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Why Buying Houses Is Like A Summer Road Trip

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

Road TripThis time of year many people pack their possessions for at least a week including the family dog and head out on vacation. Did you ever think

Why Buying Houses Is Like A Summer Road Trip?

Many common elements the agent like the driver handles like with his passengers, the clients.

  • Be Happy. The driver maintains good attitudes for all in the vehicle.
  • Stay occupied. OK don't be letting the clients watch DVDs in your SUV, but hand out the MLS sheets to them with the home details.
  • Be informative. Have a lively conversation back and forth about the local sights out the window, the school districts, the shopping, etc. 
  • Make it fun. Buying a home like a road trip is to be an enjoyable experience. Stop for rest breaks and refreshments, particularly on hot days. Laugh a lot!!
  • Be creative. No not counting red cars and silver cars out the window, but sometimes you have to deviate off your original plan and look at categories of houses you didn't intend to at the start.
  • Restful. Above all gauge your client's energy levels. Usually beyond eight homes to look at they all start turning into one big blur. Have fun but be mindful the little ones can easily get tuckered out.

Did I just say clients can be like children???

Snorkel

Sleeping Kid

Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Very interesting analogy.

I really would like one of those cushy chairs for myself..............

Jul 11, 2009 03:52 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Gary - You are so right and thanks for the read!

Jul 11, 2009 04:01 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Gary... I would think eight homes would be the max for many buyers, any more than that and confusion will set in.

Jul 11, 2009 04:05 AM
Katiejo Franks
Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Scottsdale, AZ

It was a pleasure reading your post this morning. Thanks for the contribution today

Jul 11, 2009 04:10 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Gary-All great ideas and common sense. This works in all aspects of life and it does help if you keep the child like wonder of a 12 yr old. <SMILE>

  • Be Happy. The driver maintains good attitudes for all in the vehicle.
  • Stay occupied. OK don't be letting the clients watch DVDs in your SUV, but hand out the MLS sheets to them with the home details.
  • Be informative. Have a lively conversation back and forth about the local sights out the window, the school districts, the shopping, etc. 
  • Make it fun. Buying a home like a road trip is to be an enjoyable experience. Stop for rest breaks and refreshments, particularly on hot days. Laugh a lot!!
  • Be creative. No not counting red cars and silver cars out the window, but sometimes you have to deviate off your original plan and look at categories of houses you didn't intend to at the start.
  • Restful. Above all gauge your client's energy levels. Usually beyond eight homes to look at they all start turning into one big blur. Have fun but be mindful the little ones can easily get tuckered out.

FORGOT ONE THING-BE SWEET(LIKE THE PIC) That is the way to peoples hearts. AND of course LOVING <smile>

pic

 

 

Jul 11, 2009 04:28 AM
Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Gary, great analogy!  I love it!  I do enjoy reading your posts, and this one is no exception!

Jul 11, 2009 04:42 AM
Eileen Hsu
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Clients are like the biggest kids! You have to consult them, pamper them, make them happy and then finally put them to sleep!!! :)

Jul 11, 2009 05:00 AM
Betina Foreman
WJK Realty - Austin, TX
Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY

Cute post. I think 8 is plenty for most buyers. They often forget we may show many more than that if you have multiple buyers.... I keep snacks & some small toys in my car to keep kids entertained.

Jul 11, 2009 05:06 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Like your list!   And your effervescent manner.

Jul 11, 2009 06:36 AM
Wendy Montoya, REALTORĀ® Broker Associate, 254-315-4906
Towne Adams REALTORS - Waco, TX

Great advice. If I am out showing several homes in this hot TX summer, a small ice chest with cold water bottles comes in very handy.  The analogy is a good one. Keep the passengers happy and you make for a happy day!

Jul 11, 2009 07:12 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Gary:  Great post!  Building in those breaks for a quick cup of coffee, or even lunch, can not only give us a chance to re-energize ourselves, but it also gives us a chance to connect with our clients.

Jul 11, 2009 07:46 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Ralph: I need a cool child's chair too.

Robert: Sure thing.

Steve: Usually "I" am at my limit of time, driving and turn to mush brain at about the eighth house.

Katiejo: You are welcome.

Sharon: There I go getting fat with your sweets again. But it sure does look tasty.

Tony & Darcy: Thank You. Thank You.

Eileen: I can put the adult children to sleep with my non-stop talking LOL.

Betina: I haven't done the toys thing but that is a great idea to have your own for the little kiddos.

Li: Mr. Fizzy, that is me LOL!

Wendy: The in the vehicle ice chest is a great idea!!

Chris Ann: The breaks do refresh I agree. I do the bottled water, or the sno cone stands, lunch or just pop into some coffee shop along the way.

Jul 11, 2009 08:32 AM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

It looks like that little boy has been shopping for houses all day long. Its always comfortable to sleep in the car during a road trip.

Jul 11, 2009 09:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Gary,

Another excellent reminder..great analogy. It really is like going on a summer vacation..hopefully not Clark Griswold's style!

Jul 11, 2009 10:22 AM