That's right, I don't have to sell every home in Ventura County.
Since the Federal Government's announcement of a raise in the conforming loan limits, home buyers in my 
area, Ventura County, seem to have come out of their shelter. Open houses are packed again with prospective home buyers and inquiries from interested home buyers in Ventura County are pouring in. Whereas 8 months ago my open houses would have 1-2 groups of interested home buyers, recently I have been giving out 15-20 flyers per open house to the many viewers.
As I start talking to home buyers during my open houses, I have come to realize that a majority of home buyers prefer to preview homes without the pressure of a Realtor® or their own Realtor®. It is only after they have found a home they like that they call their Realtor® or a referred Realtor®.
When my open house is not to the liking of visitors, I ask them for a description of their dream home. As I listen we walk over to my laptop. In my head I already know which house would be perfect for this home buyer. I punch in their requirements into our local MLS and direct them to the house(s) which I believe meets their needs and requirements.
In cases where the prospective home buyer/viewer is working with another Realtor®, I suggest that they call their Realtor® and preview the house(s) with him/her. In some cases the other house(s) is also being held open, in which case I direct the home buyers to go and view the other open house(s).
The look of astonishment and appreciation on these home buyers' faces is priceless.
A few weeks ago I received a call from one of these home viewers. They informed me that they have been going to many open houses for the past 4 months and they really liked my sincerity and approach. They asked if I would be willing to become their Realtor®!!!!! WOW.
I am a Realtor® who loves helping people achieve their real estate dreams. I don't have to sell everyone in Ventura County a home, but as long as I know that I helped the ones that met me, then I have done my job as a human and as a Realtor®.
Serving Camarillo, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura, CA. My way of doing business is to think of my relationship with a client as a long-term association and not just a "deal".
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That is awesome! Way to go on getting a new buyer through no-pressure information! :)
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Good for you Mana, sounds like you're providing superior service to your clients. Keep up the good work!
Mana, I think it is hard for consumers to leave the safety of internet anonymity and go out in the world where there are real, live and oftentimes pushy agents trying to get them to work with them at any cost. I always try to remember when I was just a consumer and looking for a home and how I wanted to be treated if I wandered into an open house. I certainly wasn't looking to be glad handled and pressured. Great job on making them comfortable enough to approach YOU!
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is fantastic, I'm so proud of you.
Christina, Thank you.
Jim, I'll do my best. Thanks for commenting.
Lisa, I bought my homes before I became a Realtor so I always try to put myself in my client's shoes. I can't stand pushy people
Missy, Thank you. I'm pretty happy and busy right now.
Wonderful Mana! As in your area....open houses work here as well....and just like you...a helping hand is graciously accepted by a buyer who walks in....agent or not :)
Hi Mana,
Good to hear things are so active. One of the reasons (imho) you're doing so well is because you know your market, you know your inventory. Your professionalism and consideration of others shines through.
Way to go, Mana! You have a great technique and a big heart. I can see where it would be quite natural for you to treat prospective buyers with such sensitivity. I'm so happy that things have picked up and you are busy, busy!
Sally, That's so good to hear. I think the Real Estate Market has picked upped in most part of the country.
Lynda, Thank you my friend those are some really kind words.
Elaine, Now I'm blushing. Thank you.
That's truly a WOOHOO moment for Mana!! Being honest and not slimy got you a new client. It's amazing how the best agents manage to help the less than satisfied customers with Moments Like This!! Way to go girl!! **This is truly a good incentive for "Open Houses" as I have not had this kind of luck...YET! :-)
Susie, You will, I know you will. Just be the Susie we all know and love.
Mana you are a very classy lady and a professional with a lot of respect whom I admire deeply. Glad to hear open houses are picking up in CA that means the FL open houses are right behind you :o)
Katrina, Thank you for that awesome complement. I am sure FL market is going to pick up very soon.
Mana - it doesn't surprise me one bet - you are all the things people have written above and more and (always will be my bffe ) Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and Soooooooooooooo happy for all your well deserved success!!
Cydnee, My BFFE. It's so nice to see you here, I've missed you.
Thank you so much for that nice complement.
Mana-Rock on....I believe it and have always been a big believer in your services! Congrats your post was selected for The Blogger's Choice Selection Award Winner!
Midori, Thank you so much, I am truly honored.
Mana- I like how you work. I totally agree people don't want to be pressured, and if you just give them what they want, and leave them alone, you will indeed be remembered. Love the Title...as we sure don't need to sell everyone a house :)
Mana, I really like your approach on this post. I'm glad that my attention was directed here today as I missed it when it was originally posted. There are so many simple ways we can be polite and help people. When we do...life has a way of giving it back to us. Congratulations on your selection in the Blogger's Choice Spotlight!
I've slacked off in this department in recent years, Mana, as I've generally had a steady stream of buyers. Lately, I reminded myself that it was doing things like you note here to set myself apart that got me that steady stream of buyers in the first place. Some of my most loyal clients came to me via open houses. I've enjoyed rediscovering a few of these neglected techniques this year. With a general slowdown in my area, it's definitely back to basics time.
Kathy, Thank you so much. I generally can't stand pushy people in any part of my life, hence my approach to the way I work and represent myself.
Lola, Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I really do believe in what you said, that when we treat others politely life has a way of giving it back to us.
Paul, If you had successes from this technique before then as you said is back to the basics. Best of luck.
Mana, I am so glad your helpfulness is coming back to you with people selecting you as their Realtor. You well deserve it.
Gary, Thank you. As I always say I love helping people.