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7 Must-Have's for Listing Presentations

By
Education & Training with The Lones Group, Inc.

The Lones Group, Inc.

7 Must-Have's for Listing Presentations

Gone are the days when you can just saunter into a listing presentation and hope your big smile and sunny personality will win over the potential sellers. The challenge today is that there are too many agents competing for the same listings because there are too few listings and too many agents. With listings being the hottest commodity out there you can bet you are not the only agent that is competing for the seller's business. Sellers need to be wowed and you need to show your worth and why they would be making a big mistake if they didn't choose you. Here are some of the most important things you MUST bring to your next listing presentation.

Show and Tell
Stop telling sellers what you will do for them and start showing them. This means you need to show up with full color materials that showcase your marketing, your photography and the special services you provide.

Data, Data, Data
Sellers need facts and figures to make decisions before they list their home and you need to provide them with more than just the traditional CMA. Show them how your market stats compare to other agents or to your local MLS. Show them various pricing models and show them historical stats. Sellers love stats and you need to incorporate them into your presentation.

Online Marketing
Stop talking about all the online syndication you will do and instead show them stats that prove that you have an online program that works to bring buyers forward. Take them to some online sites and show them how you marketed other listings.

Stop Saying Yes
Don't agree with everything the potential seller says to you. If they tell you they want to price their home at a price you know is above the market you need to articulate why that is not in their best interest to do so. Don't just say yes and agree to everything the seller says, learn to respectfully explain what options you feel are a good solution for them.

Get Visual
Your presentation needs to be multi layered, you should show your potential seller how you sell homes and why you are able to get your sellers more money. Track your list to sale price ratio and show that to the potential seller. Also keep a book with photos in it that show past listings , their challenges and what you did to overcome those challenges and win for your past clients. Sellers need to know you have solutions to difficult sales.

Show Proof
Give your potential sellers proof of your success by having a list of all your sales and the stats to go with those sales. Let the seller see that you are detail oriented and you care about results.

Personality Proof Your Presentation
Not every potential seller is the same and that means you need to tailor every presentation to match your clients. Don't be afraid to present more show and tell items with your visual personality types (Promoters and Supporters) while giving detailed reports to the data driven types (Controllers and Analyticals). The key is to tailor your presentation to match the client.

Today's real estate agent must work harder than before to STAND OUT because there is just more competition out there. If you need help creating materials to help you do that, do not hesitate to contact our office and ask for a phone appointment with me to discuss how you can compete in this competition listing market.

 

By Denise Lones CSP, M.I.R.M., CDEI - The founding partner of The Lones Group, Denise Lones, brings nearly three decades of experience in the real estate industry. With agent/broker coaching, expertise in branding, lead generation, strategic marketing, business analysis, new home project planning, product development, Denise is nationally recognized as the source for all things real estate. With a passion for improvement, Denise has helped thousands of real estate agents, brokers, and managers build their business to unprecedented levels of success, while helping them maintain balance and quality of life.

The Lones Group, Inc.

Comments(20)

Raymond Denton
Homesmart / Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
Irvine Realtor®

Good information, Denise - the Lones Group should be glad to have you on the team.

Oct 27, 2017 09:45 AM
Denise Lones

My team is what makes what I do possible. 

Oct 27, 2017 09:51 AM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

Great points Denise! Anyone needing some assistance with listing presentations need not look further

Oct 27, 2017 12:29 PM
Denise Lones

Actually, you bring up a great point I overlooked when posting. Two things for agents seeking more help with their listing presentation.



  • First, there is a lot of great listing presentation advice and resources at our Club Zebra real estate resource portal. Much of only requires a free account. See a list here

  • Second, we also retail an audio guide on listing presentations. I've put the downloadable version on sale for half-price if anyone is interested. Get it here.


Listing presentation skills are one of many things we work on a lot in the coaching groups I lead.

Oct 27, 2017 01:59 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Denise Lones Those are great list of tips for listing presentations.

Oct 27, 2017 04:53 PM
Denise Lones

Thank you John, great to hear from you!

Oct 30, 2017 10:14 AM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Tips like these are why real estate coaches are a must. We can't be expert in everything!

Oct 27, 2017 05:46 PM
Denise Lones

I've had the fortune to watch hundreds and hundreds of agents play through and practice their listing presentations. It's something we regularly work on in coaching. There's always room for improvement and it makes a big difference. Not just in presenting, but in any face-to-face client interaction. - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:16 AM
Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate
Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming - Laramie, WY
Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming

But my big smile and sunny personality  are so much easier than actually preparing....   Thank you for the tips! 

Oct 27, 2017 05:48 PM
Denise Lones

I hope I'm reading between the lines the right way here when I say that this comment made me smile and that yeah - preparing is work - but I'm glad you realize it's better than not preparing. - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:18 AM
Mike Kelly,CRS,CIPS
The MJKelly Team - Santa Rosa, CA
"One of Sonoma County's Natural Resources"

Just tell yourself when you are standing at the door, "It's ShowTime"! Also, 75%, according to NAR, seller list with the first agent in the door. So don't leave the house without the listing. All the goodies are nice but if you don't ask for the business you'll fail. Studies have been done with agents who present but NEVER ask for the listing. When you walk in the door and the extra key is sitting on the kitchen table get the contract SIGNED. Then you can do your dog and pony show. We listed a home yesterday for $1,495,000.  We had emailed the Sellers the CMA and our marketing materials the night before and also brought them a hard copy. They flipped through the marketing material and said, "Your reccomended price?". I said $1,495,000 and they said, "We agree". I then pulled out the contract, they signed and we took a tour of the home.  But I've also had 6 no's before the yes. This in itself is a good philosopy to have, "The MORE NO's you get the closer you are to a YES! Works great when cold calling. 

Oct 27, 2017 06:17 PM
Denise Lones

There are three very long held sales craft strategies in Mike's comment above (1) Always be closing. (2) Always ask for the close. (3) There's a yes behind every no. Now of these, #3 is the one that requires the most tact and I'd say the majority of sales people who put  #3 into action are probably doing it wrong either because they are asking the wrong question, are being too pushy, or are not reading their client the right way. I'll do a blog post about this in the future.


Mike, thank you for sharing. Glad you are doing well and great to see you here on ActiveRain! - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:25 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I think a lot of people got into real estate not realizing how much hard work and preparation is necessary to achieve success. That's one of the reasons why we see so many people get in and get out within a year or so.

Oct 27, 2017 07:41 PM
Denise Lones

Lack of systems (the things that make work reliably doable) and lack of consistency are often the killing blow to many a real estate career. That and the start-up financial requirements - how long to the first pay-off and the upfront costs of doing it right.


Always great to hear from you Marte! - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:33 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

There are some great tips here. Most of my listings are referrals, and the conversation and rapport is most important, not a dog and pony! They don't want to see a slide show. But they DO want to know I care, know what I am doing, and understand the local market conditions!

Jeff

Oct 27, 2017 08:33 PM
Denise Lones

This is a great response. Making a personal connection, dedication to professionalism and market expertise will take you a long way Jeff. Thank you!

Oct 30, 2017 10:43 AM
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Thank you for these timely tips!  I love that you mentioned that Not every potential seller is the same and that means you need to tailor every presentation to match your clients.  Once I had a client sit in on a presentation to a potential listing and they were amazed that it was not canned and just felt like a conversation with a friend.

Oct 28, 2017 01:41 AM
Denise Lones

Anna - You are very welcome! Glad to hear you are connecting with your audience.


This is where being able to read your audience comes in so useful. How to win the seller who's just not into listening? How to engage the husband who's bored while his wife is engaged with your information? How to confidently respond to questions about pricing and commission? There's a lot going on in a presentation, where all your marketing efforts turn into something under contract. I mentioned a couple resources in comment #2 where agent's can get help preparing for those challenges.


Have a great Monday - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:40 AM
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

Many great tips presented here for a super Listing Presentation.

One stood out for me, Don't say yes to everything the seller asks.

I think it is important to show how you negotiate not just say you can.

If you say yes to everything they want, if it is not in their best interest, they will not see you as a strong negotiator for them.

Oct 28, 2017 07:37 AM
Denise Lones

Absolutely. They are counting on you to be the professional in the room. If you are only saying yes, you are setting yourself up for broken expectations and turning yourself into a door opener. Be the expert instead. - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:45 AM
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

This is a great post with many tips. I agree that being a yes-yes person can be problematic and especially if you get the listing.  I would rather educate and set expectations early on.  It is much easier in the long run.

Oct 28, 2017 07:49 AM
Denise Lones

Chris - It's like you read my mind before I responded to John in #10. - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:46 AM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

Thought provoking - the listing presentation can not be static - it needs to evolve!

Oct 28, 2017 11:47 AM
Denise Lones

You're welcome M.C.! Good to meet you here on the 'Rain. -Denise

Oct 30, 2017 10:47 AM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Most of my Listing Appointments are coming from past clients who have referred me or a combination of all the marketing I've been doing for 25 years.  I used to come so prepared it took "too long" to present!  I have since found a way to bring my Bright and Cherry personality along with printed marketing tools and CMA presentation ... that does it almost every time!  Thanks for your well prepared blog on listing presentations.  Nice!

Oct 28, 2017 03:54 PM
Denise Lones

With 25 years under your belt, it sounds like you've figured out how to read your clients. Not every prop and fact that an agent brings to a listing presentation needs to be used, but be prepared to use them.

Oct 30, 2017 10:49 AM
Camille Victour
HomeSmart Realty Pros - Albuquerque, NM
Moving People Forward

Very helpful! Thanks!

Oct 29, 2017 07:24 AM
Denise Lones

You are very welcome Camille!

Oct 30, 2017 10:49 AM
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

Every listing presentation is different. I find that most sellers just want to talk--they may have a few prepared questions but they aren't interested in a laptop presentation of stats and materials.  They want to get a feel for the agent and if both parties are a good match.  I have all these materials with me but rarely go over them--usually leave them behind with potential client. 

Oct 29, 2017 11:30 AM
Denise Lones

Having something to leave behind like a sellers package is always a good idea. Sometimes sellers don't know what questions to ask until later on and if there are other agents in the line-up, what's left behind is what speaks for you. We have a great sellers package framework that we help agents complete when we are doing coaching.  Thank you Mary!

Oct 30, 2017 10:53 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

All 7 are not always needed when you employ #7

"Personality Proof Your Presentation"

I often call an audible, because once they are sold, stop selling!

Oct 29, 2017 01:34 PM
Denise Lones

It's true, personality proofing goes a long way. Oftentimes you will need bits of 1 through 6 in order to successfully do #7.

Oct 30, 2017 10:54 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Denise,

Do you use a particular service for your marketing materials or do you create them yourself? In that case, which printer do you recommend?

Oct 29, 2017 06:11 PM
Denise Lones

While I head all of the coaching side of our business, much of our staff is geared around designing marketing materials for our real estate agent branding clients. We create unique marketing materials for all of our clients that can be easily updated and used again and again. They are built in three formats so that agents have the option of using a home printer, professional printer or vendor service for printing. What I recommend depends on what you are printing. Brochures and business cards? A professional vendor. Listing presentation boards? We assemble those for our clients. Listing flyers and other hand-outs? It's going to depend on the listing. High-end clients will expect more from you. We've worked with many different print vendors, like ExpressDocs. If you want to know more about the design, branding and creation of marketing materials, give us a call (360-527-8904). Our designers live and breathe this stuff. - Denise

Oct 30, 2017 11:04 AM
Denise Lones
The Lones Group, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding

Thank you everyone for the great comments. I appreciate the extra thought some of you have put into them! Thank you.

Oct 30, 2017 11:06 AM
Dan Derito
Success! Real Estate - Brockton, MA

You are spot on here Denise.  Sometimes they are just ready to list with you and your smile and happy talk will work, but it's better to have all the bullets loaded just in case they want the entire presentation.  Nice post and also good comments.

Oct 31, 2017 05:50 AM
Denise Lones

Thank you Dan. Haven't heard from you in a while, hope you're well. - Denise

Oct 31, 2017 09:03 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Great post!  Standing apart and saying no and differentiating yourself might just get a realtor hired! 

Nov 08, 2017 08:27 PM