As with all relationships in life, it's easier to achieve things when you work together, pulling in the same direction. Yesterday, Gail Gibson blogged about educating potential buyers - but it's even more important to educate sellers and landlords.
Take this tweet I found while putting together Monday's post on making Twitter use more productive for example.
Of course, there's no disputing the facts, it is still her house. What's more, it's quite a natural attitude.
The thing is, having the current owner sitting in one of the rooms gets in the way of a productive viewing. Neither the agent nor the buyer have the same freedom to be honest, which makes it more difficult to uncover the true objections - plus, it's impossible to have a proper nosey at the occupied room.
The owner is biting their nose off to spite their face by failing to make the most of the opportunity the viewing presents. As the agent, it's your job to educate them on the bigger picture.
Whether it's advice to tidy up the front access, take the dog for a walk or paint over the bright walls, your experience is key to helping the owner obtain the best price for their property.
Discuss the profiles of likely buyers with your owners and try to encourage them to view the property through different eyes. Persuasion, not coercion!
I'd be interested to hear the any tips you have on bending the will of your customers - post your amusing anecdotes in the comments below!
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Pulling in the same direction as your vendors
10 March 2010
Posted in Business Strategy
I'm guessing that this is a tenant and the viewings are for further lets when this young, intelligent, wise beyond her years, girl has moved on.
Still doesn't change my opinion though, thoughtless and self centred but that appears the norm nowadays :)
It's difficult she clearly resents what she sees as an intrusion into her privacy and which I guess isn't at her behest and she feels aggrieved.
I would think in this situation perhaps some consideration ought to be directed towards her? Maybe the agent needs to discuss with Landlord suitable times that are agreeable by both parties; perhaps the landlord needs to speak with the young lady and empathise with her feelings but explain viewings are simply a necessity.
If, however, the young lady is the owner then she needs a short sharp reality check.
I stand by those comments really - I think it's likely that the girl was a tenant, rather than the owner, but it's the perfect illustration of how estate agents must educate their customers to avoid and resolve conflicts which arise from a lack of understanding.
Martin