - Aventura, FL
When working with a buyer it's important you question the buyer before taking them out, so many Realtors just take there client's out and the buyers get overwhelmed with looking at properties. I must ask my buyers about 15 questions before taking them out along with e-mails of what we would be looking at so we are on the same page, also make sure that you have them in a price range they can afford, the worst thing is when you push them over there price point they fall in love with the home then they can't afford it, so on and so on. -Stuart Drossner
Feb 06, 2010 03:50 AM
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
Melissa,
I agree with you and Stuart. You need to ask questions, then listen and learn the buyers' motivation, needs and timetable. Read between the lines, read body language.
Feb 06, 2010 01:08 PM
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator
Working with buyers is less concrete than working with sellers. With a home seller, you have a property and a contract. With buyers you have a contract and 1000 houses. It only took me a couple of lookie-lou's to tighten up my method for working with buyers.
Ready, willing and able. Confirm those three characteristics, and life with buyers can be fun and rewarding. Great post, Melissa.
Feb 16, 2010 10:39 PM
Comments(4)