Every time The Gallop Poll on Honesty and Ethics is released, we can always expect the same players at the bottom of the list...Attorneys, Politicians, and Salesmen. Now ususally the American public likes to give some Sales Personnel a break and really bust the chops of Used Car Salemen. I'm not convinced (based on my last interaction) that New Car Salesmen deserve to be a separate designation. But in general, all Sales people get whacked. Real Estate Agents are not far behind.
I think everyone is afraid they are going to be Sold something. Afterall, that's how these Sales people work - they can't make money, if they don't sell something...right? These Sales People are trying to coerce you into buying something of theirs before you find something better...right? It's all about mistrust. All of my customers come from the Internet; I know most of them come slathered in mistrust...I expect it.
I also expect them to be uninformed...that is why the mistrust exists.
Rather than trying to unlock the mysterious mind of a mistrusting uniformed Home Buyer, I'm going to tell you the best way to shop for your next home.
Email a Realtor; start a conversation. Judge 'em. Are they informative? Do they follow up timely? Do you like them?
Schedule a visit and tell that Realtor that you are coming. "My husband and I are coming to Lake Norman next month. I would like to arrange to meet you and see the neighborhoods in Cornelius and Huntersville." What can you expect? Well, Ann and I would schedule a tour of homes. You could expect to walk through 10 homes on a Saturday. If you narrow your selection, you will receive detailed information on each home to help you make a selection. If you select, we will help you negotiate the best deal.
That has to be easier than driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods with no inside information while guzzling up your own gas...doesn't it?
Mistrust is normal. Being a Real Estate Agent is like any other profession - we have good ones and bad ones. But you can easily overcome mistrust - just open up and start talking. If you aren't getting what you want...block them...unsubscribe...tell 'em, "Dear John - this just isn't working out. But don't try to do it all by yourself. A professional will make sure you see everything and won't try to SELL you a home - they will let you buy the home you want. And when they do, remember the experience and give us a better rating in the next Gallop Poll.
Cya' when you're ready,
Wayne
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