What is the single most important tool in your tool box? I will give you a hint. It is not a widget. It is an instrument. It can be used anywhere at any time. It is not expensive. It does not require batteries. It can be used by anyone. It can save your career. Give up?
Are you taking notes? You should be! Taking notes during every contact with a customer is the single most important thing you can do to mitigate risk. This simple risk reduction technique. The changing Real Estate market brings with it, a plethora of new problems. Transactions can be a little more complex than they used to be. Realtors may be working with inexperienced buyers. Taking good notes, may be more important than anything else you will do.
Revisionist History: In the event a transaction fails to go smoothly, good note taking can be an excellent deterent to "re-writing" what has transpired. When customers get emotional, is when things can get heated.
Stick To The Basics.
The Who- To whom were you speaking. Get full names and company affliations.
The Where-Where were items requested to be sent? Company names, addresses, email, confirming phone numbers and time of request.
The What- Be specific. This is very important. What did you discuss? If you talked about properties which properties? Addresses, prices, and buyer remarks. If you showed properties, where, when, time in and out, and comments.
Document all follow ups.
and The Why: Risk Reduction
Should anything happen, having excellent notes (not just adequate notes) can allieviate litigation or a threat thereof. When something sours, the first thing that happens is the person who feels injured, will look to blame someone. "She said...He said..." Notes prevent this.
Keep you pen in hand at all times.
We strive to build relationships. Develop report. Work to obtain a customers trust. Don't be dupped. Protecting yourself is part of doing a professional job.
In the quest to modernize our business practices we must not forget the basics. Good Luck and sell well.
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