Dear reader,
I will no longer be posting to this blog. From now on go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com
To move writers' careers along, is what I am saying helpful?
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If you want info on buying or selling a home, go to www.yourstopforrealestate.blogspot.com.
To receive Sherpa tips on entrepreneurship, go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com and for my ideas on the practice of real estate, go to www.yourstopforrealestate.blogspot.com.
To read my mystery, The Case of the Kearney Music School Murders (2007), for free at wwww.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com or buy it from Amazon.com more cheaply than you can print it out.
If you want info on buying or selling a home, go to www.yourstopforrealestate.blogspot.com.
To receive Sherpa tips on entrepreneurship, go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com and for my ideas on the practice of real estate, go to www.yourstopforrealestate.blogspot.com.follow what I say in my entrepreneurship blog:www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Why Some Buyers Can't Make a Decision
I heard Dr. Israel interviewed on WHYY radio several years ago. It was when I was still practicing.
She was relating an experience told to her by an architect who'd attended one of her seminars. He'd had a client for whom he'd drawn plan after plan only to find each rejected for not being quite right. This had perplexed the architect because he had been sure he'd listened carefully to what the client had said he'd wanted.
The problem was what the client had said he wanted wasn't what the client really wanted. Once the architect started asking the kinds of questions Israel deals with in Someplace Like Home, he drew the client EXACTLY what the client REALLY wanted.
Realtors should do that--listen to what the buyer really wants. To do that, the Realtor has to hear what the buyer really wants. To do that you have to bring the what the client really wants to consciousness and shine some light on it.
The material in Dr. Israel's book gives you the way to plug that light in. Many clients look and look and look and look but nothing seems quite right even though the realtor has shown them what they said they wanted. The problem is that the Realtor is showing the buyer what they say they want not what they really want.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
She was relating an experience told to her by an architect who'd attended one of her seminars. He'd had a client for whom he'd drawn plan after plan only to find each rejected for not being quite right. This had perplexed the architect because he had been sure he'd listened carefully to what the client had said he'd wanted.
The problem was what the client had said he wanted wasn't what the client really wanted. Once the architect started asking the kinds of questions Israel deals with in Someplace Like Home, he drew the client EXACTLY what the client REALLY wanted.
Realtors should do that--listen to what the buyer really wants. To do that, the Realtor has to hear what the buyer really wants. To do that you have to bring the what the client really wants to consciousness and shine some light on it.
The material in Dr. Israel's book gives you the way to plug that light in. Many clients look and look and look and look but nothing seems quite right even though the realtor has shown them what they said they wanted. The problem is that the Realtor is showing the buyer what they say they want not what they really want.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Toby Israel Extended
Extending Toby Israel's approach a bit, as it is outlined in Some Place Like Home; Using Design Psychology to Create Ideal Places (Chichester, England: John Wiley and Sons, 2003):
Israel "had been doing exercises for years with art, architecture and psychology students, encouraging them to explore the impact of their own past history of place. These students had been amazed by the richness of their environmental pasts which they had buried and forgotten." (p. vii)
This is very true for real estate buyers as well. Their choices are affected by things in their past that they had totally forgotten. More on this as we go.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Israel "had been doing exercises for years with art, architecture and psychology students, encouraging them to explore the impact of their own past history of place. These students had been amazed by the richness of their environmental pasts which they had buried and forgotten." (p. vii)
This is very true for real estate buyers as well. Their choices are affected by things in their past that they had totally forgotten. More on this as we go.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
More on Toby Israel's Approach
Israel, in Some Place Like Home; Using Design Psychology to Create Ideal Places (Chichester, England: John Wiley and Sons, 2003), p. vi, quotes a French philosopher, Gaston Bachelard:
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
An entire past comes to dwell in a new home...Thus the house is not experienced from day to day only, on the thread of a narrative or in the telling of our own story. Through dreams, the various dwelling-places in our lives co-penetrate and retain the treasure of former days. See The Poetics of Space (Boston: 1964) p. 5, as quoted by Israel.Nothing more needs to be said here. Most buyers would benefit from more thought ahead of time.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Toby Israel's approach
Here's what Israel says about her approach in writing Some Place Like Home; Using Design Psychology to Create Ideal Places (Chichester, England: John Wiley and Sons, 2003). In the future I'll reference it as Israel (2003):
As I said last time, this book is a little pricey but well worth it. I had to special ordered it as it's not generally carried in stock.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Each of us has a treasure chest of memories and impressions of places we have lived that includes both past homes and large scale environments (village, towns, cities, etc.) I have believed in the importance of uncovering these riches to reveal how our past environmental experiences laid the foundation for our present and future choices when selecting 'Some Place Like Home.'Buyers should think about this before going off whole hog. They don't think about this because they're not used to thinking about this and because most Realtors haven't thought about it either.
As I said last time, this book is a little pricey but well worth it. I had to special ordered it as it's not generally carried in stock.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Some Place Like Home by Toby Israel
For a while I'm going to write about design psychology and buying a home. It's the first step in looking for a home but one most people don't articulate because it's hard.
It's easier for a buyer to say I want to find a 3-bedroom house in a suburb of Tacoma than it is to figure out what do I really want in a home.
The full bibliographic reference is Toby Israel, Some Place Like Home; Using Design Psychology to Create Ideal Places (Chichester, England: John Wiley and Sons, 2003). I'll reference it as Israel (2003).
The book is a little pricey, but it's well worth it. I had to special ordered it as it's not generally carried in stock.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
It's easier for a buyer to say I want to find a 3-bedroom house in a suburb of Tacoma than it is to figure out what do I really want in a home.
The full bibliographic reference is Toby Israel, Some Place Like Home; Using Design Psychology to Create Ideal Places (Chichester, England: John Wiley and Sons, 2003). I'll reference it as Israel (2003).
The book is a little pricey, but it's well worth it. I had to special ordered it as it's not generally carried in stock.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Ideal Client #10: Qualified Client-the Opposite
In real estate, a qualified buyer is one whose financial position has been evaluated by a professional mortgage company and found to possess the means to buy the property he or she is wanting to buy. If Buyer is qualified to buy a $200,000 house, it means they have the ability to pay for it.
When I started as a residential Realtor, I was presented with 13 buyers in a row who were not qualified. That is, they didn't have enough money or good enough credit to become qualified.
One fellow, a young guy we'll call John, came to me and said "It's my time. I deserve a house." He was just back from Iraq and didn't have a job yet and had done a "voluntary repo" of his car to his car company. But he said not to worry, his mother was going to cosign with him.
By this time, I knew that the first thing you do when a buyer comes to you and asks you to help him look for a house, you get him to get mortgage qualified. John turned out to have terrible credit and his mother to have worse credit than his.
My mortgage consultant called John and discussed what he could do to get himself mortgage qualified and I never saw him again.
The first thing to do when looking to buy a house--Get mortgage qualified. That hasn't changed since before the bubble and isn't likely to change in the foreseeable future.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
When I started as a residential Realtor, I was presented with 13 buyers in a row who were not qualified. That is, they didn't have enough money or good enough credit to become qualified.
One fellow, a young guy we'll call John, came to me and said "It's my time. I deserve a house." He was just back from Iraq and didn't have a job yet and had done a "voluntary repo" of his car to his car company. But he said not to worry, his mother was going to cosign with him.
By this time, I knew that the first thing you do when a buyer comes to you and asks you to help him look for a house, you get him to get mortgage qualified. John turned out to have terrible credit and his mother to have worse credit than his.
My mortgage consultant called John and discussed what he could do to get himself mortgage qualified and I never saw him again.
The first thing to do when looking to buy a house--Get mortgage qualified. That hasn't changed since before the bubble and isn't likely to change in the foreseeable future.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Ideal Client #9: the Confident Client, the opposite.
Ideal clients are confident. They make decisions easily and don't need to run to everybody else to see what they think they should do.
Priscilla was the opposite. We went out a number of times but nothing was ever just right. Finally she found what she thought she liked and then came back with her mother. Her mother thought it was great.
Then she needed her father to see it. She came back with her father who said it would work for her with some improvements.
She still wasn't sure so she brought her boyfriend along to see it. He said it was cool. Then I never heard from her again. What can you say. Maybe she was playing me off against another agent, I don't know that or not.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Priscilla was the opposite. We went out a number of times but nothing was ever just right. Finally she found what she thought she liked and then came back with her mother. Her mother thought it was great.
Then she needed her father to see it. She came back with her father who said it would work for her with some improvements.
She still wasn't sure so she brought her boyfriend along to see it. He said it was cool. Then I never heard from her again. What can you say. Maybe she was playing me off against another agent, I don't know that or not.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ideal Client #8--The Comfortable Client: the opposite
Ideals clients are "comfortable in their own skin." They know what they want and they go for it. You know them as you begin to work with them. They sign on with you and go with you all the way. The opposite of the comfortable client is the uncomfortable client.
Henry was never comfortable. He was referred to me through our company. We went out looking many times but nothing was ever quite right for him. It was too small. There weren't enough closets. The rooms weren't in the right places. It was not in good enough shape. The colors were wrong. Whatever. Finally we found the property that exactly fit his criteria. Everything about the place was perfect. But no, this was no good because there was a bar on the corner of the block and he couldn't live in a neighborhood where there was bar.
Finally I found him a place he wanted to bid on. I went to my the office to write up the offer. The time came for him to show up to sign it but he didn't. I waited 30 minutes then called him up. He said he couldn't get himself to sign it that day, give him 2 days. I asked him what would be different in two days. He said he just needed more time. I warned him that the thing might get sold in the meantime. He said he needed the time.
Two days came and went and I called him. His message was one to call me. He called me 8 days later and ask if the place was still available. I called the other agent--no an offer had been accepted. To my knowledge he never bought anything. He just wasn't comfortable in his own skin.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Henry was never comfortable. He was referred to me through our company. We went out looking many times but nothing was ever quite right for him. It was too small. There weren't enough closets. The rooms weren't in the right places. It was not in good enough shape. The colors were wrong. Whatever. Finally we found the property that exactly fit his criteria. Everything about the place was perfect. But no, this was no good because there was a bar on the corner of the block and he couldn't live in a neighborhood where there was bar.
Finally I found him a place he wanted to bid on. I went to my the office to write up the offer. The time came for him to show up to sign it but he didn't. I waited 30 minutes then called him up. He said he couldn't get himself to sign it that day, give him 2 days. I asked him what would be different in two days. He said he just needed more time. I warned him that the thing might get sold in the meantime. He said he needed the time.
Two days came and went and I called him. His message was one to call me. He called me 8 days later and ask if the place was still available. I called the other agent--no an offer had been accepted. To my knowledge he never bought anything. He just wasn't comfortable in his own skin.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Appreciative Client: the Opposite
Ideal clients appreciate their agents for what they bring to the relationship. They say, "Thank you, Tim, for the help you're giving us. We know you're going to find something perfect for us and we're really pleased about how things are going."
George was the opposite. I met him at a networking event and later had lunch with him. We got on well it seemed. A few months later he invited me to breakfast and he said he was looking for a house and wanted to move soon. He was getting married and they were planning a family and he wanted me to be his agent. We talked about what he wanted and needed and was looking for. I sent him some properties every few days and we went looking.
I was working on setting up another showing when his soon-to-be-wife Irma called me to tell me they had found a house on their own and wanted to save me from wasting my time showing up at the appointment I'd set up and they wouldn't be needing my services anymore. She thanked me and wished me good luck and hung up. Point, set, match. The thank you was purely formulaic.
Don't treat your agent like that. Try to keep him or her in the deal if they've done good work for you.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
George was the opposite. I met him at a networking event and later had lunch with him. We got on well it seemed. A few months later he invited me to breakfast and he said he was looking for a house and wanted to move soon. He was getting married and they were planning a family and he wanted me to be his agent. We talked about what he wanted and needed and was looking for. I sent him some properties every few days and we went looking.
I was working on setting up another showing when his soon-to-be-wife Irma called me to tell me they had found a house on their own and wanted to save me from wasting my time showing up at the appointment I'd set up and they wouldn't be needing my services anymore. She thanked me and wished me good luck and hung up. Point, set, match. The thank you was purely formulaic.
Don't treat your agent like that. Try to keep him or her in the deal if they've done good work for you.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Relationship-driven Client: the Opposite
The relationship-driven client acts as though he or she want you to stay with them as they move forward in their lives. Call these two characters Chuck and Sue.
When Chuck and Sue came to me she was pregnant and they needed to find a home. They were renting and disliked their landlord. Their lease was up in two months and they figured now was the time to start looking. They had friends they could stay wiith if they didn't find a home soon enough. A friend of theirs had recommended me.
We talked about what they needed and what they were looking for and went out three times. The third time, they found one that met exactly the specifications of what they said they wanted but they needed a few days to think about it.
That was fine: buyers should take all the time they need but pull the trigger right once they've decided.
I didn't hear from them for 2 weeks. I called them once and left a message. Chuck finally emailed me and said the house wasn't what they were looking for and besides another Realtor@ had found them the house of their dreams. They were sorry it didn't work out but this was what they needed to do.
And that was that.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
When Chuck and Sue came to me she was pregnant and they needed to find a home. They were renting and disliked their landlord. Their lease was up in two months and they figured now was the time to start looking. They had friends they could stay wiith if they didn't find a home soon enough. A friend of theirs had recommended me.
We talked about what they needed and what they were looking for and went out three times. The third time, they found one that met exactly the specifications of what they said they wanted but they needed a few days to think about it.
That was fine: buyers should take all the time they need but pull the trigger right once they've decided.
I didn't hear from them for 2 weeks. I called them once and left a message. Chuck finally emailed me and said the house wasn't what they were looking for and besides another Realtor@ had found them the house of their dreams. They were sorry it didn't work out but this was what they needed to do.
And that was that.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Ideal Client: Relationship Driven
The relationship-driven client acts as though they want you to stay with them as they move forward. Fred called me out of the blue and asked me to help him and his wife find a house. They were moving from another city and had some definite ideas about which houses they wanted to see. I showed them the ones they had picked out. They were not thrilled.
I picked some out for them and they liked them a lot. They went for a Toll Brothers home here in Naval Square and really took over the negotiations themselves. It settled 14 months later, a really long time. But we've been friends ever since. They kept in touch with me through the whole process and we got together whenever they came to town to take care of some business. We still socialize and they ask me for advice and make a point of referring me to their friends.
This reminds me I have to call them up and go out for dinner.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
I picked some out for them and they liked them a lot. They went for a Toll Brothers home here in Naval Square and really took over the negotiations themselves. It settled 14 months later, a really long time. But we've been friends ever since. They kept in touch with me through the whole process and we got together whenever they came to town to take care of some business. We still socialize and they ask me for advice and make a point of referring me to their friends.
This reminds me I have to call them up and go out for dinner.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Realistic Client: the Opposite
The opposite of the realistic client is the unrealistic client. The unrealistic seller thinks they can get much more for their house than is reasonable. The unrealistic buyer thinks they shouldn't have to pay nearly what they have to pay to get what they want. Call this one Nancy.
A buyer, call her Nancy, was referred to me by a colleague who had spent several weekends traipsing around to open houses. She had a clearly formulated laundry-list of 14 features she had to have in a home. The list included location in Center City, a garage, and a balcony high up. And she didn't want to pay more than $400,000.
I knew the search was doomed but I did it anyway. I found about 5 that met all the criteria she laid out but cost at least $700,000. I sent it to her with the caveat that this was what was what available and to get what she wanted it looked like she'd either have to modify her search criteria or decide to pay more.
I talked to here later. She said she wouldn't compromise. So, that was that.
It turned out she had reserved a unit in a new condo development and just wanted to see if there was something better. News to me. I guess she would qualified as the opposite of an open client, too. The two can go hand in hand.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
A buyer, call her Nancy, was referred to me by a colleague who had spent several weekends traipsing around to open houses. She had a clearly formulated laundry-list of 14 features she had to have in a home. The list included location in Center City, a garage, and a balcony high up. And she didn't want to pay more than $400,000.
I knew the search was doomed but I did it anyway. I found about 5 that met all the criteria she laid out but cost at least $700,000. I sent it to her with the caveat that this was what was what available and to get what she wanted it looked like she'd either have to modify her search criteria or decide to pay more.
I talked to here later. She said she wouldn't compromise. So, that was that.
It turned out she had reserved a unit in a new condo development and just wanted to see if there was something better. News to me. I guess she would qualified as the opposite of an open client, too. The two can go hand in hand.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Realistic Client
The ideal client is realistic.
If he or she is a buyer client they know how much house they can afford. If they are buyers, and can only afford a house under $150,000, they won't ask you to show them houses worth $300,000 and up.
George was a realistic. He went online and found he qualify for a $185,000 mortgage. He was a manager in a cash checking store.
He didn't think he could afford a $185,000 mortgage, he only wanted to borrow $75,000. We found him the perfect house for him. He made an offer. It was accepted. He didn't try to reach for more than he could hold.
He ended up not getting the house, but not from being unrealistic.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
If he or she is a buyer client they know how much house they can afford. If they are buyers, and can only afford a house under $150,000, they won't ask you to show them houses worth $300,000 and up.
George was a realistic. He went online and found he qualify for a $185,000 mortgage. He was a manager in a cash checking store.
He didn't think he could afford a $185,000 mortgage, he only wanted to borrow $75,000. We found him the perfect house for him. He made an offer. It was accepted. He didn't try to reach for more than he could hold.
He ended up not getting the house, but not from being unrealistic.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
No Games: the Opposite
Fred was a middle-aged man with a number of properties here in Philadelphia. He was one of my first clients. I could write a number of things about him. Suffice it to say he said he'd been in real estate for 32 years and claimed to know what he was talking about.
The house he was selling was a 900 sq. ft., 2BR, 1BTH, home in South Philly. It had a number of defects, cheap everything, outlets with no outlet covers, holes in the vinyl siding, a front step in need of repair, and so on.
As one open house visitor said, "$139,900? Why should I pay $20,000 over market if I just gotta spend more money fixing those things up?"
I recommended he fix those things and others. He said there was no need to and put it on the market for $139,900, about $20,000 over comps. He got an offer for $119,000and countered with $159,900, "just to see what he would say."
The buyer refused to go up, and Fred wouldn't take the offer as written. It
After several more episodes like this, he fired me as a Realtor. One of my best days ever.
Don't play games with your realtor. He or she can't do their best work.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
The house he was selling was a 900 sq. ft., 2BR, 1BTH, home in South Philly. It had a number of defects, cheap everything, outlets with no outlet covers, holes in the vinyl siding, a front step in need of repair, and so on.
As one open house visitor said, "$139,900? Why should I pay $20,000 over market if I just gotta spend more money fixing those things up?"
I recommended he fix those things and others. He said there was no need to and put it on the market for $139,900, about $20,000 over comps. He got an offer for $119,000and countered with $159,900, "just to see what he would say."
The buyer refused to go up, and Fred wouldn't take the offer as written. It
After several more episodes like this, he fired me as a Realtor. One of my best days ever.
Don't play games with your realtor. He or she can't do their best work.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Ideal Client #4: No Games, part 2.
I found Sylvia several properties, but she never seemed interested in looking at them. She preferred the ones she found herself. She relied on me to get her in to see them.
She said to me once, "Tim, you don't have to pull properties for me. I can get my own." So I stopped doing that and just got her in the houses she wanted to see.
After about a month, she saw a house she loved. We made an offer, and after some not very intense negotiation, they accepted it. She did everything according to Hoyle, on time, and as promised. The house settled, she referred me to some other people, and told me, "Tim, you're the greatest."
We're still friends. What can I say.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
She said to me once, "Tim, you don't have to pull properties for me. I can get my own." So I stopped doing that and just got her in the houses she wanted to see.
After about a month, she saw a house she loved. We made an offer, and after some not very intense negotiation, they accepted it. She did everything according to Hoyle, on time, and as promised. The house settled, she referred me to some other people, and told me, "Tim, you're the greatest."
We're still friends. What can I say.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Ideal Client #4: No Games, part 1.
Sylvia loved to look at property. She came home from work, pulled up the BRT and other Realtors' websites, and surfed. She could tell you more about property in Philadelphia than any Realtor.
Tired of where she was living, she called me with a list of houses she wanted to see. I got her in there and she went up and down with an detailed analysis of every home. When I suggested she should become an agent, she said, "No way, Man. I'm not putting up with all those games."
More next time.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Tired of where she was living, she called me with a list of houses she wanted to see. I got her in there and she went up and down with an detailed analysis of every home. When I suggested she should become an agent, she said, "No way, Man. I'm not putting up with all those games."
More next time.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Open Client: the Opposite
Betsey was the opposite of the open client. She came referred to me by CB's relocation department as a "no brainer." She said she wanted to see a property over in SW Philadelphia, make an offer on it, and buy it cash.
She said she had looked on her own for a long time and this was THE property. She was expanding her limousine business and needed a larger garage to park her limos. Okay, sounded good.
She contacted me and I made arrangements. She professed to be so thankful because, she said, I was the only agent who'd responded to her.
She showed up and we looked at the property. She acted as though it was a done deal. She said she'd call me later that afternoon and come down and write up the offer. She just had to nail down a couple of things and figure out what she wanted to offer.
I gave her my standard: "Take all the time you need to decide, but once you decide, pull the trigger right away because there's no downside to waiting."
We parted and waited. No call from done deal. I called her and left messages, but they were never returned. I never heard from her again.
So much for Ms. Done Deal. She obviously had things she wasn't open with me about.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
She said she had looked on her own for a long time and this was THE property. She was expanding her limousine business and needed a larger garage to park her limos. Okay, sounded good.
She contacted me and I made arrangements. She professed to be so thankful because, she said, I was the only agent who'd responded to her.
She showed up and we looked at the property. She acted as though it was a done deal. She said she'd call me later that afternoon and come down and write up the offer. She just had to nail down a couple of things and figure out what she wanted to offer.
I gave her my standard: "Take all the time you need to decide, but once you decide, pull the trigger right away because there's no downside to waiting."
We parted and waited. No call from done deal. I called her and left messages, but they were never returned. I never heard from her again.
So much for Ms. Done Deal. She obviously had things she wasn't open with me about.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Ideal Client #3: Open Client
The open client is transparent. You know what they're thinking and what they way because they share it with you and what they do is congruent with what they say.
Jon was from Wisconsin, so am I. Maybe that's why we clicked. He was looking for a house for cheap he could fix up. He was interested in one of my listings because it was in terrible shape. There had been a fire and there was a hole in the roof. Everything that should have been down was coming up and everything that should have been up was coming down.
He looked at it, but was too big. He asked me about others in the neighborhood. I gave him all the data I could find, which wasn't too much and kept an eye out for others coming on the market from time to time. He went back to a couple of the others but couldn't get a firm read on whether they wanted to sell them or not.
He came back to see mine, we made an offer, and it was accepted. I got both sides of that transaction, which was nice. He invited me back to see it a year later. He'd done wonderful things with it.
Next time I'll tell you about the seller, who was far from transparent.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Jon was from Wisconsin, so am I. Maybe that's why we clicked. He was looking for a house for cheap he could fix up. He was interested in one of my listings because it was in terrible shape. There had been a fire and there was a hole in the roof. Everything that should have been down was coming up and everything that should have been up was coming down.
He looked at it, but was too big. He asked me about others in the neighborhood. I gave him all the data I could find, which wasn't too much and kept an eye out for others coming on the market from time to time. He went back to a couple of the others but couldn't get a firm read on whether they wanted to sell them or not.
He came back to see mine, we made an offer, and it was accepted. I got both sides of that transaction, which was nice. He invited me back to see it a year later. He'd done wonderful things with it.
Next time I'll tell you about the seller, who was far from transparent.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Irresponsible Client, part 2
As we left part 1, I was waiting for the check. It arrived by overnight mail the next day, and I took it up to the agent.
Some days later, he told me their check had bounced. He said if they sent him a good check for the entire escrow amount (Escrow is usually paid one part with the offer and the rest of it at a later time, usually 10 days or 2 weeks) they'd be fine. I called Jim and left a message. He never returned my call. I called him several times, and finally I got Judy who gave me a litany of excuses. She said she'd tell Jim about it and they'd get a check in the mail.
Then they called my manager, and complained that I was "the worst realtor in the world." They wanted the house but didn't want to work with me. He suggested he handle it, and I said fine and gave him all the gory details. Funny thing, he was even a bigger nagger than I was. I said I'd split the commission with him.
He called them and tried to get them to live up to their responsibilities, but he never heard from them either.
No check ever arrived, despite the dedicated work of two agents. The seller finally lost patience and put the house back on the market and it sold a month or so later despite my constant nagging. Through their irresponsibility, they lost the house.
In retrospect, I don't know what their game was. They seemed like reasonable people, but it turned out, not. I took their evaluation of me as the "worst" realtor in the world a compliment. It's hard to be the best or worst at anything, because you have such a huge number of competitors.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Some days later, he told me their check had bounced. He said if they sent him a good check for the entire escrow amount (Escrow is usually paid one part with the offer and the rest of it at a later time, usually 10 days or 2 weeks) they'd be fine. I called Jim and left a message. He never returned my call. I called him several times, and finally I got Judy who gave me a litany of excuses. She said she'd tell Jim about it and they'd get a check in the mail.
Then they called my manager, and complained that I was "the worst realtor in the world." They wanted the house but didn't want to work with me. He suggested he handle it, and I said fine and gave him all the gory details. Funny thing, he was even a bigger nagger than I was. I said I'd split the commission with him.
He called them and tried to get them to live up to their responsibilities, but he never heard from them either.
No check ever arrived, despite the dedicated work of two agents. The seller finally lost patience and put the house back on the market and it sold a month or so later despite my constant nagging. Through their irresponsibility, they lost the house.
In retrospect, I don't know what their game was. They seemed like reasonable people, but it turned out, not. I took their evaluation of me as the "worst" realtor in the world a compliment. It's hard to be the best or worst at anything, because you have such a huge number of competitors.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Irresponsible Client, part I.
The irresponsible client: I was having coffee in a well-known caffeine den just down the street from my office. I overheard a male-female couple discussing looking for a home. I said, "Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. I'm a Realtor. Can I answer any questions for you?" Call them Jim and Judy.
Their eyes lit up and they said, yes I could. They were only in town, up from Virginia, for a couple of days, and could I show them some places. We talked a little about what they were looking for and so forth. I took them to my office, and pulled down some properties.
Over the next couple of days I showed them about eight houses. They liked a really nice one in down South Philly, and said they wanted to make an offer. I contacted the listing agent and asked him if there were any offers on the table. He said they weren't, please submit one. It turned out that he owned the house. He'd recently renovated it and was trying to move it as quickly as possible.
We wrote up the offer the afternoon of the second day. I asked them for a check for the first escrow deposit. Jim said he'd "forgotten" his checkbook. Maybe a bad sign, maybe no big deal. He said he'd be sure to overnight the check the day they got back to VA. I called the listing agent and explained the situation. He said fine, bring in the offer. As long as the check got there within the next couple of days we were good. To be continued.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Their eyes lit up and they said, yes I could. They were only in town, up from Virginia, for a couple of days, and could I show them some places. We talked a little about what they were looking for and so forth. I took them to my office, and pulled down some properties.
Over the next couple of days I showed them about eight houses. They liked a really nice one in down South Philly, and said they wanted to make an offer. I contacted the listing agent and asked him if there were any offers on the table. He said they weren't, please submit one. It turned out that he owned the house. He'd recently renovated it and was trying to move it as quickly as possible.
We wrote up the offer the afternoon of the second day. I asked them for a check for the first escrow deposit. Jim said he'd "forgotten" his checkbook. Maybe a bad sign, maybe no big deal. He said he'd be sure to overnight the check the day they got back to VA. I called the listing agent and explained the situation. He said fine, bring in the offer. As long as the check got there within the next couple of days we were good. To be continued.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Responsible Client
Responsible clients live up to their obligations as spelled out in the agreement of sale. The agreement of sale, once signed by both parties who are legally empowered to sign, is a legal contract binding on both. One of those responsibilities is to provide escrow payments on time as promised.
George (fake name) wanted a bigger house for his family. He got approval on the internet for a mortgage of $175,000. He didn't want to take on that much and we looked for a $75,000 home for him and found it. We made an offer and it was accepted with $6,000 to be paid into escrow, half with the offer and the other half ten days later. He provided a check for the initial payment with the offer, and 10 days later, he came across with the second installment, right on time. Both checks were good.
He ultimately didn't get his house because the mortgage fell through.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
George (fake name) wanted a bigger house for his family. He got approval on the internet for a mortgage of $175,000. He didn't want to take on that much and we looked for a $75,000 home for him and found it. We made an offer and it was accepted with $6,000 to be paid into escrow, half with the offer and the other half ten days later. He provided a check for the initial payment with the offer, and 10 days later, he came across with the second installment, right on time. Both checks were good.
He ultimately didn't get his house because the mortgage fell through.
I'm trying to create savvier real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Discourteous Client
Don't be like Sue (fictitious), the last buyer I helped look for a house. A friend called me and asked me to help her. I said I would and got the details.
I got there a little early, turned on all the lights, walked around to orient myself and form an opinion about the place, and got out the appropriate paperwork including the specs of the house, some additional stuff about its history, and the Consumer Notice, a form all real estate agents are required by law to go over at the first meeting.
She showed up right on time. She smiled as we shook hands and introduced ourselves.
I pulled out the Consumer Notice and said: "I'm sorry this is a little boring, but the lawyers make me do it." Most buyers are very tolerant of it.
I started to go through it with her and she looked at me as though I were scum. Absolute scum. Here I was, living up to my responsibilities as a licensed agent, and she was looking at me as though I were scum.
She said, "I've never had an agent put me through this."
I said, "I'm sorry it's annoying, I know. I don't know what other Realtors do, but it's required by law."
She stood there while I "put her through it." I asked her to sign it, she said she wouldn't. I wrote on it, "presented on (date) client refused to sign," and proceeded to show her the house. She followed me around without saying anything and when we were done looked at me and said, "I don't think so," and walked out.
I turned off all the lights, locked all the doors, left, and never showed another house. With people like that, who needs to show houses.
Don't be like Sue. Realize that your agent is (in most cases) trying to do his or her best work.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
I got there a little early, turned on all the lights, walked around to orient myself and form an opinion about the place, and got out the appropriate paperwork including the specs of the house, some additional stuff about its history, and the Consumer Notice, a form all real estate agents are required by law to go over at the first meeting.
She showed up right on time. She smiled as we shook hands and introduced ourselves.
I pulled out the Consumer Notice and said: "I'm sorry this is a little boring, but the lawyers make me do it." Most buyers are very tolerant of it.
I started to go through it with her and she looked at me as though I were scum. Absolute scum. Here I was, living up to my responsibilities as a licensed agent, and she was looking at me as though I were scum.
She said, "I've never had an agent put me through this."
I said, "I'm sorry it's annoying, I know. I don't know what other Realtors do, but it's required by law."
She stood there while I "put her through it." I asked her to sign it, she said she wouldn't. I wrote on it, "presented on (date) client refused to sign," and proceeded to show her the house. She followed me around without saying anything and when we were done looked at me and said, "I don't think so," and walked out.
I turned off all the lights, locked all the doors, left, and never showed another house. With people like that, who needs to show houses.
Don't be like Sue. Realize that your agent is (in most cases) trying to do his or her best work.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want Sherpa thoughts on entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want Sherpa to publish your poem or short story? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want Sherpa tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com.
Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Courteous Client
Finn (fictitious) was looking to move to a larger home. He'd gotten married, and he and his wife were expecting their first child in about 8 months so they needed a bigger place.
We looked at several and eventually found him one that settled. He liked to go to his own open houses. I offered to go with him. There are agents who try to take your clients away from you. He said not to worry, whoever listed the house, he'd make sure I didn't get cut out of the deal.
That was great.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
We looked at several and eventually found him one that settled. He liked to go to his own open houses. I offered to go with him. There are agents who try to take your clients away from you. He said not to worry, whoever listed the house, he'd make sure I didn't get cut out of the deal.
That was great.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #10: Qualified
Beyond everything, a client must be qualified. A buyer must be able to actually buy the house, have the money he or she says they do or be able to get the mortgage. If a seller, the house has to be able to be sold, that is be able to provide clear title.
If they aren't qualified, nothing else matters.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
If they aren't qualified, nothing else matters.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #9: Confidence
Ideal clients are confident. They know what they want, and they know they know what they want. Because they are confident, they go for what they want, and they don't beat around the bush.
The non-confident client waffles and never really makes a decision. The look and look and can never quite pull the trigger.
Women are generally more confident clients than are men. I'll talk about Seinfeld syndrome more next time.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
The non-confident client waffles and never really makes a decision. The look and look and can never quite pull the trigger.
Women are generally more confident clients than are men. I'll talk about Seinfeld syndrome more next time.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #8: Comfort
Ideal clients are "comfortable in their own skin." They know what they want and they're not unduly neurotic or anxiety-driven. You know them as you begin to work with them. They sign on with you and go with you all the way.
The opposite of the comfortable client is the uncomfortable client. This client changes what they want each time. They demand that their agent do silly things and ask silly questions of the buyer. They look and look and look and never seem to find what they want. They say they respect your opinion and even go along with it, but when the time comes they don't listen to you and go off in another direction.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
The opposite of the comfortable client is the uncomfortable client. This client changes what they want each time. They demand that their agent do silly things and ask silly questions of the buyer. They look and look and look and never seem to find what they want. They say they respect your opinion and even go along with it, but when the time comes they don't listen to you and go off in another direction.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #7: Appreciation
Ideal clients appreciate their agents for what they bring to the relationship. They say, "Thank you, Tim, for the help you're giving us. We know you're going to find something perfect for us and we're really pleased about how things are going."
When we bought our condo here in center city, Philadelphia, we used an agent whom the agent who sold our home in Madison, WI, referred us to. The Philadelphia agent was okay, and we got the job done, but I would never recommend her to anyone else.
If you have an agent you don't appreciate, throw them back.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
When we bought our condo here in center city, Philadelphia, we used an agent whom the agent who sold our home in Madison, WI, referred us to. The Philadelphia agent was okay, and we got the job done, but I would never recommend her to anyone else.
If you have an agent you don't appreciate, throw them back.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #6: Relationship-driven
Ideal clients are relationship-driven. Just as ideal agents are relationship driven. Each is looking to develop a strong relationship based on shared goals and mutual respect.
Real estate agents do their best work when they know their clients are motivated and respectful of their agents' time and talents.
Many clients are only out for themselves and don't respect the skills or accomplishments of others. These clients do not gain the greatest benefit from their real estate agents or from anyone else, for that matter.
Look to develop a good, long-term relationship with them. You'll benefit from it.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Real estate agents do their best work when they know their clients are motivated and respectful of their agents' time and talents.
Many clients are only out for themselves and don't respect the skills or accomplishments of others. These clients do not gain the greatest benefit from their real estate agents or from anyone else, for that matter.
Look to develop a good, long-term relationship with them. You'll benefit from it.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #5: Realism
The ideal client is realistic.
If he or she is a buyer, they know how much house they can afford. If they can only afford a house under $150,000, they won't ask you to show them houses worth $300,000 and up.
If they're a seller, they won't ask more than the house will realistically sell for and put the agent in the uncomfortable position of having to play the bad guy.
The fact that I've labeled this as "ideal" suggests that there are a lot of unrealistic clients out there. These people waste the agent's time.
A seasoned agent will be able to screen out most of the unrealistic buyer clients, but a good many still slip through.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
If he or she is a buyer, they know how much house they can afford. If they can only afford a house under $150,000, they won't ask you to show them houses worth $300,000 and up.
If they're a seller, they won't ask more than the house will realistically sell for and put the agent in the uncomfortable position of having to play the bad guy.
The fact that I've labeled this as "ideal" suggests that there are a lot of unrealistic clients out there. These people waste the agent's time.
A seasoned agent will be able to screen out most of the unrealistic buyer clients, but a good many still slip through.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #4: No Games
Agents do their best work for clients when clients play it straight. When they do their, "let's offer this and see what they say," it suggests that the client has something they're not telling the agent, and they are playing games. This leads the agent to suspect the clients are up to something, and they can't do their best work.
I had a client once who would always counter offer. If they other side met their requests, she'd always say, "Let's come back with...". This puts the agent in the uncomfortable position of having to go along with the client and do their bidding, which they are obligated to do, or fire the client.
I've never fired a client in mid-stream, though I did turn one away who had caused me no end of expense and headache. She said, "You know I'll be looking for more property you know," as if that was appealing to me. I told her, "Call me, we have to talk."
I never heard from her again. I have to thank her, though. She taught me a lot about how to be a good agent.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
I had a client once who would always counter offer. If they other side met their requests, she'd always say, "Let's come back with...". This puts the agent in the uncomfortable position of having to go along with the client and do their bidding, which they are obligated to do, or fire the client.
I've never fired a client in mid-stream, though I did turn one away who had caused me no end of expense and headache. She said, "You know I'll be looking for more property you know," as if that was appealing to me. I told her, "Call me, we have to talk."
I never heard from her again. I have to thank her, though. She taught me a lot about how to be a good agent.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #3: Openness
Agents do their best work for clients when they are straight with them. If you are not perfectly open with them, they can't work at their best.
One summer I had a buyer who said he wanted to find something right away and would be ready to move as soon as he found the right place. We looked all summer about 2 times a week during his noon hours.
Finally we found "the" place. He said he was pretty sure this was what he wanted but he wanted to take overnight to think about it.
He called me the next morning. I thought he was going to say, "Let's go ahead and put in an offer," but instead he said, "You know, I like that house a lot and I hope I can buy it some day, but I have a major financial problem I have to take care of before I can think about buying a house, so I'll have to get back to you."
Had he been straight with me, I could have advised him to wait before we wasted all that time or perhaps have steered him to a financial advisor who could perhaps have helped him.
In hindsight, I could maybe have quizzed him more before starting to look, but he sounded pretty convincing when he said he was ready to pounce. It's not clear that he would have answered my questions truthfully.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
One summer I had a buyer who said he wanted to find something right away and would be ready to move as soon as he found the right place. We looked all summer about 2 times a week during his noon hours.
Finally we found "the" place. He said he was pretty sure this was what he wanted but he wanted to take overnight to think about it.
He called me the next morning. I thought he was going to say, "Let's go ahead and put in an offer," but instead he said, "You know, I like that house a lot and I hope I can buy it some day, but I have a major financial problem I have to take care of before I can think about buying a house, so I'll have to get back to you."
Had he been straight with me, I could have advised him to wait before we wasted all that time or perhaps have steered him to a financial advisor who could perhaps have helped him.
In hindsight, I could maybe have quizzed him more before starting to look, but he sounded pretty convincing when he said he was ready to pounce. It's not clear that he would have answered my questions truthfully.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Ideal Client Trait #2: Responsible
One of the things that drove me nuts as a professional real estate agent was irresponsible behavior on the part of clients.
I remember two particular incidents, but I could talk about 40-50 of them.
On this particular day, a client wanted to see a house a number of blocks from my home and he had to see it before work, ~ 7:30 AM. We agreed to meet at the house. I made the appointment and got there a little early to open the place up, turn on the lights, etc. Waited, he never showed. Never called. I never heard from him again.
The other case I remember was an individual who "had" to see a home up in North Philadelphia at 4:30. I fought my way through rush hour traffic up to the house, got there a little early to open it up and look around. He didn't show either. A call to him was unproductive.
That was the last house I tried to show in North Philly. Have you ever made an appointement with an agent to see a house, then never show up.
As said, I could go on and on, but I won't.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
I remember two particular incidents, but I could talk about 40-50 of them.
On this particular day, a client wanted to see a house a number of blocks from my home and he had to see it before work, ~ 7:30 AM. We agreed to meet at the house. I made the appointment and got there a little early to open the place up, turn on the lights, etc. Waited, he never showed. Never called. I never heard from him again.
The other case I remember was an individual who "had" to see a home up in North Philadelphia at 4:30. I fought my way through rush hour traffic up to the house, got there a little early to open it up and look around. He didn't show either. A call to him was unproductive.
That was the last house I tried to show in North Philly. Have you ever made an appointement with an agent to see a house, then never show up.
As said, I could go on and on, but I won't.
I'm trying to create a more informed real estate customer. Is this working?
Want to learn entrepreneurship? Go to www.hatman2.blogspot.com.
Want to get a poem or short story published? Go to www.byandforwriters.blogspot.com
Want tips on writing? Go to www.timswritingblog.blogspot.com. Or want to read my first book for free, or maybe get it? Go to www.kearneymusicschoolmurders.blogspot.com.
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