This is a simple concept! But how do you do with it? We obviously can't be everywhere at once, and yet that's what our clients and colleagues expect. So where exactly are we to be?
Be There.... when your buyer or seller needs to ask you a question.
We clearly can't answer the phone or email every moment of every day. But we do have the responsibility to check on these frequently. Make sure your clients know what is the best way to reach you....and what timeframe they can expect for a response. Always do what you say you will do....be consistant with your follow-up and you will find foregiveness for an unusual delay.
Be There....when the home inspector looks through the house.
I remember when this was normal for both buyer's and seller's agents. The condition of the home is the primary consideration, in my opinion. I see many seller's agents....equity sellers....avoiding this visit. They are so afraid of finding a problem, I guess. I'm also starting to see more and more buyer's agents send the inspector on his own....without the agent or the buyers. I suppose it's because they feel that the "problems" are going to seem less important on paper...or perhaps because so many homes are "as-is" it's just one more item for the file. But my advice? Be There and address the issues professionally....not every home is the perfect fit!
Be There....when there is an "hiccup"
I like to think that one of my main strengths is my ability to problem solve. This can only be done if you pick up the phone and find out what the problem is. This is the difference between a Professional Realtor and someone with a real estate license. A home purchase/sale is a very stressful time for our clients, they need to know that we are there with them. We are aware of problems and are working to handle them.
In this market....they include, low appraisals, short sale deadlines, "subject to" conditions for FHA...just some of the issues. Our clients do not know how to resolve these items, maybe we encounter something new too.....but they need to be able to reach us and put their burdens on us.
Be There.....after the close when they have a problem/question
A Realtor relationship is a lifetime one....isn't that what we tell our clients when we ask for referrals? But we build this trust when we take calls AFTERthe sale. We do our best to ensure everything is smooth, we give them home warranties and we do final walk-throughs. But when the buyer notices a leak that wasn't disclosed, or a fixture that was taken by mistake....we need to respond the same way we did before we got our checks. Be there too! Our duty and relationship does not end with the check.
If we take this to heart....and are truly THERE for our clients.....we are Professional Realtors, and that's what our buyers/sellers expect.
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