We all do the typical when we are out of the office. We carry our business cards just in case we meet up with a prospective buyer or seller. It is always good sense to make sure to have your business cards with you- however what else to you carry to be prepared for the moment?
Do you do any of the following for the spur of the moment opportunities?
Do you have a buyer's package available? I always keep a few in my car for those times when you meet someone and the next thing you know- you are talking real estate business. My buyer's folder package has useful information especially for the first time buyer. The general contents that I provide is myths about home purchasing. It provides the true and false about the common questions and mistakes first time buyers typically make. The package also has a list of suggested lenders, inspectors and Attorneys. I also include the phone numbers for the local utility companies to make it easier for the buyer when the time is right. I also include a To-Do List. This gives the buyers a form they can fill out for their to do list once they have found a home. PLUS I do include information about myself so the buyers can have a better sense of feel and connection to me to help build a solid relationship.
Where's your listing kit? While you are driving, you never know when opportunity will pop up! I have driven by "For sale by owners" and actually made the stop and knocked on their doors. Sending out post cards or even trying to make the cold call can sometimes not be so effective. If I have the time in my schedule when I see a FSBO, I will make the stop and introduce myself and talk shop. Most of the time I alo have my laptop with me so I am able to do a CMA on the spur of the moment appointments. Once I had a listing that I had under agreement. I went to the seller's home to hang a "Sale pending" rider on their sign. The adjacent neighbor came out to talk to me because he was impressed with how fast I sold their home. Apparently him and his wife were entertaining the idea of selling theirs. We started to talk and the next thing you know I am going to my car to get a listing package. Be prepared!
Give me a sign! I also try to keep a for sale sign in my trunk as well. If you do come across a FSBO or maybe get a call while on the road that your presentation was impressive and they want to sign up- it's good to have a sign with you for those reasons.
Have office will travel.....I have a small plastic file holder that I keep in my trunk. I have additional copies of my buyers and sellers packages along with other paperwork so this way while I am on the road, I am prepared for any paperwork I may need. They do not take up much room and this way you don't have to make a run to the office or your home office for a simple document. You could be on the way to pick up your child from school or dropping them off at the gym and recieve a call from your sellers saying they are ready to reduce. If you have your paperwork with you then you can meet with them to fill out the forms rather than make another un-needed trip. Your time is valuable and whatever ways you can save time and gas will only be money back into your pocket.
It is always wise to be prepared for what may be waiting around the corner. What may seem to be an unproductive day could turn into a potential opportunity.
6 Comments on Are you prepared for the spur of the moment opportunities?
Brilliant idea....I am inspired to go put a few packets together right now and put them in my car.
good thoughts- thanks for sharing. Here are a couple more:
1. i carry my camera and will have a full page color picture of a prospect's house on the front of any CMA the same day i get a call to meet with prospects.
2. As i drive around, i like to stop by with chocolate chip cookies for past and present and future clients-- it has almost become my trademark as i try to do the same at my open houses.
3. I carry work out clothes and hiking shoes to be reponsive to any lifting, working and walking that might come my way. Being of service is always the right attitude to carry.
4. And yes, i carry a file box in my trunk for the paperwork kind of opportunities you mentioned.
To take preparation another step forward, I try to always have our laptop with us. With our cell phone that becomes a modem, we can access online forms anytime and can print them out with our portable printer that runs off of a cigarette lighter adapter. Mobile office personified! We can list and sell a home right out of our car and no form file required. Our forms change frequently so it would be hard to make sure we always had the right version. Online is the way to go!
Jim & Linda- I also had listed my laptop- isn't it great to have your computer at your fingertips?
Douglas- I love the cookie idea! The work out clothes is a great idea! A helping hand is always remembered!!
Sandy- You right on target!!! You never know when opportunity will knock so be ready for it!!! Yes if you are mentally ready then the opportunity will come!
Maureen, I love your post and how prepared you always are. I believe in always being prepared also (no, I wasn't a Girl Scout). Opportunites are all around us!
First time homebuyers and Expired Listing Specialist. Let me put my track record to work for your personal Real Estate needs.
Blogging about everything and anything Real Estate! I love my career and always looking for ways to express my personal experience, sharing opinions with others and supporting ideas!
Brilliant idea....I am inspired to go put a few packets together right now and put them in my car.