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Are you a listener or an interpreter?

By
Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty Washington LLC

When we first meet a client, we must determine who makes the decisions. This is easier said then done in most cases. Who does all the talking? Is the silent partner, shy, or waiting to convey their concerns out of my presence?

I try, first by listening to my client.  When I get conflicting messages from what I hear, I must interpret.

The danger of trying to interpret, when dealing with relocation, is that my clients come from all over the country and in some cases, the world. Our country is made up of a melting pot of lifestyles and traditions; too many backgrounds for any one agent to interpret. In cases such as these my job is to ask questions and get the answers I need to serve my client to the best of my ability.

When in doubt, ask questions. If you don't understand the answer, clarify...

 

How do you handle buyers, whose wants and needs are hard to put your finger on?

 

Authored by Paul S. Henderson, Realtor ®, RE/MAX Professionals & Four Seasons Inc.

Dupont, Lacey & Olympia, WA.

(http://phenderson.net) 

©2009 Paul S. Henderson, Are you a listener or an interpreter, All Rights Reserved

Posted by

 and courtesy of 

Paul S. Henderson, Residential Real Estate Broker 

Tacoma Washington 

Realtor ® BPOR, CRS, GRI, CDPE

Fathom Realty WA LLC

Serving

South Puget Sound in Washington State

 

 

 

 

Paul's Service Area


 

 

As a Residential Broker and Relocation Specialist, I sell homes in or around ,Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Steilacoom,  University Place, DuPont and Hartstene Pointe in Washington State.
Please visit my website at http://www.hartstenepointe.com to search for information 

(all information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed or warranted in any way)

Referrals are always welcomed and appreciated, Thank-you!

(As a member of the NWMLS, this blog post is intended to comply with NWMLS rules as pertaining to blogging.)

isspfmtysmily

iaa

 

Comments(11)

Marcia Hawken
WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL
Naples Luxury Specialist

Paul, I too, deal with people not familiar with our area.  They are making lots of decisions such as do they live near the water or golf course (tough, I know) .  You have to really listen carefully.  Thanks for the great post.  Listening is always good! Thanks.

Aug 17, 2009 10:52 PM
Rick Cordisco
Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty - Lake Harmony, PA
Pocono Real Estate Professional

Paul, you just do the introducing to the area with them. You are their window to your area. 

Aug 17, 2009 10:56 PM
Sandy Shores FL Realtor®, Melbourne Real Estate
M & M Realty of Brevard Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Brevard County Real Estate, Florida's Space Coast

Hi Paul, Great point. In dealing with people from other parts of the world we must listen very carefully, and if we don't understand, asking questions is essential.  Listening is definitely an acquired skill.

Aug 17, 2009 11:40 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Paul...

Good communication depends on the ability to listen and "interpret." Very thoughtful post.

Aug 18, 2009 12:04 AM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Hi Paul, you touched on a very important fact. Unless you're speaking with the decision maker, chances for success are limited. I run into this quite often when church members, secretaries, HR people, etc. are speaking on behalf of the person(s) in charge. Until you speak directly to the decision maker, you may be spinning your wheels.

Aug 18, 2009 12:30 AM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

Paul what a great question. If I feel lost as to what there wants are I show a few qualifying homes. This will usually reveal what they really want.

Aug 18, 2009 01:04 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Paul

Great post there is a big difference between listening and interpreting.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Aug 18, 2009 01:38 AM
Terry Miller
Miller Homes Group - Tyler, TX
Miller Homes Group and Tyler Apartment Locator

Paul, I have struggled for years at being a listener, but I get better as I get older, or my brain shuts off. LOL

Aug 18, 2009 02:17 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Paul..very good iterpretation..I am listening..thank you

HelpfulHannah

Aug 18, 2009 02:17 AM
Jim Crawford
Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA
Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Paul this is very insightful post, and relavent to real estate.  There are times that no matter how we are doing this it is hard to read and interpret what is taking place and who is the decision maker.

Aug 18, 2009 02:47 PM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Paul, as you know my clients are different than yours, however I too need to listen to what they want. Many customers want to know 'whats the rate' and although that IS important, you have to be careful. Some LOs will just quote a number.... its not until you really hear the complete story that you can quote an accurate number. Its easy to do, but often overlooked.

Aug 18, 2009 04:46 PM