SELLER'S LETTER TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS
I always ask my sellers to write a brief, heartfelt letter about what their home has meant to them; i.e., happy memories, great neighbors, and holidays. I ask them to place the letter on the kitchen counter so buyers can read it and get a different prospective of owning this home in addition to all the features.

 

DEVELOP A CHILDREN'S INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES THAT ARE LISTING.
When I list a house for a family with children, I ask the parents’ permission to meet with their children (in their presence, of course) to discuss how they can help Mama and Dad sell their family’s home. I ask them to show me their rooms and play spaces and together we decide that they will make their beds each day and keep their clothes and toys put away.

We also talk about sharing toys they have outgrown with charities so other children will have fun. We then go to the yard or garage and we decide where and how they will park their trikes, bikes, big wheels, etc.  I then give them a chart for the back of their playroom door. When I check the chart on my weekly visit and everything is in place I put a star on the chart. When the house sells I give the kids a $25.00 gift card to Target. Parents love this because the kids are working with me and all parental nagging stops. The most important part of this exercise is to make the kids feel a part of the moving process. I do this for children ages 4-18.

 

WINTER PHOTOS NEED TO BE REPLACED WHEN SPRING COMES.
When you list a house in the winter with the trees bare and their leaves on the ground, be sure to replace those images if the house is still for sale when Spring and Summer arrive. New images of the home with flowers blooming  and trees full of new foliage will refresh your listing and depict the home as it currently is.

 

THE DOOR KNOCKER
When you give your buyer clients a house warming or thank you gift, always give them something that will remind them of you every time they see the gift. An engraved door knocker is a great gift and they can take it with them when you sell them their next home.

 

STOP THE INCENTIVES FOR OTHER REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Stop feeding agents their lunch and giving away gift cards.  If real estate professionals have clients who are looking for a home like you have listed, they will find it if they are worth their salt.

 

DON'T BE FORCED TO JOIN  CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS
Stop being forced to join NAR, SCAR, and CCAR.  You have no choice but to be a REALTOR if you work for a company that belongs these associations.  Surely you have a better use for that $564.00 each December.

 

GIVE TO AND SUPPORT A CHARITY

 

FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO)
Do not be afraid to knock on their door or catch them in the yard. Ask them how long they have been trying sell their home. Then ask them if you bring them a ready, willing and able buyer, would they pay your company a 4% commission?

When you visit a FSBO, take one of their flyers and enhance it.  At the bottom of the new flyer you’ve created, write in tiny print:  Compliments of Katie Sale Dunn, ACQUIRE REAL ESTATE.   Then have 25 copies made and present them to the sellers as a “gift”.  Ask the sellers if you may hold an open house weekend for them - both Saturday and Sunday.  If they grant you permission, give them another gift to do something with their family for that weekend; i.e., passes to the ZOO, tickets to see our local baseball team, movie passes, or make them a great picnic basket so they can enjoy time together at a local park or the lake.  Believe me - the FSBO family would much rather have a fun weekend than have an open house.

The seller will more than likely give you their listing and you will have a great opportunity to sell the home.

 

JOIN ACQUIRE REAL ESTATE
Earn BIG COMMISSIONS, have two sales managers available to assist you, and have your listings ACQUIRED – not sold.