In almost all aspects of life, it is absolutely important to get any sort of feedback from family and friends, as well as peers and acquaintances. This valuable information allows people to react and adjust if necessary, and basically use this as a primary foundation for self-realization and self-improvement. The usefulness of receiving comments — whether constructive or otherwise — can hold especially true for sales professionals. They are always looking for leads, presentations, and deals, all while building their network in the process.
When it comes to realtors, for instance, getting a response from prospective clients can be the first step towards contract negotiations. Basically, they have to effectively bridge the gap between a seller and a buyer by communicating bits and pieces including the potential buyer’s personal experience, their initial thoughts, and even their deep insights. This makes feedback a vital part of a realtor’s profession. With that being said, here are five practical tips for real estate agents on how to present fantastic showing feedback:
Have a Strong Online Presence
The digital age sure has its pros and cons, but why focus on the negatives when it always feels good to build on the positives? Whether regularly posting on their social media platforms about upcoming events and industry-wide news or using software tools like showingsuite to help them close leads efficiently, there are plenty of ways realtors can flex their muscles online. Taking advantage of the power of technology can oftentimes lead to promising results, as long as they make a concerted and consistent effort to create content and, more importantly, respond to and react to client feedback.
Incorporate a Storytelling Approach
Showing agents, in more ways than one, are storytellers in nature. This reflects in the way that they try to paint a vivid picture for their clients on how they would look like in their potential home. With this, it is imperative they put a premium on structure and articulation so the whole process — from start to finish — flows naturally and not in a monotonous, borderline robotic tone. To a certain extent, they can also use the testimonials of buyers and/or listing agents as a springboard to further emphasize that they are the right person for the job. This gives a more legitimate feel to the testimonials because a response came from an actual human being.
Focus on Clients’ Needs
Good salespersons typically carry a high closing percentage (as solely reflected by their sales numbers); however, the best agents not only have the ability to strike a deal in a heartbeat, but also put their clients’ needs first. Some of the most successful realtors in the business, for their part, have a knack for putting themselves in the shoes of their patrons. This means that agents can carry the capacity to fully comprehend and address even the smallest of details in a particular property. In hindsight, this kind of awareness creates another layer of trust, ultimately fostering a more personal relationship between an agent and a customer.
“A lot of agents focus on what they believe the selling points of a property are, but once you start listening to your clients, and what they need, you can start building a vision of how that property could fulfill those needs.” Says Ron Parpara, a realtor in Vancouver, Canada. “Ultimately, if a buyer can’t see a property fulfilling their needs clearly, they’re unlikely to make an offer.”
Be Familiar with Critique and Criticism
Of course, a significant part of dealing with clients is tempering their expectations when dealing with rejection by softening the blow, so to speak, through constructive critique instead of just plain criticism. A rule of thumb with this is to use the simple sandwich method, wherein real estate agents should first look for something to compliment about a specific home, then highlight the no fault statement, before suggesting a solution or just wrapping it up with kindness. Knowing how to give meaningful feedback can benefit both parties in such a way that, regardless of the outcome, they will continue to hold and nurture that strong connection.
Practice Kindness
Just to reinforce the previous tip, it is totally essential to be kind as a showing agent, as a buyer, as a seller, and as a person in general. Yes, not everything will go according to plan, especially in a stressful and erratic industry such as real estate. However, if people carry out the value of compassion through and through, this world would be a significantly better place. It all comes into full circle really, as on a smaller scale, realtors have to have empathy, or the capability to understand and share the feelings of their client, in order to be effective, successful, and above all humane.
When everything is said and done, knowing how to dish out great feedback is as crucial as receiving any type of response — positive or negative. This give and take scenario creates a more harmonious environment where people learn more about themselves and their peers, all while having the wisdom and know-how to take action accordingly for the benefit of everyone. Furthermore, this practice ups a real estate agent’s level of service, fortifying the aforementioned pillars of having advanced technologies, excellent communication skills, and much-needed humanity to build a strong foundation for years to come.
