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REAL ESTATE SALES TIP #1: NEVER TELL THEM WHAT YOU DO...

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential

I guess I shouldn't say never...

But they have to ask.  They almost always do.

My Mom used to say it was "passive aggressive".  I just say it works...

Keller Williams

I just met a nice couple outside my home...

Sean and Pam.

I had seen them move in a few days prior.

Their moving van pulled up just after a tornado siren went off here in Naperville, Illinois.

I warned them of the threat, and we both retreated to the relative safety of our homes.

I saw them again today.  I was chipping golf balls in my front yard and they pulled up in their car.

Since we are only a few houses apart, I walked over to say "Hi."

They seem like real nice people. 

Just moved in from Pennsylvania, they were renting the home.

Interested in the Naperville school system, I think I reassured them they had moved to the right place.

I wanted them to feel welcome.  I believe they did.

But I never mentioned what I did.  They didn't ask...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.  A mortal sin for a Realtor.  At least the name badge wearing Realtors.

But there is another way...

I think volunteering that "I am a Realtor," is a bit cheesy.

We talked.  I found out what Sean did.  But I never mentioned my job.

They never asked.  I know they were curious...

But I don't volunteer it.

We will see each other again.  Soon...

I am very visible.

Today was not the day.

Ken

Comments(8)

Bryan Watkins
LRA Real Estate Group - Mesa, AZ

Hey Ken, how to make it all professional is often the trick. Don't want to be pushy, but then want to be very cool about it. nice post to remind us.

Jun 27, 2010 10:09 AM
Andrew Herren
Craig Massee Real Estate - Milledgeville, GA

Great blog. I always make friends first anyway. If you jump too soon they will think that all you think of is real estate and making a dollar. I don't want to think about work 24-7 anyway and I don't surround myself with other agents that do.

Jun 27, 2010 10:13 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Andrew and Bryan.  Thanks for stopping in!

I thought I was going to be shelled...

:)

I hope you have a great weekend!

Ken

Jun 27, 2010 11:02 AM
John Walters
Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA
Licensed in Louisiana

Ken we have to walk a fence most of the time.  Too pushy and they get scared.  But we also need to show some interest.  Like I said a fine line.

Jun 27, 2010 02:13 PM
Linda Kemp
Keller Williams Realty Infinity - Naperville, IL
Stager and Relocation Professional

Ken it's sometimes difficult--we don't want to be secret agents but we also don't want to walk around with s big sign on our foreheads!

Jun 28, 2010 01:20 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Linda and John.  Thanks for reading...

You certainly don't want to be a secret agent...

I have found if you just ask questions and listen, the conversation usually twists to what I do...

Thanks again,

Ken

Jun 28, 2010 02:03 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Ken -- sounds like you followed you gut instinct, which is the right thing to do. There will be a time for them to learn what you do, and you'll already be their friend.

Jun 28, 2010 05:25 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Lottie.  Thanks.

I believe in being very visible.  I am naturally very social, and meet a lot of people...

I'll let them know when they ask...

Thanks again,

Ken

Jun 28, 2010 10:26 AM