Most home buyers fall into one of two categories when it comes to how they want to shop for their home. They either want to see everything out there that could be a possibility for them or they are the type that has only a few homes they want to see every couple of days.
I'm respectful of BOTH and love to shop with either one!
POWER SHOPPERS - If you are a power shopper, you probably have a list of 100 homes you want to see. Most of my power shoppers can narrow it down to 50 with a drive-by. 50 is a doable number . . . as long as you know the true essence of a power shopper! So what are the characteristics of a power shopper?
#1. Power Shoppers wear slip on shoes. No sense in spending too much time putting shoes off and on --we have a lot of homes to see.
#2. Power shoppers always leave children at home. They love their children but know they have work to do. Power shoppers don't have to stop to put little shoes on or curb a temper tantrum. They don't have to explain why they can't play with the toys in the home. They have one purpose--get through the homes they want to see.
#3. Power shoppers understand the time frame. They understand that they are scheduled to see a home every so many minutes and watch the time frame windows on the top of their showing sheets.
#4. Power shoppers will tell you if they decided the home was not a prospect just by sitting at the curb and
they don't take the time to "just take a peek". (Realtor note-make sure you at least go in and put your card on the counter)
#5. Power shoppers will tell you the instant they know this is not the right home and are done looking. They don't feel the need to look at the basement if they already know the layout will not work for them.
#6. Power shoppers don't take the time to turn on the water faucets, or open the closet to look for size, or to decide if a wall can be moved. They will do all that when they narrow it down and come back for a second visit. It either goes on the short list or it doesn't.
#7. Power shoppers are usually in and out of a house in 5-8 minutes.
SLOW AND EASY - So what are the characteristics of a slow and easy buyer.
#1. Slow and easy buyers are usually in no hurry to get through a home. They will only see a couple homes at a time but their list may only be a total of ten long.
#2. Slow and easy shoppers look at everything about the home. They will make sure they check the water pressure and the closets to make sure they are the correct size.
#3. Slow and easy shoppers will bring their children to make sure they feel comfortable in a home. Can their children see themselves in this home?
#4. Slow and easy buyers will never knock out a home just from sitting at a curb. They may be able to do something with the outside if the inside fits all their needs.
#5. Slow and easy buyers will sit down on the sofa to get a feel for the home. Does it "feel" like home to them and can they see themselves there?
#6. Slow and easy buyers need up to an hour to view a home and take in all the possiilities of the home.
No matter what type of buyer you are, please know that most Realtors will move at the speed is that you would like to move. Know your own speed and know how you want to look at a home. It is ok to let your agent know exactly how you want to shop for a home and it helps them tailor the day to fit your needs. If you want to see a lot of homes, be a power shopper until you narrow them down to two or three.
Many buyers who are relocating, fall into the power shopper category to begin with. Many times they are in town for only a few days. They want to see a lot of homes in several different areas because they only have a limited amount of time. Buyer who are relocating may be power shoppers for the first trip to town and slow and easy when they are making their final choices.
Above all, find a Realtor that meets your needs and that you enjoy being with. As buyers, you may spend many hours with this person. If they are not meeting your needs, let them know what your needs are. If they don't fit your style after you have made specific requests, then let them know and find a different Realtor. Find an agent you like and stick with them!!!
Happy Home Shopping!
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