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Dream Buyer Client

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Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty

Dream Buyer Client

Lord knows I'm grateful to still be in this business of real estate (13 years and counting) and grateful for the clients that have allowed me to serve them.  Granted there are some that I've had to turn away for various reasons:  overloaded, not compatible, difficult or high maintenance.  There are some that I've even had to fire.  Again, for various reasons.  But then there are the dream clients that made the process painless from start to finish.  As a real estate agent, you just gotta love that.

What Makes a Buyer a Dream Client?

There are a laundry list of attributes that make up a dream client. I've only identified a few below so if you're an agent, please feel free to contribute in the comments your idea of a dream client. 

  • They understand the importance of getting pre-qualified.  If they come to you without having been pre-qualified, they take you up on your advice to do so and don't deem it as some sort of trickery.
  • They have a very good idea of their idea home and other important factors:  features, location, schools, proximity to work.
  • All decision makers are involved in the process
  • Realistic expectation:  they adjust their wish list according to the reality that they've discovered during the search:  what will my money buy?
  • Down payment:  they have required down payment and don't have to scramble to secure it before closing
  • Trust:  It's a two way street.  We trust each other.  They trust me to have their best interest at heart and I trust them to commit to the process and be upfront and honest
  • Honoring request:  The search for a home is such a time sensitive issue for a number of reasons but more so once there is an offer extended, during negotiations, acceptance of offer, etc.  Buyers that realize the importance of timely responses and respect timelines are less likely to have their transaction fall off the rails (i.e. approval expiration, home inspection period expired, loan processing stalled because requested docs haven't been submitted, etc).
  • They make offers that have a good chance of being accepted rather than throwing something out there to see if it will fly.
  • The Biggie:  They don't go making large purchases during the process:  No car, no furniture, no opening or applying for credit accounts.

Gratitude Is Everything

I could go on for a while but this is a blog post not a short novel. Working with what we perceive to be dream clients is a blessing not to be taken lightly.  No business can survive without clients, right? That's why I am ever so grateful for all clients that come my way.  I'm even grateful to be in a position to realize that not all business is good business and I don't have to accept clients that clearly can be best served by someone else. Gratitude is everything.

Show All Comments Sort:
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Charita - there is something to be said about finding that dream client.  To me it is about connection and when there is a disconnect of some kind, separation can occur.  Although it may be difficult, a lot can be gained from severing what we thought was going to be a connection but it never was.  Here's to discovering, exploring and realizing dreams.  

Nov 19, 2019 08:12 AM
Charita Cadenhead

I agree Michael about serving those that don't make a good first impression.  However, experience teaches us something and don't forget about instincts.  Right or wrong, I'm always going to go with instincts on this one.

Nov 19, 2019 08:31 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Great list, I have found the clients I have had the most trouble with have been those who are unwilling tot ake advice, always thinking they know better than their agent who does this for a living. It is frustrating and annoying, especially when they then feel it is your fault they are not being successful.

Nov 19, 2019 12:48 PM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

Nick that can be extremely frustrating.  That's why I believe in the buyer consultation.  I can typically establish that trusting relationship upfront and establish myself as the expert.  Not always, but definitely most of the time.

Nov 19, 2019 01:01 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Charita- one of your last lines is so true...not all business is good business. We have to make choices as to what we will accept to maintain our sanity!

Nov 19, 2019 07:13 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is very good reading for prospective home buyers.

Enjoy this season of Thanksgiving.

Nov 22, 2019 06:35 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh boy! I'm so with you on that last paragraph - and I might add, knowing when they're not the right one and referring those out - priceless!

Great list, Charita! I do love working with those who put all of their trust in me and allow me to teach them the way our CURRENT market is - not the way it was 17 years ago when they purchased their last home!!

Hope you have a great week ahead...

Dec 08, 2019 09:51 PM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

Nick it's extremely frustrating when that happens.  Especially when you know you know you know what the end result will be.

No doubt Kathy.  I just recently recommended that a relative of mind would be best served by another agent because I didn't feel that I was the right agent for them.  Not because they would have been bad clients, but based on their needs, I knew another agent could serve them better than I could and I have absolutely no issues with that.

Thanks Roy.

Debe time teaches us some valuable lessons.  What we know is that what they experienced 17 years ago has no bearing on how buying and selling real estate occurs in today's market.

Dec 09, 2019 06:30 AM