Be Prepared, or Lose the Sale!
June 19, 2008
I was never a boy scout, however I am always prepared. In my car I keep a “Readiness Kit”. I make sure I have essentials with me at all times for both me and my clients. Nothing pisses me off more, well, except cell phone ring tones, than taking my buyer into a house, and there are no ‘basic’ needs items within the house.
Most people reading this post are in some way involved in the Real Estate Industry. Whether you are a Realtor, Mortgage Broker, buyer, seller, investor, lead vendor etc. Everyone will be able to relate to me on these topics.
I enjoy listing houses, even in this market. People enjoy looking at houses. More so, people enjoy having a place to go potty. People enjoy having toilet paper when they have to use the bathroom, as well as soap, water, paper towels, and a basically clean bathroom.
I understand with REO properties it is sometimes impossible to provide water etc, so don’t harp to me about that.
People; remember that we want buyers to envision themselves in this new house. We want them to think of the property you are showing or you have listed as their own. If they don’t, more than likely they will not buy it (unless they are an investor, and that is a whole other post right there).
So, what do I have in my “Readiness Kit”? Currently, I keep:
2 rolls of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bottled water, liquid soap, Nitrile (non latex) gloves, diapers in 3 sizes, tampons/maxi pads, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, styptic pen, bandages, power inverter, tweezers, duct tape, super glue, glucose tabs (incase blood sugar gets low), crackers/teddy grahams (for the kids), a 9mm Glock, an extra clip
….and several other things. You would never realize how many times you need this stuff. Having this stuff will help your client feel closer to you, knowing that you are truly there for them.
I can already see it in my head: “all that stuff is expensive…wah wah wah wah”. Go cry about it, and send me your buyers. All of the stuff is easily purchased at Wal-Mart, except for the Glock and extra clip. Without the gun, you’re looking at less than $20.
So, how much is that commission worth to you? If your buyers have to poop all day, they won’t be in a good mood. They won’t buy a house. Have all that, they will be happy, they will buy the house.
In all reality, just be smart. Think about what you would need when looking at houses all day. Keep in mind; your clients have personal needs to. Guys, don’t be afraid to buy Tampons, or just steal them. One tampon made me $5,000 once. If you have diapers, your clients won’t have any reason to take the kids home to change their diaper. Etc Etc.
Simple enough? Yes, I think so.
On one more note, keep in mind, I live in South Carolina. I have a concealed weapons permit, and it is legal here to carry a handgun in one’s car as long as it is stowed in accordance with State Law. Check your local handgun laws before carrying one in your “Readiness Kit”.
About the Author:
Hunter Jackson is a licensed Real Estate Agent with Exit Realty serving Greater Columbia SC.
Proudly part of Generation Y, Hunter is just finishing up his first year of real estate at the age of 23. Firmly believing that the only way to sell a house is through marketing, Hunter focuses his areas of expertise on targeted demographics. Focusing on young families needing single family homes, Hunter takes his marketing to the internet through his Columbia SC Real Estate Blog and via Social Media.
Gladly, Hunter spends his time learning all he can about real estate firmly believing that Great agents are not born, they are trained. In addition to Real Estate, Hunter's passions involve Exotic Animals, primarily African Tortoises.
You can reach Hunter via phone at 803.609.5214 or his Columbia SC Real Estate Blog at http://www.ColumbiaSCRealEstateHomes.com
You can also email Hunter at nhjacksonrealty@gmail.com.
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