Showing homes to your client is one of the more importantthings you do as a real estate agent. But when does walking through too manybecome too much?
Your work isn’t a typical 9 to 5 job – and showing homes isa section of a much larger piece of what your job entails. It’s critical thatyou stay organized and focused when you show homes to clients, because yourtime (and the client’s time) is valuable. You don’t want to keep all of your attentionon one client when you have others that need your help.
While each buyer is drastically different from the next,it’s a good idea to have a rough number in mind when it comes to how manyhouses you can show a client – before wondering if your client needs toreconsider whether they’re ready to purchase a home.
So, what are some tips you can use when you show homes, andhow many homes should you show before you suggest that your client comes backto you when they’re ready?
Stick to the Plan
Understanding where the buyer is financially – and knowinghow much they’ve been qualified for – is a huge part of your researching.Clients can become frustrated when they’re shown homes out of their budget, ina location they don’t want to be in, or homes that simply don’t fit theiroverall needs.
While buyers should be a little flexible with what they’relooking for, try your best to stick to their needs. Don’t show them homes outof their price range or outside of what they are requesting – unless you talkto them about it first.
Schedule It out
Before hitting the road, plan out a schedule of days andtimes that best fit the buyer’s schedule and your own.
Set a limit on the number of homes you’ll show them each day. You won’t want to overdo it – do what feels right for yourself and the buyer. Just because one agent is showing 15 homes in a day, doesn’t mean you have to do that too (and maybe their buyer lives out of state and was in town only for the day!).
When to Say Goodbye
If you’ve found yourself in too deep with a client – yourealize you’ve been showing home after home with no sign of closing – then it’sbetter for you to talk with your client and step away. Whether it’s an issuewith the time frame, or a problem with the budget, sometimes it just isn’t inthe cards. You have other clients you need to focus on, and maybe your client needs more time to sort things out.
Many experts agree that after showing 10 homes – with zerosigns of a decision being made – it’s best to step away.
It’s important to remember that each real estate agent andclient has their own limits to how many homes they’d like to be shown. But whenyou feel your time is being taken away from other pressing matters, it’s a goodidea to step back and reflect.
