As a REBAC member you will find business-building tips and tools, vital information and time-saving resources - all designed to help you deliver superior buyer-representation services. Learn more about becoming a member of the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council.




SRES® Designation

Baby Boomers represent the largest and wealthiest group of buyers in the country.

Become an SRES® and learn how to address the mature needs of homebuyers and sellers 50+.

LEARN MORE



 

Current REBAC News 

COMMUNICATE WITH BUYERS ON THEIR LEVEL

By Janie Coffey, Agent Genius Magazine, February 3, 2010

An important part (it could be argued the most important part) of the consumer experience is good communications. The bad news is that communications is one area where we are told we, as REALTORs, fall short of customer expectations. The good news is that communication “issues” it is not difficult to correct. Simply find out the how, when and why of your consumer’s preferred communications MO and do it. Do it preemptively. Don’t let them chase you down but be the one in front of them with the information they need in the manner they need it. A commitment as simple as keeping them informed and in touch can completely change their experience.

Just a few key questions in the initial meeting will allow you to sort out most of their preferences:

1. “What is your communications preference?” (email, phone, text, etc.)

2. “What time of day is best for you?”

3. “Mr. and Ms. Seller - how much do you want to know about how we market your property, market updates, showing feedback and how often?” Some sellers want to know everything you are doing and some couldn’t care less or don’t want to be bothered with “details”.

4. “Mr. and Ms. Buyer – do you want to be sent everything so that you can sort through all of the options or do you prefer me to hand select the ones I feel meet your requirements the most?” One person could think you are being selective for selfish reasons and one could think you are spamming them, by finding out if they want some hand holding or are more DIY, you will give them exactly what they are looking for, no more, no less.

5. “Mr. and Ms. Consumer - these are the hours you can expect to hear from me and these are the hours I am not available. You can expect to hear back from me within X hours.” This sets the parameters of when they can and cannot expect a return call, email or text.

Continue reading the AgentGenius.com

 

New Marketing Models for Finding Buyer-Clients

The world has changed since I first entered the real estate business. Personal networking is still crucial, but the tools have changed: It seems that who you know, who you golf with, and what boards you sit on don’t matter nearly as much as they used to.

This is partly because buyers now have different motivations. Their top priority is finding someone who really knows the market they are most interested in. Being the “go-to” person is key. Buyers are also changing in terms of how they like to communicate and how they prefer to search for homes. The Internet has had a huge impact on both these activities. Buyers are looking online first and want to see who stands out in a market as giving them the best information and advice.

BY THE NUMBERS

I’m guessing I’m not the first agent who has told you that business is done differently now. If you remain skeptical, however, consider this data from the National Association of REALTORS®: According to the latest NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2009, 90 percent of buyers used the Internet as an information source in their home search, up 30 percentage points during the past six years. First-time buyers were even more likely to use the Internet.

It’s hard to look at this data and ignore the importance of establishing and maintaining a meaningful online presence. But what exactly is a meaningful online presence? I’m referring to much more than a Web site, which tends to be filled with relatively static content. Participating in online social media networks and posting new, important content on a regular basis, especially through a blog, allows you to actually engage in online conversations. You are much more likely to connect with buyers this way, rather than relying solely on your Web site.

Continue reading the Today's Buyer's Rep.



As a REBAC member you will find business-building tips and tools, vital information and time-saving resources - all designed to help you deliver superior buyer-representation services. Learn more about becoming a member of the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council.


Previous articles