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A Prospecting Method to Shake Things Up a Bit

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

This is an aerial shot of Virginia Oaks, a lovely golf course community in Gainesville, VAA Prospecting Method to Shake Things Up a Bit

The other day I checked in with a buyer-client that I've been working with to make an appointment for weekend showings.  Problem is, this guy has narrowed his search to one neighborhood and there isn't anything in there for sale that he hasn't seen.  The neighborhood is Virginia Oaks in Gainesville, VA.  

My buyer is looking for a townhouse in Virginia Oaks.  And this weekend, I'll be mailing out letters to Virginia Oaks townhouse owners to see if they are interested in selling to my buyer.  

Of course, if you are a Virginia Oaks townhouse owner that wanted to sell this year, and happen upon this post, call me and let's see if you have the townhouse for my buyer.

Comments (27)

Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Chris Ann. A smart and good strategy for finding something that doesn't exist. Good luck.

Jan 10, 2015 09:59 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

That is a great idea and i wish you luck on finding that seller ready to sell. 

Jan 10, 2015 10:58 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I have had this happen a few times and I'm usually knocking on their doors instead of mailing stuff. I've met quite a few customers using this tactic and have sold to my Buyer about 60% of the time. No one is budging on my most recent outing but at least they know who I am now. Ready, willing & able!

Jan 11, 2015 12:21 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

Great idea Chris Ann.  Go to the source and see what shakes loose.

Jan 11, 2015 12:26 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Fred:   It certainly eliminates months of trying things on that don't fit.

Lise:  It worked the last time I did it.  I won't do this form of prospecting unless I legitimately have a buyer looking.  It is misleading otherswise.

Nancy:  Of course!

Jan 11, 2015 04:34 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Tammie:  Maybe I will follow up with some door knocking.  Would love to if it were warmer.

Bob:  There's bound to be one person who is looking to sell their Virgina Oaks townhouse.

Roger:  We are cut from a similar cloth, you and I.

Jan 11, 2015 04:36 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Debbie:  The ice and temps make it unpleasant to door knock this time of year.

Sheila:  It exists, just isn't for sale....yet.

Scott:  Thank you.  I hope it pays off too.

Jan 11, 2015 04:37 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Kevin:  Might be time to pull out the long, black wool coat and start walking.

Belinda:  I just need one townhouse. 

Jan 11, 2015 04:39 AM
Curtis Van Carter
Better Homes & Gardens Wine Country Group - Yountville, CA
Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire

Chris Ann

The only unanswered question, what is a Virginia Oaks, Virginia Oak. A bit too Oaky. Sorry lousy try a bit of late Sunday humor, cheers cvc

Jan 11, 2015 05:51 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Chris Ann, you are serving your buyer well with your proactive approach to finding him the perfect property.  I hope it works .... I am sure you will let us know.

Jan 11, 2015 06:11 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

If that's who it takes . . . it's not an unheard of method.  I thought about doing that with a client who lost out in a building he wanted to buy in.

Jan 11, 2015 09:09 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Curtis:  You definitely have an off beat sense of humor.

Kathleen:  You know I will keep my AR network apprised of the results.

Carla:  We do what we have to do, right?

Jan 11, 2015 10:07 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Chris Ann Cleland I have done this and had the buyers deliver flyers directly to the owners with contact information. It's called working for your client.

Jan 12, 2015 09:00 AM
Curtis Van Carter
Better Homes & Gardens Wine Country Group - Yountville, CA
Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire

Chris Ann

Somedays, we have to beat down the door to get invited in. What a great agent does. Continue to lead and show us the way, cheers cvc

Jan 12, 2015 11:05 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Margaret:  You've have the buyers deliver the fliers?

Curtis:  Just asking the question...do you want to sell?  That alone can open doors.

Jan 13, 2015 03:31 AM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

This will work!  I know that Chief Cook has gone door knocking for her buyers, Chris Ann!

Jan 13, 2015 03:31 AM
Judith Parker
ProStead Realty - Charlotte, NC
CRS, GRI, CMRS, Charlotte, NC

Good evening Chris Ann .. great idea and you may get other business from that letter. 

Jan 13, 2015 09:16 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Ron:  You have to do it sometimes.

Judith:  That would be great.  Seems that just having the idea has opened the flood gates.  

Jan 13, 2015 10:42 AM
RVA HomePRO Michael Hottman
RVA HomePRO Realtor with Keller Williams serving Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfiled and Richmond, Virginia - Glen Allen, VA
Helping you achieve goals in life & real estate

I've done the same thing. It didn't work, but I made some connections with people because I hand delivered the letters.

Jan 16, 2015 03:18 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Michael:  I mailed them before and made a sale.

Jan 17, 2015 10:03 AM