At this moment, business may be slow, but it will not always stay that way. Buyers will be on the hunt, which makes it a great time to sell quickly and for a good price. So at this crucial time, making the best first impression is most important. Here are a few ways that you can “strike while the iron is hot” and make a great first impression.
1. Show up looking polished
No, this does not mean wearing designer clothing, showing up in a luxury car, or even wearing the flashiest jewelry. Showing up and looking well put together, wearing attire that isn’t wrinkled or stained, a fresh face, and having an overall presentable image are crucial. Many potential clients will judge your competence and professionalism (subconsciously or otherwise) based on your physical appearance.
2. Be Genuine, Authentic, and Real.
According to a Forbes article, “approaching people with a genuine interest in who they are is often contagious and you will have better conversations and lasting connections when you are interested because they are interested.”
Genuine interest in getting to know everything about your prospects is vital. Remembering a birthday, general interests or even something very specific about your prospect makes a huge difference. A prospect is bound to become a long-term customer of yours if they see that your “pitch” as a real estate agent doesn’t only revolve around making the sale. Keeping in touch with your lead is one of the best ways you can make a good first impression that will turn into a lasting impression.
3. Timeliness is the best policy.
Being on time for meetings and appointments is, of course mandatory, but there’s more to that. Being a reliable real estate agent and completing your tasks in a timely fashion is also crucial. This will impact the impression you make with your prospects and future customers. Task management and organization will affect timeliness, but are difficult when you’re on the go. A reliable mobile app will help you with just that. A mobile app will enable you to stay on task, plan, and complete your daily tasks within the designated time you had promised your contacts. Your prospects will see that you are able to keep your promises and will lean on you as their real estate agent of choice.
4. Your Attitude Speaks Volumes.
Forbes reports that “if you are in a depressed or anxious mood, others will pick up on this from your facial expressions, comments, and body language.”
Approaching your prospects in a certain way will create an impression either positive or negative. This will impact their decision to keep you as their real estate agent. Attitude can translate not only through physical contact, but also through a phone call, email or any sort of interaction. Ensuring your body language communicates positive messages is crucial. A firm handshake, a bright smile and even maintaining eye contact could sometimes make or break the “sale.” The same goes for any email or phone interaction you have with a prospect or client. Consider this: smiles can often be heard through the phone or even via email!
5. Put Yourself in their Place and Over-Prepare
You may have leads who are first-time home buyers. For instance, a young millennial couple is looking for their first home. Considering a scenario like this, you want to make sure you make a good first impression by putting yourself in their place. This could mean preparing for any objections or concerns they may have that could tarnish their first-time home buying process. Guess what? Over-preparing could impact their decision in the future to refer you to their friends/family whom wish to purchase a home.
Preparing ahead of time even includes reviewing any of your prospects’ details such as their mortgage information, buying preferences, communication history and any family information they might have shared with you. This also ties into our second point about being genuine and real with your customers and prospects. Knowing your contacts’ important details is one of the best ways to prepare and put yourself in their shoes, leading to a great last first impression.
Summary
Your first impression with your prospects is crucial. Whether it is your demeanor, attire, punctuality or ability to complete tasks in a timely manner or preparedness for a meeting with your prospects, everything will be evaluated. What may be insignificant could play an important factor in your ability to acquire prospects as your long-term customers. Make sure you follow our guide and you will not regret it!