Picture this widespread scenario: Prospective buyers view a house they like on one of those big real estate portals. They click a link, and a message is automatically delivered to a randomly selected agent who purchased an ad on that site.
Why consumers are worthy of more than a virtual agent
The agent exchanges a couple of emails with the buyers, agrees to represent them, and sends a buyer’s agreement for electronic signatures. The buyers aren’t sure just what they are signing, however they sign the agreement anyway, as that’s a requirement for seeing the home.
A showing assistant meets the buyers for the viewing, or maybe they stop in during an open house. They love the house and excitedly text their agent to put together an offer.
Information is discussed by text or email, and once again, the buyers sign electronically, this time for the offer package.
The offer is accepted, and they proceed with the process, obtaining the home inspection electronically and communicating exclusively through email and text, all the way to the closing table wherein a rep from the real estate brokerage attends as a formality, simply to give “that personal touch.”
This isn’t merely the reality at many brokerages today; it’s the objective. Not with Nick, Cindy & Nicholas Davis.
Make an effort
We opt to leverage technology to enable us to handle more clients and transactions.
We often wonder, where oh where has the personal touch gone in real estate?
We understand the impetus to leverage the various technological tools in our arsenal enabling us to invest additional time on follow-up.
Nevertheless the service you can expect is simply too important to permit it to become so impersonal.
Technology has to be utilized to increase efficiency and effectiveness, however many times, it hinders the personal attention and one-on-one service clients deserve.
Build relationships
We believe in relationships first. We meet with clients personally to explain each step of what’s involved.
Whenever we make an offer on our client’s behalf, our personal service continues. We always speak with the other agent, which provides us the opportunity to discuss price and comps with the agent representing the home and get to understand who we’re going to be working together with for the next month or two.
Additionally, it permits us to discuss the reasoning behind the offer, which often can sometimes make a difference.
We personally have gotten offers from agents who didn’t even bother to switch the name on the offer documents, sending them directly from a scanner without even a return email address.
An offer that’s so impersonal doesn’t result in the impression and connection that leads to successful negotiations.
Create the lasting connection
Simply put, relationships rule.
When technology for the sake of efficiency gets in the way of genuine service and true communication, we say it’s time for another way. Our priority is our clients and their real estate purchase or sale. This involves listening, discussion, and, yes, face time.
We would like to be in the relationship business and actually understand our clients, so we can assist them in the most meaningful way.
Sometimes low-tech may be the only way to go. An app is not a substitute for a trusted friend or adviser. We want to get back to basics, get to know each other, then work together to create win-wins for you, our clients.
Ready to find your new home? Nick & Cindy Davis with RE/MAX Premier Group are here to assist you. We are always a just a click here away or call 813-300-7116