Where can I find buyers?
Real Estate sales people always want to know, Where Can I find Buyers? Most real estate agents want someone to hand them a lead --- certainly this does not apply to all agents. We all know that there are many top notch agents who develop their own business --- they figure it out on their own.
Back in 1976 when I obtained my real estate license in S.C., I worked for a residential real estate company that provided no training at all --- "There's a desk, there's a phone, you're on your own" kind of mentality. I had to develop my own business.
I was in the grocery store doing my grocery shopping and someone that I knew asked me what I was doing. When I replied that I was selling real estate, she said that she & her husband had been talking about selling and buying something on the water. Long story short, I listed their home and sold them another.
I thought, "man, this is easy". So, I started going to the grocery store even when I didn't need any groceries. Many times, I would pick up leads --- what we all know is that "people like to talk about real estate". I would wear my name badge and folks would ask me about the market, etc.
I picked up a lot of my business that first year from the grocery store.
Then, after that I began to get referral business because of the job that I did.
Also, I am not afraid to "ask" for the business.
One of my top agents, after I became a Broker-in-charge, was probably the best at "asking for the business" that I have ever seen. Our office was in the same complex with a dentist office and she was constantly in the parking lot waiting for folks coming and going from the dentist. She picked up a lot of customers in that parking lot.
Recently, I was in a pharmacy picking up my medicine and as I was waiting, I just asked the pharmacy tech if she needed to buy a house. She looked at me funny and said, "Well, actually, we have been thinking about it --- I really want to get out of the rental house that I am in" That lady is now working with an agent in my office --- she has impeccable credit.
Back in 1976 when I obtained my real estate license in S.C., I worked for a residential real estate company that provided no training at all --- "There's a desk, there's a phone, you're on your own" kind of mentality. I had to develop my own business.
I was in the grocery store doing my grocery shopping and someone that I knew asked me what I was doing. When I replied that I was selling real estate, she said that she & her husband had been talking about selling and buying something on the water. Long story short, I listed their home and sold them another.
I thought, "man, this is easy". So, I started going to the grocery store even when I didn't need any groceries. Many times, I would pick up leads --- what we all know is that "people like to talk about real estate". I would wear my name badge and folks would ask me about the market, etc.
I picked up a lot of my business that first year from the grocery store.
Then, after that I began to get referral business because of the job that I did.
Also, I am not afraid to "ask" for the business.
One of my top agents, after I became a Broker-in-charge, was probably the best at "asking for the business" that I have ever seen. Our office was in the same complex with a dentist office and she was constantly in the parking lot waiting for folks coming and going from the dentist. She picked up a lot of customers in that parking lot.
Recently, I was in a pharmacy picking up my medicine and as I was waiting, I just asked the pharmacy tech if she needed to buy a house. She looked at me funny and said, "Well, actually, we have been thinking about it --- I really want to get out of the rental house that I am in" That lady is now working with an agent in my office --- she has impeccable credit.
Moral of this story ---- you got to just "ASK"
Every real estate sales person needs business right now, so just ask!
Monma Liz
(Liz Loadholt)
We all have sellers we just need the buyers. I myself know I should ask more often.
Johnathan
I think most of us are timid about asking for business. I have ask more lately than before and have gotten a couple of good responses. We'll see what happens. You have to start somewhere!!!
Patricia Aulson/ Portsmouth NH Real Estate
We have a slogan at Weichert "IT PAYS TO ASK" and it's true. It's not rocket science, but it does take getting used to rejection. We pass out our business cards everywhere - at the train station, at the library, at restaurants - you name it and we've done it! BTW, my dental hygenist is one of my best referral sources. I've actually paid for her to get her license so that I can pay her for her referrals (after I re-coup my initial expenses, of course!).
Ask and you will receive. I think that is really a neat way to drum up new business. I have done that many times, while shopping at starbucks, the banks, church etc.
Hi Liz,
That is a great story about the grocery store - and about the parking lot. I've bookmarked it to reread when in need of inspiration. Thanks!
Liz
internet..........its the best place.....website presence.....backend idx....this is your answer
It is so simple the few minutes each day it takes to make one more contact and how that contact over a career can increase your business by leaps and bounds......same thing with followup......great post.
Liz,
The heart of a salesperson says "Ask for the sale". I remember this when my personal marketing side gets bashful. As they say, coffee is for closers and I like my coffee.