Putting Your Sellers in a Buyers’ Shoes YOU CAN SAY Some buyers may not have the cash to pay their own real estate agent out of pocket. Often buyers need their cash for the down payment and other expenses. Generally, buyers cannot finance a brokerage commission through a mortgage. Buyers without the necessary cash may not have the option of borrowing to pay for their own agent. WWB Buyers face significant hurdles when purchasing a home, and easing the financial burden of separately finding funding for their buyer agent can make the listed property more attractive. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

The Buyer Consultation--Goal 2 YOU CAN SAY CREATE A PARTNERSHIP-- Set the expectation of a partnership and share the services you provide and how they will help the buyer. You can align your value with the top four things buyers generally want from an agent from the 2023 NAR® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers to help solidify your partnership. My job is to partner with you to fulfill your real estate goals, this starts with understanding your needs and what is important to you. Let’s confirm we are the right fit for each other – we will focus on what we can do for each other to make sure this process runs as smoothly as possible. HELP FINDING THE RIGHT HOME TO PURCHASE The first thing I will do is to give you all my expertise and service as a real estate professional. This will create a smooth and less stressful search. I will continue to search until we have located a property that’s just right for you. Does that sound helpful? HELP NEGOTIATE THE PRICE AND TERMS OF SALE Great! The second thing I will do is use our technology to prepare a comparable market analysis on your prospective home. That way we will be negotiating with all the latest information. Finding the home is only the first step and is something we will do together. The offer and negotiation are where the right agent makes the biggest difference. Would you agree? HELP WITH PAPERWORK The third thing I will do is orchestrate all the entities necessary, like lenders, title, appraisals and inspections to bring us to a timely close. Is that of value to you? The Buyer Consultation is your opportunity to win the buyer’s commitment. Guide the conversation to build trust, present your value, remove objections, and assumptively close for Buyer Representation Agreement. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Showing Transparency Around Buyer Agency Compensation YOU CAN SAY Whether to offer compensation to a buyer’s broker, and the amount of compensation you may decide to offer, is purely your choice. You are not required by law to offer such compensation, and all compensation is fully negotiable. However, so that you can make an informed decision, and to help you understand why I recommend that you make such an offer, I want to share why I believe there are significant benefits to doing so. WWB While it may not have always been considered a best practice to bring up compensation in early conversations with potential clients, discussing the benefits upfront can help you build trust and demonstrate your value. It used to be that bringing up fees before demonstrating your value would come across as only caring about your payment – now, that conversation is in the interest of transparency. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Buyer Pre-Consultation YOU CAN SAY MOTIVATION Why are you looking to move? Do you own or rent? What is most important to you—finding the right home, the right price, timing, or an easy transaction? FINANCIAL ABILITY Have you been prequalified or preapproved? Is it just you making the decision? EXPERIENCE Is this the first home you have purchased? What did you like least and most about that experience and the other agents you have worked with? Did you sign a Buyer’s Agreement with any other agents? PROPERTY INTEL What is your target area? Do you have specific towns in mind? Why would those meet your needs? What are the specifics you’re looking for in a home (how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.)? What are your dealbreakers in a home? SET EXPECTATIONS Our next steps are to get together to complete a consultation and sign a buyer representation agreement. I will send you a packet of information that goes into the details of the home buying process and gives you a preview of the home buying process and gives you a preview of the Buyer Representation Agreement that we can discuss to start the search for your dream home. I will send you a text with my contact information, so you have my number and name. Do you have any questions for me? CONFIRM APPOINTMENT Would this evening at 5:00 be a good time to get together, or is tomorrow morning at 10:00 better? Are there any other decision-makers who will be there, or should be there? What is your preferred method of contact? Not all buyers are ready to buy—ask questions weed out the buyers who may already be working with another agent and the ones that are just casually looking. For serious buyers, determine their motivation, timeline, ability, and experience to help you tailor your consultation to their needs. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

My Friend/Family Member Is An Agent FOR THE FEEL, FELT, FOUND TECHNIQUE YOU CAN SAY I understand exactly how you feel. If I were in your shoes, I would feel the exact same way. I've worked with many clients in the past that initially felt obligated to work with a friend or family member that was a licensed real estate salesperson. What I found is that meeting with more than one agent allows you to make the most informed decision about working with the right agent who knows the market, has good working relationships with other agents in the marketplace, and can maximize buyer interest in your listing, which will net you the most amount of money at the end of the day. Can you see how this might benefit you? FOR THE BENEFITS STATEMENT YOU CAN SAY In my experience, it's always wise to interview more than one agent before listing your house. This is really important because choosing the right agent to represent you and the sale of your property is one of the most important decisions you can make. My job is to provide you with the best information based on analyzing up-to-the-minute market conditions, leveraging my extensive knowledge of the area, as well as my relationships with other agents in the area. The benefit to you is the ability to make the most informed decision in order to maximize buyer demand for your property so you get the most amount of money from the sale of your home. Can you see why this would benefit you? The Feel, Felt, Found Technique and the Benefits Statement are two approaches to owning objections. The Feel, Felt, Found Technique may resonate more with an emotions-based client, while the Benefits Statement may resonate better with a client who is more practical in their thinking. Both techniques highlight how your expertise sets you apart from other real estate agents and why they should choose to work with you. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Adapting Scripts to a Text YOU CAN TEXT These are suggestions to follow with a text message. You will want to determine your purpose for reaching out and change the messages accordingly. Hey! My name is (name) and I am a part of (company name). I’d love to chat about (your recent listing, CMA of your home, finding the right home for you). OR Hi, this is (name, if necessary). I wanted to send some exciting news. I am thrilled to be working in real estate now! There is so much going on in the market and would love to share. If you or anyone you know has an real estate needs I’d be happy to help! Give me a call when you get a chance. ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS If you ask targeted open -ended questions, you can better connect and gather more personal information to best service their needs. INCLUDE AN ITEM OF VALUE OR CALL TO ACTION A link to your website Offer them an updated Comparative Market Analysis. If they're a homeowner, offer them information of value, something in exchange for that conversation IF THEY RESPOND, "NO THANKS!" So nice to connect with you. Please do let me know if you or anyone you know has any real estate needs or questions about the current market, I’d be happy to help! IF THEY RESPOND, "I'D LIKE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT ________.” That’s great! So nice to hear from you. I can certainly help with ________.” Most people prefer texts over phone calls. You can adapt your scripts to text messages and still be impactful. If you are concise, speak conversationally and make the message personal, you can expand your SOI and make a connection that could lead you to find a new buyer or seller. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

More Than Just the Compensation YOU CAN SAY If I’m hearing you correctly, you are concerned that I may only be working solely for the paycheck. I understand how hard it can be choosing a professional that you trust to represent you in a purchase as big as buying a home. I felt that way too! By signing a Buyer Agreement with me, it states that I only get paid if I help you find a home you want to purchase and the transaction closes. I will be committed to professionally representing you and providing the service, time, and attention it takes to find and close on the home of your dreams. . I will be committed to protecting your best interests while minimizing conflicts, negotiating favorable terms, and ultimately providing the superior service that will make you a client for life. [give prior examples, show testimonials] I hope that clears up any concerns about my commitment to you during this transaction! WWB Buyers may be concerned that you are only in this “for the paycheck” and will not keep their best interests in mind. Having a Buyers Agreement in place that states that you will only get paid if you help the buyers find their home – and close on it – should clarify this concern. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Seller Listing Presentation YOU CAN SAY (Seller’s name), it sounds like we agree on the price and that I have answered all your questions. Is there anything we need to do before we get started? Are you ready to choose me to represent you in the sale of your home? (Always have a listing agreement and pen ready to go when you arrive at this point. Express your enthusiasm to be working on their behalf to sell their home). I’m so excited to work with you and (re-state their motivation) get you to your new job/in the new home in time for school/get you the money you want from the sale. (Confirm that they have made a great decision in trusting you to represent them.) Based on everything we have discussed; I think we will make a great team! Are you ready to get started? Knowing the flow of your Listing Presentation allows you to move directly to securing the listing from any point of your presentation if the seller expresses a desire to act immediately. You can build momentum toward this commitment by starting with open-ended questions, listening to the seller’s response, and then gradually moving to questions that repeatedly result in a “yes” to confirm the seller’s decision. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

I Don’t Want To Meet In-Person YOU CAN SAY I understand that you're excited to start looking at houses. I'm looking forward to getting started with you. When are you looking to be in your new home? I find that meeting first to discuss your goals and create strategies to get you what you want makes for a more successful and less stressful process. We’ll only need about 45 minutes. My job is to share the tools we will use to identify all the available properties that best meet your needs and we’ll get started on the necessary process. The benefit to you is that it will save you so much time and stress and make sure you're ready to submit a winning offer when you walk into the home that you just know is the one. Can you see why it would be important to meet prior to us going out and looking at homes? I’m free this afternoon or tomorrow morning, which one works better for you? In a competitive market, buyers may be more focused on finding a listing that meets their needs than committing to one real estate agent. A great buyer consultation gives you the opportunity to educate them about the home-buying process, highlight your extensive knowledge of the market, and foster a connection showing you care about them and can be their trusted real-estate agent. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Close The Deal YOU CAN SAY The fact that we have an offer on the property is a great beginning! Let’s discuss some of the factors that will still need to play out (address local practices: title search, financial contingencies, etc.) Until all contingencies have been cleared, the home will appear on the market with a disclosure that the contract is pending. Do you still want to continue to show your home and take back-up offers? It’s exciting for the seller when they first receive an offer. Your job as their agent is to ensure they’re well-informed about contingencies and have a back-up plan in the event the offer does not go through. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Strategizing With The Seller YOU CAN SAY Buyers today ultimately determine what a home will sell for by what they are willing to pay. I want to make sure that your initial market position will excite the buyers strongly enough, so we can generate multiple showings and hopefully produce multiple offers. I call this an “impact” price. This strategy is the best way to help you net the highest possible price with the fewest days on the market. Let’s first look at homes most similar to yours in the area currently on the market and that are not selling, and then homes that have recently sold, revealing what buyers have actually paid for homes that are most similar to yours. This will tell us which homes were perceived as a value and those that were not. Based on this data, where do you think we should position your home? The market is suggesting a position sale between $________ and $________. If this is the correct number, your home should be sold in ______ (range) of days. If your home is not sold in _____ (range) of days, I will update the market analysis and see if we need to discuss repositioning the price. Are you comfortable with this strategy? It’s been proven to help sellers get the maximum price, no matter what the market is doing. Let’s go ahead and list your home at the “impact” price of $__________. By doing so, you are making a wise business decision. It is important for sellers to know that buyers strongly determine the price of a home. Your job as the agent is to help the seller strategize to be able to sell their home at a profitable price while also enticing the buyers on the market to make an offer. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

F.O.R.D. Model YOU CAN ASK FAMILY How did you meet? (if you are meeting a couple for the first time) How old is your son/daughter? Do you have any siblings? Did you grow up in this area? What brought you to (name of town)? (If they didn’t grow up there) OCCUPATION What do you do for a living? How do you like working at _____? What’s your favorite part of your job? What made you interested in becoming a _____? Do you work remotely? RECREATION What do you like to do for fun? Do you have a favorite sports team? Have you watched (or read) ______(popular show/book)? What are you up to this weekend? Have you and your family gone on any recent vacations together? DREAMS Keep in mind that these questions often lead to deeper answers, so you may want to wait until you’ve established more rapport before asking too many questions related to this topic. Where would you like to travel? What’s something you’d like to try in the future? Would you ever consider trying _____ (particular hobby or activity)? Where do you see yourself in five years? What brings you joy? As a real estate agent, you want to master small talk, make connections, meet new people, be outgoing, and talk about real estate—without seeming pushy. The F.O.R.D model is a tool to be able to connect with people and naturally lead the conversations to real estate. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.