Observations from a Beverly Hills Realtor: What do real estate clients expect from us?
In our over-saturated profession as Realtors - because as we well know, it is easy work! Anyone can sell a house! - how do you stand out from the competition?
I’m sure we can come up with a long and varied list. My strategy is quite simple - I answer my phone; I respond to texts and emails in a fast, efficient manner; and I do not use auto responders unless I am driving. Then my phone lets the texting party know that I am driving.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the global economy in today’s environment, I find that most potential buyers’ and sellers’ want and expect a relatively quick and straight-forward response and answer to their inquiry. They generally have done a good deal of research on their own before reaching out to me. Most of them have checked out my inventory on the various Internet platforms and have even Googled my name prior to contacting me. They know that I am a Beverly Hills Realtor who is gourmet cook (if I can indulge myself there!) who also appreciates good wines and loves his rescue pets.
As the legendary Vin Scully said, “ Good is not good when better is expected” So for me, It all starts with a quick response. In other words, communication is key. Ironically, most internet platforms such as Zillow/Trulia tout this same message. Unfortunately, they seem to have a “do as I say not as I do mentality”. For example, I have 5 emails out to Zillow regarding missing sales and reviews that they have not posted. For every email I sent, I have an auto responder that someone will get back to me. It’s been over 2 months and I’ve still not gotten a response to any of my 5 emails. Just imagine if you did that to a potential client. I can assure you they would not try to reach you 5 times over 2 months, but I am digressing. My point is be careful with auto responders vs. actual responses to potential and/or existing clients.
Since we have been in this Pandemic, inquiries I’ve received from potential land buyers and sellers have been serious ones. When they call on one of my listings, they are not merely prodding me, they are seriously inquiring to see if the property meets their needs and goals.
As most of you know, I have a no-nonsense style. Often if you heard me on the phone, you would think I was trying to talk someone out of buying. But vacant land is not for everyone! Generally you would want to know the negatives up front rather than down the road when you are in Escrow. Often the potential buyer appreciates my style and agrees and ends up buying a house or a condo with me as their representative.
I have also noticed, that there are many potential buyers and sellers who are having a tough time dealing with the Pandemic. I find that straight forward advise and leadership by example helps them better deal with the challenges of showing properties.
We all have been surprised how things turned out this year, not what we expected by any stretch of the imagination. This is a first for most, if not all, of us. As I’ve said before, when the Pandemic Shutdown first occurred, we were counting the days; then we moved on to the weeks and now we are counting the months. Is there an end in sight? Of course, that is topic for another post. In the meantime stay safe and healthy.
Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments.
If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly!
If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no one else could, please reach out to me directly!! If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 ( m) homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com I contribute a portion of my commission to local animal rescue organizations.
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