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"I'm the Real Estate Expert!" Who Gives a Hoot? (thank you Bernice Ross!)

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Empire Realty Associates

"I'm the Real Estate Expert!" Who Gives a Hoot? (thank you Bernice Ross!)

I subscribe to Bernice Ross' blog and I hope she doesn't mind that I am going to repost this for all the agents and real estate professionals that read our blog. I love what she has to say here. Would love to hear your opinion! Please post a comment below and let me know what you think.

"I'm the Real Estate Expert!" Who Gives a Hoot? (written by Bernice Ross)

advisorAre you still proclaiming that you are "the local real estate expert"? If so, you may be surprised about how few people actually give a hoot. According to NAR, approximately 50 percent of the web leads go unanswered. The reason is two-fold. First, web leads often expect instantaneous response. Second, they may take months of intensive follow up before they will contact you to do business.

At a recent conference, a speaker was explaining how she converts her web leads into closed business. The speaker's solution was to contact the web lead and to say the following:  "Congratulations on choosing a professional real estate expert to assist you in finding the perfect home for you. The next step is to call me for a ten-minute evaluation of your wants and needs. As a top agent, I have access to all the properties on the MLS as well as good deals that aren't listed. I know where the best properties are at the best prices. If you want to find the best home for you, call me."

The agent then repeated some other variations of this theme including, "I can help you get the best mortgage and the best rate-call me" and "If you need help with a short sale, I'm an expert, call me."

Sadly, this approach is a perfect example of what NOT to do in today's Web 2.0 environment. Any agent who markets this way will be in for a rude surprise as their business dwindles into nothingness. To keep this from happening in your business, here are the key points you must know.

1.  The "me-me-me" show is dead

As you read through the comments above, count the number of times this person used the words "I" or "me." The whole commentary is devoted to "How great I am." The tone is also me-me-mecondescending. "I'm the expert, you're not." To avoid this arrogant approach in your business, eliminate "I" and "me" and substitute the word "you." The goal is to be of service and to focus on the client's needs, not on how great you are.

2. "Experts" are out; "trusted resources" are in -  people born prior to 1965 (Baby Boomers and Traditionalists") value expertise. However, they want to be in control of the decision making process. Clients don't want to be told what to do by their agent. Instead, the expert model has morphed into the "trusted advisor" model. The agent's role is to supply clients with the best possible information so that the clients can make the best possible decision.

GenX1

In contrast to Boomers and Traditionalists who do value expertise, nothing turns off Gen X (born 1965-1976) more than claiming that, "I am the expert." Gen X distrusts expertise. They are highly independent, slow to trust, and insist on doing their own research. As one generational expert put it, "Members of Gen X believe they could pilot the space shuttle if they had a computer and access to Google." Self-proclaimed experts have virtually no value for Gen X clients. Instead, supply Gen X with plenty of resources including web links where they can do their own research. Be the trusted source for "great information."

Gen Y (born 1977-1994) also doesn't value expertise. Gen Y trusts their circle of friends (sometimes called a "posse.") Like Gen X, they will investigate things online, but their first level of investigation is to query their posse. When you're working with Gen Y, invite their posse to be part of the process. With this group, "Expert = Parent." Avoid parenting and behave more like a member of the posse. Send them interesting photos and videos of any properties that you have previewed for them. Once a Gen Y buyer has identified the top two or three houses that they may buy, encourage them to invite their friends to see the house and to provide their input. It's easier to overcome an objection that is surfaced in front of you than it is to overcome a negative Facebook post or text message. 

GenY

3.  Don't call us, because we won't call you - perhaps the most surprising part of this agent's approach is her expectation that a web lead is going to pick up the phone and call her. Most web leads will surf to another site if they have to register any personal information. Furthermore, Gen X and Gen Y won't even use their phones to talk to their parents, much less some agent who is trying to solicit their business on the web. As one Gen Y put it, "Talk on the phone-that's way too confrontational!"

If you want to connect with people on the web, be a trusted resource for all things related to the specific real estate niche that you serve. Your expertise is valuable; announcing it is not. Let your actions speak louder than your words. Furthermore, become a lifestyle expert in the areas you serve, whether it's the great little place to get the best homemade desserts or who is the best dog groomer. The resources and the service that you provide to others are what will keep your business strong now and in the future.

 

posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates

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Comments (3)

Anonymous
Heather McClatchey

Thanks for the repost!  I love the info. It is always great when you read something and it hits home. Being a Gen X'r I am always skeptical of the people who I meet that claim to be "experts", I always give them the raised eyebrow until they can PROVE to me their knowledge and expertise.

Great info to use and continue working with all generations.

Sep 18, 2009 05:18 AM
#1
Leslie Prest
Leslie Prest, Prest Realty, Sales and Rentals in Payson, AZ - Payson, AZ
Owner, Assoc. Broker, Prest Realty, Payson,

My husband still wants people to call, or give him a phone number so he can call them. I answer the email leads, because he may go days before he does. Oh well...

Leslie

Sep 18, 2009 05:54 AM
Empire Realty Associates Danville, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Lafayette
Empire Realty Associates - Danville, CA

Thank you for your feedback!

Sep 21, 2009 05:05 AM