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The Front Four - Make your client feel lucky

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty World Wichita

I was reminded recently of the late 80's when I worked for a man I admire, George Wayman.  George owned an auto repair shop and a gas station.  Big places.  Full service gas, 12 mechanics, parts supply, and more.  George was worth a pretty good amount of money, and employed around 50 people or so.  And George had a rule.  Always keep the front four open.  He meant the front four parking spaces - the ones by the front door.  Seemed simple, people pulled up, ran in the door.  We'd move their car for them so the next person could park by the front door.  People felt good.

Look at this psychology.  We all feel lucky when we find a parking spot close.  Sometimes we even joke that someone saved a spot for me.  Fact is, George was saving a spot for everyone who came to the shop.  The front four.  Getting your car worked on was no fun, so George made sure everyone started off feeling lucky.  Same when they picked up their car.  We used the front four.  Nothing complicated, some work to run accross the lot.  And George ALWAYS helped.  He asked nothing that he wouldn't do.

Realtors, so you make your clients feel this important?  Do they feel lucky as you work hard for them?  We need to think about where we park at the office or at an open house.  Leave the easy way for the clients.  Let them feel lucky.  Set up searches in the MLS for new listings.  Show your buyers listing the day after they become available.  Let them feel lucky.

How many times has a listing client called you to tell you about the new listing on the block.  What if you called them first?  Every morning, check your MLS for new listings around current listings.  Send an email flyer to the client before he calls you.  Call your client when interest rates jump up or down.  

Little things.  Simple systems that make your client feel lucky.  They say you make your own luck with hard work.  Maybe we should be making our clients luck with our work.  Let's give em the front four... 

Comments (8)

Michael Shankman
Award Realty - Las Vegas, NV
Selling Las Vegas 702-498-3383

good post..I agree with you..we have to make the client feel special..most agents don't realize this. Where else could we make such a great living from this.

May 11, 2008 01:46 AM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Greg, I always think that ideas like this are so smart.  George took something so simple and made a difference?  I have a friend who always, I mean always gets - by luck- one of the first 3 parking spaces where ever we go.  If her car is not in one of those spaces, I know she is not there yet.

You are right about making sure there is plenty of parking at open houses.  Like you, I check the MLS everyday and email the pertinent info to all of my clients.

Great post!

May 11, 2008 01:48 AM
Alison Scott
eXp Realty, LLC - Suwanee, GA
Residential real estate sales

That is a great idea, Keeping clients informed and staying on the ball sets you apart from the agent that "Just sticks a sign in the yard' at least in your clients mind.

May 11, 2008 02:39 AM
Marzena Melby
Coldwell Banker Burnet Realty - Richfield, MN
Realtor, Twin Cities Minnesota Real Estate

Greg, I like that philosophy.  The "go the extra mile" attitude  gets you the results.

May 11, 2008 03:49 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Greg, I set up new listings links for my buyers and we have front four parking for customers at my office, so I am on board with all you say.

May 11, 2008 09:32 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Great attitude - you will go far with your skills.  I hope your business is going well.

May 11, 2008 12:19 PM
Greg Fox
Realty World Wichita - Wichita, KS
Techy Broker in Wichita Kansas

Just came back from Maui, west island tho....

Here's what I take from the Islands (I try to learn everywhere) - Bring the spirit of Aloha to where you are.  Shaka (sp?) and Mahalo

May 11, 2008 12:48 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Yes, I think there is still plenty of aloha going around.  Glad some of it rubbed off on you.

May 13, 2008 05:07 AM