When the appliances around our home have an issue we call Rippe Brothers Appliance Repair. They've always done a great job of diagnosing what's wrong, fixing it, and at a reasonable price. They've earned our trust.
For other needs we usually have a go to we trust. Mortgage lenders, home inspectors, general contractors, etc.
One of the challenges as real estate agents is establishing that same level of trust.
If a friend or family member recommends an agent to someone there's a level of trust already earned via the initial client. If they trust the recommender, they probably trust you too.
A call from a sign in front of one of our listings doesn't have that basis of trust already established, although if you're lucky the brokerage you're associated with has done a good job of representing their agents and maybe there's a little head start there.
Someone contacting us from the Internet MAY have established a high level of trust based on what they've found. Did we present the information they needed in a useful manner? Did our personality come through our blog? Did we respond quickly when they reached out to us?
But even if we do all those things well, there's still no guarantee of trust, and we get a prime example of that the first time we meet with our potential buyers.
By Ohio law, when we first meet we have to review the Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships. Bottom line, it explains the different ways Ohio agents work with the public (for the seller, for the buyer or dual agency) and also touches on fair housing. It is NOT a contract to employ us, just a presentation of information with a signature line for the consumer.
And right THERE is where you learn quickly if the trust has been established. You can clarify all you want that it's NOT a contract, WHY you're presenting the information, etc., but a consumer that hasn't yet granted you full trust won't sign that form. It doesn't mean they won't continue to work with us and in time fully trust us. But honestly, we feel a lot better when someone is willing to sign the form from the start.
Interested in having us help you buy a home? Just give us a call/text at 513-520-5305 or email Liz@LizSpear.com.
Want to discuss further? We look forward to hearing from you!
Bill of Bill & Liz aka BLiz
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