What Do Clients Expect From Real Estate Agents? | 9 Common Expectations
As a real estate agent, it’s crucial to understand your audience and their expectations to provide excellent services. Neglecting to do so might result in underperformance and losing clients. It’s important to anticipate their needs and exceed their expectations to retain their business. To achieve this, here are nine things your real estate clients expect from you as professional real estate agents.
1. Be Available
If your client tries to contact you via phone or email, it’s important to receive a prompt notification so that you can respond to them in a timely and efficient manner. It’s recommended to set up an automatic response. Even if you cannot provide an immediate solution, to acknowledge their message and assure them that you’re aware of their query. Keep in mind that every client wants to feel valued and avoiding delays in communication can prevent them from feeling ignored.
2. Schedule Multiple Open House Appointments and Follow-Up Meetings
Make sure to frequently get your clients into open houses to increase their chances of purchasing a property. If your clients show interest in a property, schedule an open house appointment for them as soon as possible. Don’t limit yourself to just the listed properties, but also explore off-market or similar listings in other areas. Being proactive and diligent in finding your clients their next home can lead to pleasant surprises. If time and scheduling pose a challenge, explore alternative options like FaceTime, images, videos, or virtual tours to help you serve your clients better.
3. Be Educated on the Market
It is essential to conduct extensive research before meeting your client as they rely on you to be an expert on their target market and interests. Thoroughly researching the area and reviewing market reports will enable you to guide your property search within your client’s budget and buying goals. Your role is to assist your client in their search for a new home and ensure that they are getting the best value by eliminating any confusion and providing reassurance.
4. Help Get a Client Pre-Approved for Lending
Buying a home can be overwhelming, particularly for first-time buyers. However, as a professional, your clients rely on you to guide them through the process. To simplify things, it’s recommended that you connect your clients with a lender and obtain mortgage pre-approval upfront. This will give you a better idea of their budget and level of commitment, thereby saving everyone time in the long run.
5. Have a Defined Marketing Plan
Selling a property can be a challenging task, and your clients have placed their trust in you to help them out. During your initial meetings, it’s important to present your best marketing plan to sell their property. Your marketing strategy should include effective techniques such as open house strategies, social media ad services, photography, video or virtual tours, targeted promotional digital campaigns, and grassroots marketing campaign tactics.
If you lack creativity or knowledge regarding the tools that aid in selling homes, your clients might perceive it as a warning sign. In such cases, feel free to seek assistance from other real estate agents whom you know and trust.
6. Handle Negotiations and Close the Deal
Successful real estate agents must possess quick wit and excellent negotiation skills to close deals for their clients. It’s essential to anticipate any hesitation from buyers or sellers and prepare accordingly by considering potential concessions, solutions, or compromises. During negotiations, some clients may become timid or uncomfortable, and it’s crucial to step in and provide support to help them close the deal.
7. Manage the Inspection
As you near the end of the buying or selling process for a property, it’s important to have a reliable local home inspector on your side. With their knowledge and expertise, they can uncover any potential issues during the inspection process. It’s recommended that you also attend the property inspection to get a clear understanding of the property’s condition and possibly negotiate any necessary price reductions or concessions with the seller.
8. Make Closing Day Easy
Again, you’re here to make buying or selling for your client as successful and seamless as possible. Ensure all relevant documents are completed and signed, all monetary transactions are completed, and all keys and deeds are turned over to the rightful owner. And don’t forget to congratulate and thank them for their business.
9. Recommend Vendors
Finally, it’s essential to strengthen your client relationship by providing ongoing support. You can suggest connecting them with your reliable vendors for home care services such as handymen, interior decorators, and pest control experts. This thoughtful gesture will not only make your clients feel valued but also increase the likelihood of them recommending you to others.
