Before catering to potential tire-kickers, make sure they are at least prequalified and if from out of town, insist on a copy of the listing contract or you could wind up being confused with a used car sales person.
Some Buyers seem befuddled,bewildered while others perhaps even boarder on belligerent; certainly most are confused. The way Real Estate professionals show property has changed. Times have changed. The economy has changed. As a result few REALTORS® fly out the door anymore. Perhaps REALTORS® have just become more pragmatic. REALTORS® are not used car salesman known for the eager aggressiveness in pouncing on a would be customer at a car lot. The process for buying a used car and a pre-owned home are vastly different. So is the cost. In the past few years the supply of inventory was by far more limited than it is today. Lending practices have changed as well. In order for a sale to be successful or have a hope of succeeding, a previewing interview will help fine tune a buyers ability. More and more model homes are closing. This is a result of economics. It makes little sense to pay staff for sitting in a model home "hoping" someone may come to buy. As a result of a slow down in the Real Estate Market, what Real Estate professionals are looking to do is find the properties that best match a buyers financial ability.
Kiss Creative Financing good bye. While we love buyers, the days of trying to come up with some reinvented form of financing have gone the way of analog TV. Tighter lending practices, and documented ability to repay the loan will be the surest way of getting the loan approved. Pre-qualifying home buyers assures them the greatest level of success in their pursuit of purchasing a home of their own. It is for this reason many sellers have requested proof of funds, or a lender pre-approval letter with offers. This is becoming more and more popular. Most REALTORS® are not tour guides, chauffeurs, or willing to become them. The misconception that REALTORS® sit around waiting for a buyer to come through the door is unrealistic. It is also paramount to comparing them to the car sales people. While it is true they work on a commission basis, part of what they do is to PROTECT the public. This involves licenses, and knowledge of Real Estates rules and regulations. They do have a Code of Ethics...unlike the automotive industry. Over 80% of the buyers coming to Market have done some advanced research on the area and type of home they prefer. Buyers have become so much more educated and the way Real Estate Professionals have adapted is a sign of respect. So if a REALTOR® has asked a buyer to pre-interview, they are providing the best possible assurance they have of matching a buyer with homes they can afford. Consider it a service not an interrogation
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