Can Buyers Reach You?
April 20, 2009 by By Owner University
Filed under Marketing
A missed call could cost you a sale. Most buyers and agents will give you a heads up before knocking on your door. Sometimes they are driving the neighborhood and see your sign; sometimes they find your advertising. However they find you, know this: there are other homes on the list. If they call you and get your voicemail, they may leave a message, but they will move on to the next home on the list. (Hopefully it’s not as nice as yours.) The risk you take is that they get distracted with another home and forget about yours. What can you do to have the best chance of connecting live with a potential buyer?
1. Use two phone numbers in your advertising. Use a home number and cell phone or often a husband and wife will each have a cell phone that can be listed as a contact number. List the number you are most likely to be reached at first, with an alternate number as a backup. No cell phone? Get a disposable cell phone just for the purpose of selling the house. You’ll have the benefits without the long contract commitment.
2. Mention the highlights about the house including your price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms on your voicemail message along with your website address where they can see photos. If they have a place to get questions answered and see pictures, it can help hold their interest until you are able to return their call.
3. Return your calls promptly. Occasionally, buyers call my office hoping I have some secret way of reaching a seller that won’t return their calls. Even if you have an offer in the works, you need a safety net! Return buyer calls and ask if they want to be notified if the offer falls through.
If you have one of those schedules or jobs that will prevent you from taking calls or promptly getting back to people, know that it will negatively affect your marketing. If you are selling your own home, you’re now working in sales. Treat it like a job and the rewards could save you thousands.
