Yesterday Rob and I met with a new First Time Homebuyer. She had done a good job preparing herself for the buying process, both in educating herself, and in getting her financial house in order. When I suggested in our phone call that she come in and meet us and discuss the process and her needs, she was very happy to do that - and said during our meeting that she wasn't sure agents would be willing to just talk with her.

So much of the buying process is based on a relationship - the buyer is entitled to know specifically who they're going to be working with (so many times you call one agent and wind up delegated to another agent), to see how the process is going to work, to see if the personalities fit, the timeframes, the structure. We gave her options of how the process works, and set it was up to her to choose what fit her desires and schedule.

Book learning, or internet learning, isn't always enough. How does it really work if someone else in your brand has the listing I like? What obligations do I have to pay you? What if things aren't working out?  

If an agent isn't willing to spend an hour or half an hour with you reviewing your needs - how available are they going to be for your questions during the process?

She was so glad to meet us to see if she'd be comfortable working with us - and I gently reminded her that we, too, need to know if we're going to be comfortable working with a potential client. The relationship needs to be a WIN-WIN.

Sharon Simms, Real Estate Agent selling homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Gulf Beaches and the Tampa Bay area.  

 

1 Comments on Buyers Should Interview Agents

FEB
10
2007
9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Sharon,

This is soooo true!

I've never actually met with clients first before heading out with them. However, I do talk to them at length. Usually, in my first contact with them, I spend about half an hour on the phone finding out what they are looking for, their specific needs and timetable, as well as connecting them with a loan officer if they haven't already and addressing any concerns they might have about financing. Often, by the first time we meet, we've narrowed down a list of homes they wish to see through email, and I sit down with them to introduce myself to them in person and to address any other worries they might have. I think it's important for the client to feel connected to their realtor, and that can only happen by taking the time to do so. :) It's the people that make being a realtor fun, anyway!

It makes sense that clients worry. Not all agents are the same. Intuition tells you who you can trust... and intuition is usually a good bet!

 
3:05am • #1


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Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

Saint Petersburg, FL

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ALVA International, Inc.

Address: 238 Beach Drive NE, St Petersburg, FL, 33701

Office Phone: (727) 898-2582

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