Melva Reid Exit Realty Optimum 902-403-5420

No matter the gender, it's a fact of life that we must be security-conscious.

As a new agent, I would be very interested in knowing how others handle the issue of the first meeting with prospective clients. My office is located in an industrial park about 30 minutes away from my residence and I'm not sure I would feel any more secure having new clients meet me there after hours.

There is a coffee shop nearby but this may not be professional or private enough for a first meeting; as we all know....first impressions are important!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.....have a wonderful day!

Melva

We all know how important the online factor is to the Real Estate business; but IMHO the personal touch will always be at the centre of customer satisfaction and networking.

This week I began door-knocking my neighborhood, which is also my farm district......simply to introduce myself, wish my neighbors a Happy New Year and leave them with a gift of a magnetic fridge calendar [with my business card attached].

People are more likely to keep a calendar than a newsletter so this will be my brand 'me' strategy for January.

So far the response has been positive....and hey, it's good exercise!

From winter wonderland......have a great weekend!

Melva

In this time of uncertainty, let's choose to be proactive and optimistic.....let's believe in ourselves and regard obstacles as opportunities! With good health all things are possible!

May the new year be everything we wish it to be.....Happy 2009!

I met a potential buyer client when sitting an open house recently; being new to the business, I was excited with the possibilities. She stayed to chat for quite a while and I thought this could be the real deal!

She readily gave me her contact info and a couple of days later I followed up with her and made suggestions as to how to proceed. With her permission, I added her to my prospector list so she could get the scoop on newly-listed properties and added her to my online newsletter. I also invited her and guest to our office client Christmas party. I have not heard back from her......

So now I am wondering....is this a bit like a first date? You want to make a good first impression, show interest and yet not present as desperate or clingy. I must remember she doesn't know me personally and perhaps felt that I might become too pushy. So I made no further contact with her, feeling that the ball is firmly in her court.....and of course there's always the possibility that she just may not be a truly motivated buyer.

So here's the question......with a motivated buyer, how many touches are appropriate to show your prospective client that you are a top-notch real estate professional, without being perceived as an over-anxious first date! ;-)

Hi all......with so much knowledge and experience on this site, I surely don't intend to re-invent the wheel.

But maybe you'll find a suggestion or two that you can make your own! And of course comments are welcome! [I apologize in advance that the font is too big!]

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1. The house should be pristine…give homeowners a list of items to check before the big day. Visitors will notice the smallest details.
2. Several days ahead, mail out advertising flyers to other households in the neighborhood; advertise the open house notice everywhere you can….newspapers, online, bulletin boards, riders etc.
3. On the day of, put two frames on the property and also at nearby intersections; balloons will make them more noticeable.
4. Stage the house anytime of year with light music and apple juice/cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove.
5. Greet visitors with enthusiasm….and qualify by asking “How long have you folks been looking for a home?”[ you’ll find out which ones are seriously interested in this home or other homes.]
6. Serve coffee and cookies…..the aroma of freshly-made coffee and cookies [the slice ‘n’ bake type] create a pleasant ambiance as well as give you an opportunity to chat with serious buyers. [a good time to ask if they are working with an agent.]
7. Have packets prepared for each guest with about 10 other area listings of similar properties…and include a map, with numbers showing the locations of those listings. Naturally it should promote ‘brand [you]’.
8. Are you ready for this one??.....consider using a gimmick….my broker uses a ceramic talking frog on the doorstep with a taped message, set off by sensors. [I’m not kidding! ] This serves two purposes…..visitors will enter the home grinning and people will remember you for your uniqueness. Don’t worry….when you get to the close, they will see that you can be serious too. Since this is a bit over the top, you have to know your neighborhood culture as well as your own comfort level! But the point is….don’t be afraid to put yourself out there……don’t be passive! Pay a visit to your local novelty shop.
9. Never ask “what did you think”…too vague …and visitors will respond in a way that is just as vague.. Recently I asked “what do you think of the price” which is much more specific and then I was able to give my homeowners the feedback that respondents thought the property was over-priced. You’re working for free if you have an over-priced home, longterm. [BTW, the homeowners did reduce the price.]
10. Go for the close…..have documents with you….and at the very least get contact information by explaining the advantages of working with a realtor, such as:
    1. the seller is going to pay the commission, so take the opportunity to use the services of a buyer’s agent.
    2. realtors have access to mls listings before others do, so clients will have the ‘scoop’ with such applications as ‘prospector’ et al

PS….Enjoy the process…but remember you are ‘on stage’ and will feel exhausted at the end of the Open House, which incidentally should go 15 minutes beyond, for those late-comers. It’s a curiosity of human nature that folks are prone to do that. ;-)