Below is an example of a ten-point satisfaction commitment one Realtor uses with his home buyers.
- Provide you with 10+ customer service during the entire buying process.
- Organize and schedule your home search process.
- Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each home in relation to your specific needs.
- Provide you with on-going updates on available homes.
- Help you to compare homes and make a decision.
- Advise you on the terms and issues of the offer and fill out the purchase offer contract.
- Present your offer and negotiate on your behalf.
- Coordinate and supervise the preparation of all closing documents and guide you through the closing process.
- Help you resolve any closing issues.
- Coordinate move-in and assist with any post-closing issues.
I have seen similar service commitments offered by Realtors in the Chicago area and elsewhere. As a rule, I am a believer in strong customer service. The problem I have with this type of service commitment, is that it doesn't offer anything remarkable. These are, after all, the actions you would expect from a specialist hired to help you find property. This is not a service commitment, it is an outline of professional functions.
We as Realtors have a very unique relationship with our clients, which, in my opinion, does not have have many close parallels in other consulting or financial professions. We meet our clients, who are often strangers to us at the outset, at a point when their lives are in some sort of upheaval. They may be changing careers, relocating, marrying, divorcing, expecting, grieving, donwsizing, expanding, retiring, and always on the verge of something new and unknown. We accompany them through a crucial part of that process, and often get to know more about them that they would ever voluntarily reveal to any other stranger.
Therefore, we cannot possibly address the range of needs and emotions they are experiencing with a ten-point satisfaction commitment. The most important part of this scommitment is the question posed at the end: "Is there anything else you are looking for in a Realtor?" Of course everyone is going to want the basics. That is a given. But the quality of the service we provide it directly linked to how well we listen to and address their answer to this final question. It is going to be different for each client.
Below are ten suggestions I came up with, based on real experiences with real clients. Most of these go beyond the basics, and most of them are contrary to standard advice about using your time with clients efficiently.
- Be willing to show your clients a few properties even if they think they are still months away from making a purchase. Many people cannot get an idea of what they want or can afford by looking at listings on the internet. There is no substitute for getting out in the field. And sometimes, their timing may change.
- Be willing to meet with clients who are not pre-approved. They may not be ready to buy this year, but if you treat them well, they will come back.
- Be willing to meet clients outside of your office. Some people have a fear of commitment. Put them at ease.
- Be willing to explore options and neighborhoods. Don't expect your client to know exactly what they want at the outset.
- Be willing to see your client as a human being, not a source of income with a 90-day expiration date.
- Be willing to change course. In your search, you may discover a solution you had not anticipated.
- Know when to leave your client alone to do some thinking without your input. They will let you know when you are needed.
- Balance your desire to close with what is best for your client. Let them walk away from a bad deal.
- Do not apologize for your client's low offer. Use it to encourage dialogue with the other party.
- Make sure you help them balance the desire for a good deal with the possibility of losing what may be a perfect home.
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