Real estate transactions are more complicated than ever. Increased governmental regulation has added layers to transactions in recent years and made it virtually impossible for a buyer or seller to go it alone. Working with a Realtor or attorney is a must today. As a real estate insider you’d think we’d be happy about this. We much prefer the days when you could do it yourself. It wasn’t always wise, but it was possible. Government is out of control and has made things harder on people getting a loan, and not for the right reasons.
Communication Critical to Serve Today’s Real Estate Buyer
Today’s home buyer is leery of making a mistake. They really want to research the market, and they have lots of questions. They go online and search, and preview, and search. They take virtual tours, video tours, and search some more. They analyze price per square foot, amenities, and condo and HOA fees. Before long their head is spinning. It’s a lot to take in, and it can become overwhelming.
I see the emails coming in to our buyer specialists. Buyers want an agent who will hold their hand and make sure they make an intelligent decision. I sit in on some of the consultations with buyers. They want to know about the area they’re looking at and how it’s appreciated versus other areas. They want to know what commute time to work will be, and to schools, kids activities, or beaches. They like to see things on a map, and they want input from their agent.
Basically, communication is critical to serve today’s real estate buyer, and they want it now. When a new home enters the market they’re afraid they’re going to miss out because of limited inventory. They want an agent who can show them the home when it enters the market.
Our team of buyer specialists uses technology and to keep our buyers informed of new listings. After listening to a buyer’s needs we setup search parameters in the MLS so our agent and the buyer are notified when a new listing enters the market, or an existing seller reduces their price that meets our buyer’s needs.
We have a new system where we can communicate with buyers via video and answer questions, talk about new listings, and go over the buyer’s needs. The buyer can use their computer or Smartphone wherever they are, so an Ellis Team buyer specialist is never far away.
Buyers get frustrated when their agent is unavailable. Sometimes they call on one of our listings as their agent is out of town. If you’re an agent and leaving town, let your buyers know and assign them to another agent in your office who can help them out. If you don’t buyers anxiety level rises.
We have a team of buyer specialists and they work well together. If a specialist goes on vacation or is unavailable, they’ll have another member ready to help out. We never want one of our customers feeling abandoned or afraid they’ll miss out on a property simply because life happens.
Ideally buyers should sit down with their agent and have an initial consultation. You should ask questions and discuss how listing alerts will be handled, what will happen when agent is out of town, and how available agent will be. Are they working another job and doing real estate on the side? You research the home you’re looking for. Wouldn’t it make sense to research the agent who will help you find that home?
You can search the MLS for free at www.LeeCountyOnline.com Of course, you can speak with one of our buyer specialists at 239-489-4042 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions or setup a buyer consultation and get you on the path to home ownership.
Good luck and Happy House Hunting!
Ellis Team Bargain Listings of the Week
12724 Aston Oaks Dr-5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage with pool and spa in South Fort Myers. Only $350,000 Call today, it won’t last long
8685 Banyan Bay Blvd-5 bedroom, 3 bath home in gated community features granite counter tops, pool, spa, and fantastic price for a growing family