I have a lot of nerve launching a blog and going offline for a couple of weeks (and then some) right out of the gate. My apologies. We just sold our house and did a ton a prep work to make sure it was “show ready.” I guess it worked because we received good offers (out West there are still some places where the market is decent – we are grateful and fortunate).
But all throughout the process of showing the house, I noted the different communication styles of each real estate agent who had an interested client.
After a week of hubbub (game playing, posturing, wondering, assuming – yes, assuming, information trickling, faxing, emailing, masquerading, etc), I said to one of the “serious” agents with a ready-to-buy client: “Can we please just have a conversation?”
He appeared startled. And I smiled because I knew this screening question would become my mantra at future showings – that it’d be a huge timesaver for both me and my prospective buyers.
With or without the new mantra, I don’t think it was a coincidence that the winning offer came from the most coherent real estate agent of the bunch. She was credible, professional and clear. She didn’t leave any information to chance. Best of all, she was up front and didn’t play any games. The comfort level went way up and we had happy campers all the way around.
If you are starting this most popular real estate season of the year as a buyer or seller, consider the mantra – it could save you some precious time and money. And check out this candid post from Silicon Valley Blogger: Why I’d Hire This Real Estate Agent [Wanted: My Ideal Real Estate Professional].