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Don't Believe What They Say.....That Is If You Want To Succeed

By
Real Estate Agent with Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 BRE# 01494165

Don't Believe What They Say.....That Is If You Want To Succeed

 

"We aren't ready to move"
"I'm just looking"
"I'm not ready to really see any homes yet"

These are just a few of the comments I heard from some recent buyers.....before we closed. That's right, they didn't want to see homes, they were completely comfortable "just looking" on the Internet. I guess they thought that the right house would just jump out at them through the computer screen and then they could buy it...rather like an Amazon for houses?

It doesn't work like that.

So, the question is how did these buyers end up buying? Because when I had them on the phone, I didn't believe them. The fact is that consumers are afraid of us....yes, even those of you who like to call yourselves "consultants." We are the scary sales people who might force them into buying.

The "trick" is to recognize someone who is truly not ready from one who is just afraid to open up. This can be very hard to do on the phone, but typically if someone is willing to get into the car with you, they are interested enough. So...how do I get these people into the car? I just ignore what they say about time frames and often motivation.

When a potential client tells me that they aren't ready to buy....I immediately agree with them. "I think you are wise to take this slowly....see things and wait for the right time for you and your family." This releases the pressure. We are on the same page...someone who agrees that taking time is important. And you know what?

I'm not lying!!!

A good salesperson wants to help a consumer find the right situation, not just ANY situation. Why? because that's how we build a reputation for excellence and expertise. I believe strongly in a pipeline. Nurture buyers who want to buy now, and those who want to buy later. Trust me....they will come to you. But first, you need to meet them...make that contact. So when they say they don't want to meet and see homes, I assume that's a lie. Afterall, they are still on the phone with you, aren't they?

Comments(64)

Jeanne Dufort
Coldwell Banker Lake Country - Madison, GA
Madison and Lake Oconee GA

I have never "sold" a property in my 7 years in this business. OTOH, I have assisted many people buy and sell properties.  Focus is on the trusted advisor role - thats what people are really looking for.

Aug 08, 2012 12:58 AM
Terry McCarley
Coastal Real Estate - Cape Coral FL - Cape Coral, FL
REALTOR, SRES, CDPE - Cape Coral, FL

Great post!  I know that when I am shopping for anything regarless of the cost of the item I hate to feel pressured.  I have walked out of numerous stores when I felt the salesperson was pressuring me.  I love Jeanne's comment (#44)

Aug 08, 2012 01:03 AM
Joetta Fort
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder

There have been very few buyers that have gone to look at homes with me, that didn't buy. You're so right!

Aug 08, 2012 01:38 AM
Lynda White
Bluegrass Homes & Farms Realty, Agent Know How - Louisville, KY
Admin. Mgr., Keller Williams Realty

I find that the buyers are actually 3-6 months ahead of what they tell you. If they tell you they are ready now or 3-6 months, jump on it. 

Aug 08, 2012 02:10 AM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Karen I new I saw a winner post when I was the first commenter!

Aug 08, 2012 02:12 AM
Mitch Muller - Charlotte NC Real Estate
ProStead Realty Charlotte, NC CRS SRES mitch@prostead.com - Charlotte, NC
Certified Residential Specialist

Great post Karen, great reminder! Like you Fernando, I just sent this to my buyer agents.

Aug 08, 2012 02:17 AM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Good point.  They are still on the phone.  The longer we are in this business the more savvy we are at picking out those who just want to tour the city.  So one or two slips through, thats ok. 

Aug 08, 2012 02:25 AM
Tamara Perlman
Referral Network Inc. - Truckee, CA

Karen--When I hear those comments, I suggest perhaps they'd like to start learning the market now, so when it is time to buy, they can make the decision with the knowledge of what's been on the market and what the prices are doing.  That it's OK to see a few houses now, it's my job and I'd be happy to help them get a feel for the market.

Aug 08, 2012 02:34 AM
Amanda S. Davidson
Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale

Karen- Great post! I agree, if they're still on the phone with you they are still interested. Building trust with potential buyers will always make them come back to you when they are ready.

Aug 08, 2012 03:43 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Yours is a great plan for success. It saddens me when I read of some sales trainer telling sales people to find out if prospects are ready to buy NOW - and if they aren't, to brush them off.  Your method builds long term business and a long term good reputation.

Aug 08, 2012 04:43 AM
Momentum Realty
North Orange County CA Real Estate Specialists - Yorba Linda, CA
Orange County CA Real Estate Agent

Great advice and philosophy Karen! I believe in building up a pipeline as well, which is why I work all of the lease leads I get, while other agents turn their nose up at them. I'm here to help, and if that means waiting, then that's what I need to do.

Have a great week & try to stay cool and safe with this crazy weather and earthquakes we're having! ; )

Gina

Aug 08, 2012 06:10 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Erica: That's right exactly, and it needs to be sincere, not just a "line"

Jeff: When we diffuse the anxiety, we can be in a position to help them, if they are really ready for help

Ed: So true, and don't we all want that for our clients? no remorse

Jerry: I don't either, but I know I don't want to talk to a car salesman until I'm ready to talk/buy

Joan: That's the thing, agree with them (which is true anyway) and then see what they really need

Doug: Good idea

Cindy: Thanks :)

Joyce: Trust is the most important, and comfort

Carla: Nice....laughter is a great ice breaker

Debbie: it always works, agree with what they think is true, or what they say is true, then they can relax.

Jared: Thank you. :)

Phil: No kidding. 

Aug 08, 2012 06:45 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Michael: Both of those things are true, we need to ask for the deal, but the "deal" is really just the relationship with the client, not the house.

Fernando: Absolutely...thanks

Kevin: I know those sales "experts" get a bad name by current "consultants" but they were great books and good advice.

Jeff: Thank you :)

William: You're right

Rob: Old school sales, right?

Dana: Oh it's happened to all of us, sadly

Rugg: Just because we don't like it, doesn't mean it's not true. :)

Richie: I agree completely, we are not professionals if we can't put the client at ease

Michael: Exactly

Terkel: I work about the same way.

Jeanne: Me too!

Terry: I have too...and I think Jeanne is right on!

Joetta: Me too...eventually.

Lynda: I agree...because why look for a home that will be gone in 3 months

Bob: You were the golden ticket. :)

Mitch: Thank you, that's flattering

Chris/Dick: That's right..and typically I can weed them out by putting them off a bit. If they are serious, they can wait a day or so

Tamara: I use a similar statement, same idea.

Amanda: Right...it doesn't matter if they are ready today or next year, as long as they want to work with me

Marte: it's so close minded when they use the "wham bam thank you ma'am"

Gina: Interesting, but you have a system that works, so go for it/

 

Aug 08, 2012 07:02 AM
Jane Doe
Momentum Marketing - West Richland, WA
Marketing that gets it SOLD

So true. I think it is a knee jerk reaction. We're just looking. And yet they registered on my website with a phone number and request for mortgage approval, and saved five homes in their search. Honestly, they're just looking. 

Aug 08, 2012 08:41 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Thanks Karen, great advice, people have their guard up for all salespeople and dont want to be Sold, even when they are ready to buy.  It is wise to try to recognize this and take the pressure off so that you can proceed with helping them at their own speed.

Aug 08, 2012 10:09 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It's really funny, they are not ready to buy but they are on the phone calling about a listing?  Good line for taking the pressure off.

Aug 08, 2012 11:28 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I love your approach!  Great post.  I've had this happen before and have never tried that tactic.  Good ideas!

Aug 08, 2012 11:47 AM
Mike Warren
Real Estate - Colorado Springs, CO

Great advice Karen. I agree with you. You must also take time, hahaha, if they are ready they will surely contact you again.

Aug 08, 2012 12:03 PM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I talk to them and offer them information and they tend to open up eventually and a lot of them come back to me.

Aug 09, 2012 04:19 AM
Mark Montross
Catamount Realty Group - Burlington, VT
Listing and Buyer Specialist

Karen, I like your no-sell, no pressure, I am here when you are ready technique. I am sure that it does wonders for their comfort level.

Oct 28, 2012 01:07 AM