One of the most important parts of a real estate agent's job is to maintain communication with buyers and sellers. For me, that means emailing or calling them on a regular basis. It also means the communication must go both ways to really be successful.
When working with a seller, I think it's important to let them know what kind of activity we've had on their house (even if we haven't had any inquiries in a given week), provide feedback from open houses and private showings, and keep them up-to-date on what is happening in their market. Have any of the homes they're competing against received an accepted offer? Have any closed? Have any adjusted their price? Where are they positioned in relation to the competition?
When working with a buyer, maintaining communication means keeping them informed of new listings as they become available as well as informing them of price adjustments or other changes in listings they've shown an interest in.
Just as my buyers and sellers expect and appreciate communication from me, so do I expect and appreciate it from them.
Hearing back from a seller in regards to feedback received from potential buyers or when suggesting repositioning the house in the market (i.e., adjusting the price) is invaluable. It tells me they are receiving my messages and hearing what I'm telling them.
Hearing back from a buyer regarding listings that are forwarded to them or whether or not their purchasing plans have changed is just as invaluable. It helps me to know if the homes being sent are "on the mark" or if they're even still interested in buying a new home.
My sellers' and buyers' time is valuable. My time is valuable, too. Maintaining an open line of communication from the beginning of the relationship helps all stay on target and use our time in the most productive and efficient way.
Respond to emails. Respond to phone calls. Keep each other informed of what's going on and what your plans are. That can only help all of us work better together in helping sellers and buyers reach their real estate goals.
Talk to me. I will listen!
Well written...simple but so true...too often we don't work hard enough to keep and "groom" the listings or buyers we have...then we wonder why they don't re-list with us...
Just like any other business, it's more efficient to take care of current and past customers, then it is to try to recruit new ones.
With your permission, I'm going to copy this to my agents.
Have a great year!
Hi, Dave
I am flattered. You are welcome to pass this on to your agents. Thank you for your kind words. I wish you a great year, as well!