Seller's Reality Check

In this price-driven market most Buyers aren't letting their emotions interfere when they decide to purchase a home--they're looking with their pocketbooks, not their hearts. A Seller's
reality check may come only after the listing has languished on the market for several months without a nibble. Losing a home sale to a competing and lower priced home down the street can be an eye-opening experience for many Sellers who may then decide to cut their price. Unfortunately, most Seller's tend to like incremental price cuts (which only serve to make them look desperate) rather than one big decrease that will generate more interest.

Your first three weeks on the market are important. That is when you'll have your most showings with the most potential. Qualified Buyers are out there and they know the market! If a house is overpriced and in poor condition, chances are it won't make a Buyer's "showing cut"! Buyers keep abreast of the real estate market in their areas of interest via the Internet where they can view photos and compare similarly priced homes. Houses that haven't kept up with the times can't compete with those in the same price range that have been updated (kitchens, baths) and freshly painted.

The days of multiple offers are long gone. Sellers who offer a desirable product at a competitive price will reap the benefits of today's ever-changing marketplace.

Consistency and Texting

Although it is illegal under the Can-Spam Act of 2003 for real estate agents to bulk email or text message individuals without permission or prior business dealings, text messaging is a good way for agents to build their client base and forge relationships with prospects. A text-saavy agent can often obtain permission to send future texted communications simply by listing their text message address on for-sale signs, websites, flyers and mailings. This enables potential clients (or pcs) to text agent with inquiry questions thereby opening a legal channel of communication. The affordable Text Lead Circular service from Real Closer Software ensures that prospects who text message the agent for more information are sent a response from the agent immediately. Additionally, the service facilitates follow-up contact by capturing the prospect's cell phone number and forwarding it via cell phone or e-mail to the agent.

Consistency and The Prospective Client

A recent NewsGenius publication (updated news source for top real estate agents) states that a Realtor's business can increase dramatically (by 40% or more) simply by taking advantage of one of the key opportunities in the real estate business; follow up. I agree! Many people have asked how I continue to manage and maintain a successful real estate practice in the midst of an ever-changing market. One of the answers lies in consistency.

As an experienced real estate agent with over $24 million in sales volume last year, I have found that immediate follow up, either by phone or email is one of the best ways to contact and keep in touch with prospective clients. Many of my initial contacts come from sign or add calls, open houses, personal acquaintance, past clients or referrals and are usually willing to provide a cell phone number and/or email address when asked. Prospects like to receive immediate notification when a property fitting their identified criteria is listed or more importantly, about to be listed.