Putting the cart before the horse

I appreciate your telephone call today. Of all the Realtors in Fairbanks, I appreciate that you liked our website enough to call this us morning about buying a new home. Before we put our coats on and start looking at houses, it might be a good idea to sit down for a few minutes and go over what you're looking for, discuss the process, market activity, representation, costs, etc.

What? You've already got a list of houses you want to see? Well, great. Yes, I agree, the home search feature on our website is very handy. I'm glad you found it easy to use.

Would Monday morning be a good time to meet? Oh, you were hoping to see them this afternoon. Hmmm, I don't think I can make that happen. You see, before we start looking at houses, I need to know things about you and what you're looking for. If I'm going to represent you, I need to understand your objectives.

Your objective is to buy a house? Well, that's a good start, I'll admit. Let me ask you a question... are you currently under contract and working with a real estate agent? Sort of? Define sort of, please. Ah, you've looked at several houses... oh, with the agents that had the house listed.

Well, that's ok. It's still a good idea to meet first to form a game plan... What? You just want to look at these three houses? I understand that, but unfortunately for me to represent your best interests, there are a few steps we have to take before jumping into the whole shopping phase.

You see, Mr. & Mrs. Fairbanks Home Buyer, buying real estate isn't like buying a pack of gum, or even a car for that matter. Real estate is not an impulse purchase. A real estate transaction is a process. A process that begins by retaining a qualified Fairbanks real estate agent to represent you, identifying your needs and wants and getting you qualified with a reputable lender on terms that fit within both your budget and lifestyle so that you’re ready to write an offer when we find your new house.

Until we address those items, actually looking at houses is putting the proverbial cart before the horse. I have a couple of appointments open Monday or would Tuesday be better? You still want to see them today? I'm sorry, as much as I would love to help you achieve your real estate goals, I don't think we're on the same page.

No, no I won't show them to you today. You see, I spend my time helping those buyers and sellers who have committed to working with me. I've found that by doing that, I'm able to provide a superior level of service, which in return earns me not only their repeat business, but also the business of their family, friends and colleagues.

I do hope you understand this would benefit you as well. If I'm not rushing out the door to show houses to everyone who calls, I can devote more of my time to you. Doesn't that sound like a great idea? Great. 1:00 on Monday? 1:00 it is then. I'll look forward to meeting with you then.

Are you shopping for a new home? If so, we would love to help you. As with many things in life, preparedness is the key. Buying real estate is not typically something best done on a whim. A little time spent up front will make the process a lot easier and stress free. That's always a good thing.

Jesse & Kathy Clifton, better known as 'The Spouses' are full time Realtors serving Fairbanks Alaska buyers and sellers. They specialize in residential real estate; new and existing construction as well as undeveloped land in Fairbanks, North Pole, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base and Interior Alaska. Visit their website to review the fee market reports designed to keep you updated on the local Fairbanks Alaska real estate market. Have specific questions? Feel free to contact them anytime. They would love to hear from you.