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Where were we?

When you take buyers out for the first time, do you ever end up at the end of the trip with them asking which house was the one they like? Gosh, I sometimes can't say. And that was very frustrating when I first started taking people out. But, being a buyer's agent, I knew I quickly had to solve this problem or I would be driving back to all the houses and that was before gas went to where it was before! Not my idea of making good use of my time and other resources. So now I have a list for each buyer...and extras because you never know if Mom or Dad or brother or friend is coming along. Then as we tour the home, I make notes of what they say on a sheet. So, reason would prevail that I now know which house had the great bathroom, right? I get to know my buyers pretty well, so usually I can come up with the answer now, and especially after a second trip. But, when you've just met them, use all the memory aids you can. Just some friendly advice for new and old agents! We all need all the help we can get, right?

Posted by Suzanne McLaughlin on 11/30/2008 05:59 PM

Comments (12)

firsttime buyers, clients

12 Comments on Where were we?

NOV

I love the idea of having them fill out a report on the house. I think that I am going to take that Idea because I know what you mean when they say, I dont know....I liked the one with the big tub...? ha ha

I use property sheets and a clip board for buyers so they can take their own notes, including a their ideal home profile sheet on top.I prepare them ahead of time - letting them know I will be asking if the house is a "keeper" after we see it. After each house, I ask them if the house stays on the list. and as we see more throughout the day, I get them to limit to the top 3-5

Suzanne, great approach. I have a checklist that I recommend buyers use when visiting homes. That way they can easily remember which features they liked best and which homes most closely met their requirements.

I do the same thing I also have them give me there feedback as we get back to the car

Hi Suzanne - yep - I use notes as well and at each house I ask them what they like and don't like about the home. It's also one of the reasons I limit the humber of homes shown to them in a day. My brain has a hard enough time keeping up never mind them! Gets too confusing. Have too sllloooowww them down sometimes so we can find what they are really looking for! The first 3 I can usually by then get a feel for their "taste" and taylor things from there as well. Have a great rest of the afternoon and evening... I think its time to call it a day and find that glass for wine...

I staple a sheet with questions to the mls sheet they get. I keep the agent version of the mls sheet to answer questions. Note do help and often the objections are overcome when they realize there are more positive assets to the home on the list.

Suzanne, I make note on the agent MRIS print out as we go through places. Can't depend on these old worn out brain cells to remember everything!

Very good idea. I do have them make notes on the sheets but I don't, I will be from now on.

Great idea. I take a list with me for every house and make notes on what my clients say, then copy it and give it to them with the listing. That way they can concentrate on what they are looking at.

You are all great. I do most of the things you mentioned. I just gave it an overview...giving you all an opportunity to add your greatest ideas and newbies to get some ideas. Thank you all for this evening. I'll be back in the morning to check in again. Right now, I'm with Val...where is that wineglass? Got to top off a really great weekend with a nice glass of wine. The fire is going, and there is snow on the ground! On to December, have a great evening, my friends!

Very good idea. I do have them make notes on the sheets but I don't, I will be from now on.

Good idea Susan! This list could really come in handy. Thanks for the tip.

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