Recently, I was in line at our local Starbucks and a lady came up behind me. The lady had changed her hair color and I did not recognize her immediately. She looked at me and said, "You look familiar. Do I know you?" Before I could respond, she said with surprise, "I know who you are! You are Sheri Sperry. You know, we bought a home and live here now. You really gave us some great advice."
At that point, I realized who it was! This was a lady along with her husband who I worked with months earlier. I spent much of my time scouring the MLS to find this couple the right house. I took them out to look for homes that met their criteria and answered all the questions they had. Then, a couple of days later, I called to follow up. To make a long story short, I never heard from them again.... until that day in line!!!! They bought a house from some other agent.
I wanted to scream "THIS IS HOW I MAKE MY LIVING, DON'T YOU GET IT?". I just stood there with a smile on my face and was dumb-founded. What could I say?
We all go through this from time to time with clients we have worked with. My question to you is this. When do you secure an employment contract from a potential buyer? Since experiencing some of these various situations and becoming frustrated when these clients disappear without even thanking you for your time, I have made the decision to spend no more than a couple of hours with a client before asking for that all important employment contract. I will show a client two or three homes and sit them down and bring out the contract.
I would like to know what works for you? After all, isn't this how we make our living!!!
...and for potential buyers - PLEASE remember, this IS how we make our living.
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