We had "Show and Tell" at the office yesterday.
Well, not REALLY, but it was close. About twice a month our office has a "Group Think". It is a very casual meeting. We meet in our computer room, which is a sizeable area, pull up a chair and brainstorm about different ideas.
I don't usually go to this meeting. I just get other things on my schedule and usually skip it. Last week my broker asked me to come and be one of the "Group Leaders" for the most recent session. I said I would, but wasn't sure what I was getting myself into or what I would have to offer?
The topic of the discussion was "Getting Buyers off of the fence". My broker asked a series of questions of two other agents and myself answered in a group discussion format. It was great because we have an office of 150 agents and is difficult to cover in a sales meeting.
I found this to have been a really great way to bounce ideas off each other, some scenarios to use when discussing current market conditions with your buyers.
Some of the ideas we came up with were;
Have a "Buyer listing appointment" when I first meet with buyers. When we have this appointment we discuss this market I tell the buyers that this not a market for flippers if that is what you are looking to do, this is not the time. If you are looking for a home you should plan on living there at least 5 years and it might be longer, it might be shorter? But you need to plan on owning the home for awhile.
This market is one where you can negotiate your price and closing fees to help you with cash.
The interest rates are great. Even if you wait for the market to "bottom out" in regard to price, you may have a higher interest rate that might make your payment higher even with a lower sales price.
The key is the time a buyer should expect to own their property. It is called a market because they go up and down in cycles. It has always happened, it will happen again. It is the circle of life, Simba.
There were more ideas, these stuck out the most in my mind.
After we talked, supported and helped each other I was surprised that many of the agents in my office did not use a Buyer Information Packet when they first met with their potential clients. I brought mine out and shared it will all. The newer agents, and even some of the seasoned agents, really were appreciative of my sharing with them.
I think this was a very helpful forum for the agents and brokers to have a chance to sit down and really bang around ideas and support each other.
I guess I figured everyone had such a package? It felt good to help some of the agents that have been having their struggles. I hope it can add to their confidence and success.
Image from Google images
I think you use the same game plan I use. Or do I use yours?
It's a great thing to be able to sit with your peers and bounce ideas off of one another. I'll definitely suggest doing this at our next Sales Meeting.
I just stopped by your Do you have a Buyer listing appointment? post - got there via this one - great info for those that haven't read it yet!
Audrey, our office does these most Thursdays, and even an old timer like me can learn a lot. And yeah, I totally agree that you need a written presentation to leave behind for both buyers and sellers.
Hi Audrey,
I am not surprised that the other agents in your office hadn't heard of this. In fact, until your post on the topic and your friendly share, I hadn't heard of it either. Only the typical relocation packages. It's great to be able to learn so much here from others, as Kathy said, if this community were indicative of the habits of the industry at large, it would be great for the consumers and alleviate some of the calling out on the profession.