To Drive or not to Drive? That is the question. Certainly with today's technology you can save time and gas by reviewing homes on line. However, with access to so many homes to choose from we are finding buyers want to check out more and more homes. Some buyers have the mind set they should check out every home before making a decision. Even when they don't make sense.
Some agents have started charging buyers a "gas fee" each time they take them out. Others have refused to take out a buyer unless they are at higher price range levels. This week I had one agent tell me they obtained their buyer because the listing agent told the buyer to find a buyers agent who would work with them in their price range. The agent gladly agreed to work with the buyer given in a few years the career path of the individual looks quite promising. The agent is looking for repeat business.
We have continued to take out buyers regardless of the price range of the home they are looking for. We do not charge a gas fee. We do however, put structure around the search. When we first meet a buyer we like to conduct a buyer interview and needs analysis. During this interview we will:
- Explain the home purchase process
- Develop a timeline in which they want to be in a home & how to get there
- Establish ground rules for going on tour
- View homes online with the buyer and discuss what the buyer does or does not like about the homes and the locations they are interested in to establish a baseline criteria.
Once we have established a starting point we set up several on-line searches for the buyer to automatically notify them when properties matching their criteria become available. We schedule our first tour and ask the buyer to start forwarding properties they would like to see. As the buyer develops this "favorites" folder we review the homes against the criteria we originally discussed. If a home doesn't meet the criteria we may take a home off the list after discussing it with the buyer. By sticking to the plan the buyer doesn't get exhausted and results are achieved more quickly allowing for a happy camper. We have also found that having a process and insisting we stick to it saves time and gas. Don't get us wrong we are flexible however, providing stucture makes for clearer communication and less frustration.
Are you a Buyer's Agent. What is your plan for dealing with today's environment? We'd love to hear your suggestions and what processes you have.
Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home.
If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com
To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com.
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