Home : Blogs : Kevin McLaughlin : Kevin's Blog

Initial Meeting with a Client

Although I'm not a realtor, I work closely with many of them. I have always been the type of person who tries to figure out how everyone else does their jobs so I can get a solid understanding of what it takes, what makes them success, or not, how much time is devoted, and so on.

It's quite apparent, the realtor usually spends the most physical time with a client than anyone else in the process (LO, title agent, lawyer, inspector, appraiser, etc) of buying a home. That's a good thing I'm sure. Realtors have the opportunity to build long lasting relationships, friendships and those all important referrals.

What does a realtor do before committing to working with a client? I've heard that many require a pre-qual letter while some don't. I've heard that many will actually 'interview' a new client to find out what their goals are for the home buying process. I've heard from others they'll show anything to anybody.

As far as the seller's agent, how does that differ? Do you simply look at the house and figure if you can get it sold? Do realtors have the option of turning down a listing?

Please feel free to respond if you desire. I'm just trying to better understand what the other side is like

Posted by Kevin McLaughlin on 10/25/2007 10:12 PM

Comments (6)

newbies, realtors, loan officers, mortgage lenders, mortgage bankers, home sales

6 Comments on Initial Meeting with a Client

Wow. I do admire the courage it must have taken to ask these questions... My best advice is to take an agent out to lunch and ask them how as a mortgage rep you can help their business and listen to the response. Way to much to fit into a paragraph or two.

10/25/2007 10:18 PM

by Chris Pollinger (Mastery Coaching)

That's great advice from Chris. Getting to know some agents better and asking them relevant questions is a great idea. I believe that an agent should spend time with a buyer or a seller and determine if they like and want to work with the client because Life is Too Short To Work with jerks!!!!

10/25/2007 10:26 PM

by Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group)

I try to sit down with a cliet before taking them on to learn more about what they want. Its very helpful to get an idea by listening. If the potential client is a know it all. I may decide not to work with someone. its my choice. Many times I can get an idea over the phone or the internet. The face to face helps cement the ideas and relationships. It worries me if people are too eager. Up goes a red flag!!!

I do not spend a lot of time with the loan thing. I let my loan person interview them before our meeting. Most of the agents in my office do not do things like me. Then all do not sell one unit per week either.

10/25/2007 10:26 PM

by Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner)

Ask a Big Time agent can you spend the day with them. The is the best way to find out exactly what it takes to do this business.

10/25/2007 10:27 PM

by Michelle Way ABR GRI WCR (Pro Realty)

Yes, a real estate agent definitely has the right to turn down a listing or suggest other possible options considering today's market. If it is obvious from the onset that the homeowner is upside down on their value or they are not willing to be flexible with the amount of equity they will settle for, it is not worth the amount of time, money and work spent to just go through the motions.

10/25/2007 10:42 PM

by Barbara Merrill, GRI (Independence Realty Professionals, Inc.)

Chris - I like your thinking. Whenever I meet with a realtor I try to let them know that I can add "value" to the process. By that I mean I try and save them time and energy through great communication and availability.

Joeann- you are sure right. There are way too many jerks out there. Too bad it takes so much time to get through the hay to find the needle sometimes.

Eric - listening; that's a unique idea. i do the same thing, I NEED to know what the client wants so I can get them what they want.

Michelle and Barbara - great advice

10/26/2007 07:57 PM

by Kevin McLaughlin (Terminix)

Leave a response…

Name:

Notify me of new comments:

Comment:

What does the graphic say?