I Promise, I Won't Call You... I hadn't said, well actually typed that to anyone before. His email to me was clear, "I've signed up on your website to search for Lake Mary homes and I'm giving you my phone number, but you must promise not to call me." Okay, I wrote back, I Promise.
I've kept my promise for over three months, we exchange emails on almost a weekly basis... He often has questions about a home or wants to know the taxes, but he doesn't want me to "sell" him. I never push or sell, I provide information, advice, opinions and guidance but I've never used a sales "technique" on someone to pursuade them to purchase a home.
Instead of taking on the role of "sales person", I prefer to think of myself as a guide... Informing buyers and sellers about the process and facilitating their purchase or sale, that's truly what I do. Because, as we all know... when you walk into the house and it's the one that you want, you're already sold. How do I know, because that's how I bought my home. I knew it from the moment I opened the door.
Move To Lake Mary.com with The Summers Team
Lake Mary Florida Real Estate
Debbie Summers, Lake Mary REALTOR, Blogger, ALHS, ePRO
407-758-1020 or Debbie@MoveToLakeMary.com
Search for Homes For Sale in Lake Mary & Seminole County, Florida
wow thats restraint. I would call the guy the first day and ask him why he didnt want me to call him. I don't like to not be in control of what is going on i guess.
I like that Debbie and agree wholeheartedly. You have to make them comfortable. If they don't like to talk on the phone, they don't like it and when we respect them that way we build rapport with them. KM
Robert - I find with "online" buyers that you have to accept their boundaries... They are afraid of REALTORS being pushy with them, I respect that.
Kristin - It's true... A buyer that came to me online in July, who never reached out for me until October just closed on their home. Building a relationship is so much more important to me than gaining "control".
I personally love the ones that LOVE to text and email our way through the transaction. My favorite buyers & sellers!
Kristin - I prefer to communicate with all parties via email... it holds people accountable (including myself)... I always ask what a buyer or sellers preferred method of communication is, it really is all about them.
Remember, if it is worth doing, its worth doing for free. When I was a new agent, I was just one who helped others sell theirs, I think. Have gotten a little better since then. Many want to buy from listing agent, starting to here the chior crank up. One of my biggest buyers had me take him out looking at others' properties, I guess just to check me out, then he bought one of my listings for 945k cash. You just never know. I liked your blog! So many are just looking. The last client that put their phone number on my website has a mobile in a mobile home park that they rent. Talk about a 180 on that lead. Internet? I hope my grandchildren become computer geeks, could use a blackhole type lead capturing tools.
You are the Best Agent in your Market!
Larry - Well said... I'm here to help people and I'll never forget it. The internet really empowers buyers and sellers and I'm all for it.
Thank you for your kind words.
Debbie I agree that is the best stance to take. I have had buyers that it took a year of talking back and forth online before we meet and moved forward. We are educators not sales people.
Happy New Year and thank you for everything!
Debbie:
Someone said you must win their hearts and minds first, then you can make a sale. I don't really know if anyone really said that, I just thought it sounded good.:)
People need to feel comfortable to buy from you. Give service and build a respectful relationship. If he is going to buy then so be it.
I think your doing the right thing. Buyers in this market have to get themselves ready, this my be his way.
Happy New Year!
Richard
I very rarely call my internet leads, unless they ask me to. They are on the internet for a reason. They want to search at their leisure and gather information. I email quite often, mostly through a drip campaign, but calls are very rare, and many contact me when they're ready because they appreciated that I left them alone.
Heather - It's all about working within their comfort zone... I agree, we aren't sales people - we are guides.
Elayna - I agree with you, it's all about the relationship.
Richard - I'm going to quote you on that... I can't tell you that one of the best compliments I've ever received is from a first time buyer's parents who thanked me for being so patient with their daughter and son in law. I built a relationship that will last.
Debbie,
Its all about comfort level, isn't it? By allowing this buyer to remain comfortable, you're showing him respect. What goes around, comes around. Good for you!
Hi Debbie~ I say give the buyers what they want. He certainly made it clear he didn't want any calls. He will probably call you when he is ready. I love it when we all know our boundaries. It is much easier on everyone! No one likes pushy people. I know I don't.
I've closed deals where I have never talked to the buyer. It has been all through email, fax, and Fedex. My clients actually prefer a hands pff approach.
:) Giving consumers what they want (or not giving them what they DON'T want) is what makes good salespeople GOOD salespeople. Way to go! :)
Amy - I agree it is all about respect.
Vickie - I know why folks are shopping online, they want the information at an arm's length... I'm happy to give it to them and let them know that I'm always here if they need me.
Chad - We also have sold property and never met the homeowners in person... Good communication regardless of it's means is the key.
Lisa - Thanks for the kind words... I try to give people exactly what they are looking for, it's that simple.
If someone makes such a request you're smart enough to honor it. I have a few clients who've made such requests and it's easy enough to use the other technologies to still manage to get things done. Also... I like buyer representation for the same reason you mention. I prefer that people not see me as a sales person but, rather as a person who helps you find the house you want to buy.