I was reading another blog by Mark Horan. His blogwas about a recent experience he had with clients. It gave me the idea for this blog.
I wanted to see how many agents out there, who preview before they show or just preview to know the market? Now I want to hear from the agents who think it's a total waste of time?
Before you post, don't just post yes I do or no I don't, then leave it at that. Give your reasons! I think it would make a great debate and the best thing is, there isn't a right or wrong answer! So, no name calling or putting each other down, we'll leave that to the presidential candidates!
I might as well go ahead and throw out my 2 cents first.
I don't make previewing properties part of my routine, I haven't found the benefits of it. I think it's too time consuming. However, if I am going to be showing houses in an area that is not my normal stomping grounds, I will drive my route, so I know exactly where the house are.
Alright I know the hate emails are coming but let me explain! I practice real estate in Northeast Florida, which includes Jacksonville, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, St Johns County, the Beaches, etc... That's alot of ground to cover, especially in Jacksonville alone. I think it's a disservice to my clients to preview a home and eliminate it because I don't think they would like it. Who am I to determine what they will like? Even if I have sat down with them for a consultation and we have looked at homes, I don't think I should be the eliminator.
Now, it's your turn. Let the comments begin!
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I preview and I don't do it because I need to know the way (I have a GPS for that). When I go, I want to know the home, neighborhood, and schools, shopping, etc - especially when the client is from out of town. Here in Charlotte, things change daily it seems so its important to always stay up to date.
Also, I've previewed for out of town investors. I take my camera and snap around 80 pics per property and then put them in picasa and send them along with a report to my client.
I like previewing with a client:-)
I try my best to preview our office listings as it is much easier to talk about the property on the phone if I've been there. If time permits, I will try to make it to broker & public opens. I have been previewing most of the new construction homes in the area. I have a new farming area and will make a point of previewing homes that are not listed with me.
I can't preview all the homes as the area that I am in is also very large - so that is why I target specific niches - the home/properties that I'm most likely to have to "know".
Preview: office listings and properties in my farm area that are not listed with our office {GASP} Properties specifically requested by an out of area client.
I do not make a habit of previewing before showing or just "to do it."
I started previewing properties 20 years ago when I first got in the business. I did so because I promissed myself that I would never let my Buyer Clients Down as I had been let down by the agents I had worked with before becoming an agent.
Buyers expect representation. Representation is not just the ability to write an offer on the home that your buyer chooses on their own.
I also preview property as part of my Representation for my Sellers.
My Sellers expect me to know what is going on in the market place. Or they priced fairly? etc. etc. etc.
Being in business for this length of time I have also found out that a natural phenomenon occurs in real estate. It is you natural tendency to dismiss a property over price because of your historical perspective. So every 6 months or so I make it a habit to preview homes in adjoining neighborhoods that I had not been through for a while. I go through as many actives as I can and I drive by the recent Pendings and Solds. This data gives me a solid foundation when representing my Buyers and Sellers.
Have a successful 2008.
I always preview properties. I like to know the home well to point out what is not on the listing. Here in our resort/retirement community many people want a sunrise or sunset, a north light for the artists moving to our island.
I also like to interview neighbors when I list to get the "flavor" of the neighborhood, is the fishing good, hunting, hiking trails, bears (some people like them). I set up my appointments for the occupied, the home tour according to how far or how close to save time. When a new client wishes to see one that I did not plan on because of their original requests then I feel unprepared to be able to sell the house.
All my ducks have to be in order, as much as possible.
Irina-That makes great sense. If you have a farm area, you should preview, so you can say you're the expert. Very good comment!
Jonathan-I need to get a GPS. I have previewed for out of town buyers as well and took pictures for them. My goal for 2008 is to learn the neighborhoods better, for the areas I don't travel in as much. Thanks for commenting!
Judi-I like previewing with a client as well. :) I think you and Irina are wise to preview in your farm areas.
Heather- The comments so far are awesome! I think we're both going to learn alot.
Debbie- I think the "farmers" agree to preview. For your out of town buyers, do you preview the ones who are ready to buy as soon as they find a house?
Christi-I think we're in for some great point of views. I've done broker open houses, just not every week.
Herb-I think your approach is great. In fact, I think it would be wise to preview the active listings in the neighborhood your listings are in or close by neighborhoods if your listing isn't in a conventional subdivision. I have to admit, I don't, but I think it's a good idea for me to start. Thanks!
Vivienne-I imagine from your comment, you're a very detailed person. Great idea to interview the neighbors. In our neighborhood, a couple was looking at a house in our cul de sac and they knocked on our door to ask us how we liked the neighborhood. They bought the house and we became great friends.
I do preview properties and seem to be one of the very few agents in my area who does.
I have found that by knowing the homes in person, I can help both buyers and sellers. I have directed many buyers to properties they love but dismissed because of the photos online. I have also found that when I sit down with a seller, they always ask about the competing properties and it's nice when I can say that I've been inside personally and know exactly what it has to offer.
My area is large geographically (we still have some farmland, even!), so just driving around to look at homes is not my preferred method. I try to work it so that if I am out on an appointment, I'll stop by and preview one or two in that area. Hey, if I have to drive out there anyway, might as well make the best use of my time, right?
I hit every home in my farm area! This is the area that I send all my post cards, newsletters and other marketing material. This lets me know my competition and also let's them see that I am working that farm, even though they didn't hire me as there agent. But, I promise if they cancel or their listing expires that they will call me.
Jen-That would be a good way to differentiate you from other agents. Sometimes the photo on the mls don't do the house justice. Sounds like you're a multi-tasker! :)
Todd-I think it's safe to say the "farmers" preview! I have no doubts someone would call you, if I lived in your area and needed an agent I would!