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I Would Love to Hear Your Story....

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Rulnick Realty, Inc.

As a means to get new business, I sometimes mail out what is called an “expired letter”. I mail these letters to owners who had their properties on the market in the Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach Florida areas, but whose house, condo or lot failed to sell and their listing contract “expired”.  A portion of my letter reads:

“I would love to hear your story and see if your information combined with my creativity may get your property sold.   I’ve found that sellers have unique insights that are often the key to a successful sale! What are yours? Please call me to share your story…”

Interestingly, I got a call from a gentleman who owns waterfront property in Santa Rosa Beach, and his listing expired, but he didn’t want to sell again. He was intrigued by my letter and said that was HIS line – “Tell me your story”!  He found it fascinating that I took the same approach, then he proceeded to ask me for “my” story. Of course, I was caught unawares and stumbled and stuttered. Was this a telemarketer with a new line, or what? It turns out he was for real and I found out I didn’t like talking about myself much, but I glanced around my office and saw a Derek Jeter poster on the wall. I told him I was a real New York Yankees baseball fan!  We hit it off, as he, too, was a fan of the Yankees and baseball! We talked and exchanged a few emails relaying our past baseball experiences, my going to the World Series, and him growing up listening to the game of the week. He knew all the players way back in history and recounted how his father had played for the minor leagues and how he was named after a famous baseball player! He inspired me and my husband to watch the Ken Burns’ “Baseball” documentary, especially about the Yankees of the 1960’s. I recounted this to my new friend and it was quite touching – to get to know someone a little with a brief exchange of our shared mutual interest.

Is there a moral to this story? Not really, but I do take a sincere interest in my clients. Everyone has a story. It may help me sell your real estate better.  Tell me yours!

It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!

Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Posted by

"It's Wendy... It's Sold!"

Wendy Rulnick, Broker/Owner Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Call Wendy Rulnick 1-850-259-0422

email itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

www.rulnickrealty.com property searches and community info

Wendy Rulnick helps real estate buyers and sellers on the Emerald Coast of Florida.

Rulnick Realty

 

Comments (7)

Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I always want to know the "story" and while I have my elevator pitch and other first acts, I'd rather hear about the client. I want to know why they bought the home, what was the one thing that motivated them. How does that particular desire play out today?

Oct 30, 2017 01:59 PM
Wendy Rulnick

 Elizabeth - I agree and that's why I was caught dumbfounded when he asked me about "my story" LOL!

Oct 30, 2017 02:06 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I hope you are enjoying a most productive month.

Oct 31, 2017 05:13 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Love this story, Wendy. I'll bet when this gentleman lists again it will be with you.

Oct 31, 2017 08:04 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

The story doesn't end. Sounds like you made a referral partner for life! Or until the yankees win another World Series. Either way a Loooooooong time :)

Oct 31, 2017 08:22 AM
Wendy Rulnick

 DOUG - THAT WILL BE NEXT YEAR!!

Oct 31, 2017 08:56 AM
Pamela Cendejas
Second Self Virtual Assistance - Kingman, AZ
Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235

That's so interesting that you were caught off guard when the gentleman turned your question to you.  We're so used to a WIIFM attitude that it's surprising when someone actually wants to know your story.  Great article.

Nov 03, 2017 09:39 AM
Wendy Rulnick
Rulnick Realty, Inc. - Destin, FL
"It's Wendy... It's Sold!"

 Thank you, Pamela. It really made me ponder.

Nov 03, 2017 09:55 AM
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

That is definitely a different approach than the dozen other letters he probably received.

Nov 07, 2017 06:47 PM