I find if I keep my clients engaged in the process they typically remain Suzanne McLaughlin.  

Most of my drop outs were about to get kicked to the curb.  Most were told things they need to do and didn't do.

Seems to me that developing rapport is needed right from the get go.  There are many times, when the buyers call to schedule an inspection (so they have already been working with their agent for quite awhile) and I ask them who they are working with and they can't tell me their Realtor's name!  OR WORSE yet - the agent calls us to schedule the inspection and when I ask them the buyer's name, THEY DON'T KNOW IT!  Totally perplexes me!!!

Rapport is everything.  And yes, building a team is a good idea.  If someone genuinely feels you are on their team, they are not going to stray.

Hi Suzanne - Good advice. It's a lot easier to do when you have a partner. Mary and I have different strengths and personalities, and we've become good at getting quick reads about who should take the lead with a new client.

Hi Suzanne - it's really about getting to the truth --- sometimes the clients knows what they want or thinks they know what they want but it's our job to get to the root of the situation.  Are able to help them?  Do they want to be helped?   Do they want us to help them?

I'm very laid back with folks.  There when they are ready, but I am never the leader in the buying process.  I'm just the assisting person.

Suzanne - You must work together as a team, and you all need to be on the same page in order to have a good working relationship.

I try to developement a good relationship with people right away, and that really helps to hold them to me. 

Good morning Suzanne. I have found over the years, that the sooner you create a connection with someone the better the relationship will go. When that connection is not accomplished, very little chance do some business with them.

You are a master at finding the connection with clients.  And, I admire your emotional IQ

Suzanne, Finding the correct connection with clients is very important and many times not that easy. Take control but let them think they are not being controlled.. 

hi Suzanne, Great endorsement above by Don Sabinske concerning commecting with clients. Have a great weekend.. 

Hi Suzanne, Great post and good points. If I don't relate early on I usually cut them loose. I just don't have the time to spend to try to coddle. If they don't do what I ask then I have to move on.

Good Morning Suzanne McLaughlin : I second Debbie Reynolds 's comment for the lack of better words.

I engage my clients in the whole process because it is more effective this way. A relationship should always be a two-way traffic.

Suzanne

Thanks for the reminder and good kick, you know where. Back in January I pulled the files of all my past clients who I have not been in touch with lately and started emailing them to see what their current plans are. Got about half way through and the pile has been sitting since then Time to get in touch with the rest and maybe those that didn't reply. Can't hurt. cheers cvc

I keep my clients involved in every step of the process of buying and selling. Great post, Suzanne.