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You can't put toothpaste back in the dispenser

By
Real Estate Agent with Carolina One Real Estate

We've all said the wrong thing at sometime in our lives and we all hate it!  Unfortunately once said - it's out there.  You can minimize it or you can correct it or you can laugh about it or if needed you can apologize.  

Ever say something that was such a waste of opening your mouth you just have to laugh?  How about something as simple as when you are showing a home, you come to a bathroom, and you turn to your buyer and announce "and this is the bathroom".  I once did this and the buyer and I just looked at each other and cracked up....he then asked me if I'd like to tell him what the big box that kept things cold in the kitchen was.  

How many negative comments have you made while showing a home just to notice the buyer seems to be digging it?  Yep, foot in mouth.

How many times have you asked about spouses or children or animals and it's quickly clear you went down the wrong road?

Don't worry.  These little moments can be eliminated pretty easily.

Ask Open Ended Questions!  

My 2 favorite:

"How can I help you?" and "Tell me a little about yourself?"

Do not add any of your personal views in a conversation that is about your client.  

Education a client as much as possible regarding the FACTS of a home and community.   

Allow your personality to come through in your style not in your views regarding a home.

Posted by

Laura Sargent

ABR, CSP, SFR

Carolina One Real Estate 

Email Me: LauraSargent.RealEstate@gmail.com

Direct: 843-509-2375

Helping clients buy and sell real estate in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, North Charleston, Hanahan, Goose Creek, Summerville, Moncks Corner, James Island, Johns Island, and Folly Beach


 

 

Comments (10)

Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

 People do hwith people they like...agents/lenders etc. who take a genuine interest in the client/customer and listen more than talk....ahhhhh...priceless !

Jan 11, 2010 10:56 PM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

Oh I try and let the buyers form there own opinion. If there is a structural issue or something that I think is really bad I say something. Otherwise MUM.

Jan 11, 2010 10:59 PM
Sue Wettstein Brazzel & Dipper Wettstein
Howard County, MD - RE/MAX 100 - Columbia MD - Columbia, MD
"Fast, Efficient, Hassle-Free Service!"

Laura,

I loved the title of this blog ... so apt!  Yes, when it comes to opinions about cosmetics and aesthetics, it's always best for us to keep the dispenser closed!

Jan 11, 2010 11:00 PM
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Laura...great post...always think before you speak. Have a great day!

Jan 11, 2010 11:20 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Laura....your best bet when showing a house is to say nothing.....just listen.....

Jan 11, 2010 11:28 PM
Home Loan Search.Online
Home Loan Search Online - Newnan, GA

I agree with Rob, think before speak. I spent too much time in my younger days learning this the hard way. Thanks for the reminder that listening is what's most important

Jan 12, 2010 12:27 AM
Gerry Michaels
Glasswork Media Arts - Gettysburg, PA
GettysburgGerry Social Meida

Laura, what's that old adage about being an idiot but if you keep your mouth shut nobody will notice...Great post

Jan 12, 2010 03:41 AM
Matt McLaughlin
The Pest Force - Myrtle Beach, SC

I am sure it is being said every day, "and this is the bathroom", haha I love it.

Jan 12, 2010 03:05 PM
Laura Sargent
Carolina One Real Estate - Mount Pleasant, SC

Thanks for your responses everyone...we can all work on the whole 2 ears 1 mouth concept!  I love listening to my clients - it's quite educational.

Jan 12, 2010 11:46 PM
Cathy Brosius
Arranged Smartly LLC - Saint Louis, MO
Home Staging St. Louis region

You're right, there isn't much you can do but laugh, is there? And I love your title!

Jan 16, 2010 11:55 AM