I just read a post from Dawn in Arizona. Now I know that part of every prospecting seminar and most sales meetings deal with FSBOs. And I also know that it's highly unlikely that I will ever go after another one for the rest of my career.
About 10 years ago, I decided to move from an office sales manager job back to sales. As I hit the streets, I was totally listless, and spent a weekend going to FSBO open houses. I visited 6, followed up with 4 and listed 3 of those. Then I had the worst month of my life!
All of them acted totally put out when I called to arrange a showing. Now, I thought that showings were a good thing. They viewed them as home invasions.
One couple had 2-year old ADHD twins, one of whom kicked me in the shins. I came very close to kicking him back.
One husband said his wife had to be hospitalized for "nervous exhaustion" because I made her keep the house too clean. Now, this lady was a totally compulsive neat freak way before I came along. And a month later, she left him for a woman.
The third house was inhabited by total slobs who wouldn't clean up, and while that one didn't sell, I listed and sold their next door neighbor's house. The neighbors, who did not start out as FSBOs, treated me like I walked on water - so I did. They were wonderful.
So, Dawn, go to a "By Referral Only" or Brian Buffino workshop. They both do a fabulous job of helping you develop a business that is primarily referrals from past clients who love you and send you their friends, who will also love you. Both of these programs focus on providing a high quality of service to people who will appreciate you!
I agree totally. I don't knock on doors either!
Sheri Sanders
www.TheSandersEdge.com
While I think that the FSBO market can be a great source of business for some agents, I tend to agree with you. I think the fact they choose to go FSBO in the first place may often times hint at a disdain for Realtors or simply a strong desire to run the show, which can be difficult either way. Obviously there's a million possibilities here but I prefer to work with past clients and their referrals and my center of influence. btw- Joe Stumpf, founder of By Referral Only is a good friend and past client who has used my services twice - making him an advocate! I wish you the best success and thanks for sharign yoru story!
Chris Sylvada, Encinitas CA
Dawn, I see you're still blogging here, so these FSBOs seem to have given you a great start.