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Don't trash talk the competition!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Active Adults Realty

The other day I brought a buyer client to a new home community. As we entered the sales office, the sales person was still talking with another couple and their buyer agent.

"We're the only game in town," he was saying in a derisive tone of voice. "We have 40% market share in this area and so and so builder next door has only sold like 6 homes in the past year!" he continued. More talk at the prospects wondering why anyone would even think of buying a home from anyone else, etc., etc.

I looked at the other buyer agent and could tell he was just as unimpressed by this performance and ready to move on. My clients had gone wandering through the model home, so I had a minute alone with the sales person. I asked him to please refrain from trashing other builders and to simply talk about what they had to offer. I told him it was totally unnecessary and besides what he was saying was untrue; I have sold homes in the other community and know that they have sold more than he was reporting.

If you're the leader why do you have to put down the competition? It is so unprofessional and it just makes me wonder. Do you have 40% market share because you're the best or because you're the cheapest production builder in town? Perhaps your prices are lower because of quality? I could go on but the point I'm trying to make is -

SELL YOUR PRODUCT - DON'T TRASH TALK THE COMPETITION!

Comments(6)

Chris Hill
Century 21 New Millennium - California, MD
Your Southern Maryland Real Estate Professional

That is soo right! Good for you for standing up for the principle of it all.

Nov 05, 2009 07:54 AM
Jon Budish
Resident Realty - Fort Collins, CO

You're absolutely right! Most people understand the idea of quality before quantity.

Nov 05, 2009 07:57 AM
Terry Meyer
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sound Realtors - Olympia, WA

Kathy, I have only run in one builder who has had the gall to spew such venom as this.  I try to avoid them at all costs.  The reason they are able to sell at such low prices is the shoddy workmanship.  I am glad there are agents like you to set them straight. 

Nov 05, 2009 08:00 AM
Kathy Sperl-Bell
Active Adults Realty - Lewes, DE

Chris, I may be little, but I am MIGHTY!

Jon, Not all people do and sometimes the ones that go for price are a real surprise. Maybe they're not who they think they are?

Terry, Not sure where you are but I bet you could guess. I do try to avoid them, but if the buyer insists - it's not my home we're buying. This couple told me they have bought and sold many new homes over the years and "know the drill". OK then.

 

Nov 05, 2009 08:09 AM
Jeff Baxter
Jeff Baxter Mortgage Team - Bethany Beach, DE

Kathy -

Certainly not in lower slower :-)  Your comments are right on about any product, service or sales person. Selling is a positive activity (selling benefits, emotion, etc.) and should never have a denigrating focus.  Good on you.

Nov 05, 2009 01:55 PM
Kathy Sperl-Bell
Active Adults Realty - Lewes, DE

Jeff,

Thanks for the comment. There are gentlemen and gentlewomen in lower slower, but certainly not all and we all know who they are!!

Nov 06, 2009 12:27 AM