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The Listing Agent's Lasso: Rope That Buyer

By Maureen Francis

Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

February 21, 2007 04:01 AM

Cowgirl by The Rocketeer

I guess I am an undercover Realtor cowgirl. If I can, I will cast out my lasso and rope a buyer for my home sellers. No, not literally, though I confess I have been tempted. The cowgirl analogy sounds funny for a Realtor who works in the upscale suburbs of Metro Detroit, I know.

Yesterday I was at Pulte’s Realtor appreciation luncheon at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. It was a lovely affair and it reminded me that I needed to pull out a post that I never finished. Apparently my secret weapon really is a secret and most other Realtors have never even heard of it based on the questions they asked the speaker. So, with out further ado, I will unveil . . .

Keep on reading at MiOaklandCounty.com

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Lenn Harley

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA

Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Maureen. You're such a smart cookie.

I always, always, always take a completed contract with everything filled in to an Open House. I never believe this stuff about Open House activities not being good to sell homes. Open houses are WONDERFUL selling opportunities. Just be prepared to write.

I don't care if the buyer has an agent. I'll write the dang thing and call the agent and tell them they just sold a house. Of course, I'll pay them. Beats getting in the gutter over referral fees, agency, blah, blah, blah.

Just sell the house. Got a buyer who likes it? Put the contract in front of them to read. Get their agent on the phone. The agent will be your best friend.

The idea is to sell the house. DONE! ! !

Feb 21, 2007 06:09 AM

Sharon Simms

Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

We put a filled in contract in the MLS and also on each of our property web sites. Recently we had a buyer call and say, "we've filled in the contract, can we come in to your office with a check?". No, that's not how it usually happens.

Feb 21, 2007 06:58 AM

Monika McGillicuddy

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Hampstead, NH

Southern NH & the Seacoast Area

I'm going to try it Maureen...we've got nothing to lose. Thanks so much.

Feb 21, 2007 07:54 AM

Carole Cohen

Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office - Cleveland, OH

Realtor, ePRO

I've not done one yet but we have a live/work listing and I've thought about it. Great way to do it, and I also love Lenn's additional open house comments. Why not? wtg

Feb 21, 2007 09:41 AM

Sara Lipnitz

Max Broock Realtors - Birmingham, MI

You are a real tease! Here I am looking to post and make my pressence known on AR and you send me to your blog.... Very wise, very, very wise.

Feb 21, 2007 09:54 AM

Boomer Jack Boardman & Carl McIntyre, the Codgers

Noted Curmudgeons - Saint Paul, MN

Maureen, you are soooo clever, and I might add: tricky (cloudy sky-sunny sky, ahem).

Jay

Feb 21, 2007 10:14 AM

Maggie Dokic /Indialantic | 321-252-8696

Magdalena Dokic - Indialantic, FL

Selling the beach in Florida's space coast

Maureen. Wow! That is a fabulous idea. Why have I never thought of that? hmm! I also love Lenn and Sharon's tips. I'm adding these to my repertoire.

Feb 21, 2007 10:41 AM

Alexander Harb

Knights Investing - Mesquite, TX

Dallas, Texas Real Estate Investing

I had a young man I work with at the restuarnt I am currently employed by ask me if I had any nicknames when I was in High School...... I had about 10 of them or MORE!!

He asked if I was ever called "Cowboy"....and I thought it kinda strange till I READ this blog......

It's funny how God works sometimes, hmm?

=-D

Feb 21, 2007 02:08 PM

Randy L. Prothero

eXp Realty - Hollister, MO

Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645

Throwing a lasso, not bad for a Detroit Realtor. Can you bust broncos?

Feb 21, 2007 05:03 PM

Chris Griffith

Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL

Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

Sharon that is awesome. That had never occurred to me!

Feb 21, 2007 09:32 PM

Todd Waller

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Snyder & Company, REALTORS - Ann Arbor, MI

Todd Waller | Real Simple Real Estate

Note to self: when commenting on a MF post, check A/R too.....

Way to Go Maureen! I currently have a pending deal because of a reverse offer. However, I've tried a reverse offer from the buyer's side of the fence this year too. Sounds odd, but....

I approached the agents of the top three properties for my buyers and laid out what the intentions were of my buyers. Even faxed pre-approvals to the listing agents to show our qualifications. Of the three agents approached, two played ball and the third didn't know how to respond.

From the buyers perspective, it makes sense in our market. From the sellers perspective, well, it still makes sense. Acknowledge the condition of the market, but harness it to sell your property. When that buyer's agent says your home is one of two or three, beat the other listing agents to the punch.

Feb 22, 2007 02:00 AM

Linda Davis

RE/MAX Home Team - Gales Ferry, CT

What a concept! And what a little smartie you are! I don't believe it has ever been done here but that makes it even better. I plan to try it!

Feb 22, 2007 10:41 AM

The Listing Agent's Lasso: Rope That Buyer

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