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Do You Thank the Sellers?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Riede Real Estate, Lic. 01310792

Showing HomesThis weekend I showed homes in Fair Oaks, CA which is in Sacramento County, to a home buyer.

We've had some pretty amazing storms which left quite a mess throughout the Sacramento Valley. With winds gusting over 60-70 miles per hour, this left trees uprooted and broken branches everywhere.

I was amazed at how the home owners quickly managed to clean up their properties for the showings. It was obvious from looking at the neighborhoods that everyone had suffered some type of damage.

So, a big "thank you to all of the Sellers in Fair Oaks, CA for working like the dickens to get your yards cleaned up and your homes sparkling. It was truly a pleasure to show your homes."

If you are showing homes for sale do you ever thank the Sellers? Have you experienced some terrific storms where it is obvious that the Sellers had double duty to prepare their homes prior to your showing?

One of the things that I do when showing a house for sale is to leave a pre-made 3x5 form stapled to my business card that contains areas for check marks and areas for writing. This is where I let the Sellers know that I am showing their home to a pre-qualified home buyer along with any notes on what I think or the buyers think of their house. It is also a place to say, thank you.

I look at this as a way of not only helping the Seller but also the Listing agent. It's a good time to tactfully let a Seller know that maybe that poka-dotted room was not appealing to your buyer. The Listing agent may have said that a thousand times to the Seller and with you writing it down just once...the day is saved and the wall gets painted.

If a house has way too much negative, I don't write anything except for the fact that we were there and thank you.

Do you do something special or different that you would like to share? Is there something you leave when attending an Open House or Showing a House to buyers besides your business card?

Comments(5)

Michelle DeRepentigny
Success Realty - Athens, GA
Broker Athens, GA
Gena, I used to leave a card about the size of a postcard that stated whether i was previewing or showing to a potential client and had some feedback and comments.  Several agents in our market used something similar, but than a prominant agent got our mls to "dis-allow" anything other than a standard business card being left because she felt like we were trying to market to her sellers.  I think it is a positive thing, but unfortunately, I'm not in charge.  Now I just leave a business card and handwrites "thanks" on the back.
Jan 15, 2008 04:56 AM
Jeanette Vallance
VISION REALTY WINDSOR INC. Brokerage - Windsor, ON

Great Post. What a great idea. You made me think of other ideas such as having forms at my listings so other realtors can use them since i have never seen your idea here.

I do use sign up sheets at my open houses and get lots of email and phone numbers which has turned into many deals. I also have a pkg. ready for buyers/sellers to explain my services if they are not already working with a realtor. I have had lots of great feedback on these and it has again turned into many becoming clients.

looking forward to many great posts on this.

 

 

Jan 15, 2008 05:12 AM
Linda Scanlan
A Fan of AR - Burleson, TX
Gena, that's a great idea! I usually will leave a business card (some listing agents don't agree they think I'm marketing), but I like for people to know who's been in their home.
Jan 15, 2008 05:18 AM
Judy Tuscano
Prudential Verani Realty - Nottingham, NH
NH Real Estate Professional
Gena, I always leave a business card but in our area it is frowned upon to leave anything else as the listing agent takes it as a ploy to solicit business. I try to give feedback to the LA promptly but I can see the value in leaving something in writing for the seller as you do. Nice idea.
Jan 15, 2008 05:41 AM
Gena Riede
Riede Real Estate, Lic. 01310792 - Sacramento, CA
Real Estate Broker - Sacramento CA Real Estate (916) 417-2699

Michele, that's too bad. I think it's a nice way to save everyone a lot of time. The agent doesn't have to call me and the seller isn't kept wondering. Like I said it also helps the agent if they have had difficulty with a particular issue that is obvious to anyone coming through the house.

I'd say that "prominent agent" did all of you a disservice and frankly it's too bad that the agent was that inferior. But shame on your association to crumble to one agent.

Jeanette, glad that I helped inspire something new for you.

Linda, wow can't believe all these agents that are so paranoid. It's common courtesy to leave your card and someone needs to let those agents know that. In my opinion only very insecure people would object. Hope you give it a try and help educate those around you.

Judy, i'm stunned that there is such a slew of insecure Listing Agents. Heavens, they have the listing and if they are doing a good job, the Seller isn't going to pull the listing just because an selling agent left a card or a note. Wow...

Jan 15, 2008 03:52 PM