Part of being a successful real estate agent involves having an advanced skill set of being able to effectively manage your clients. This, for many agents, is one of the most difficult aspects of their job. Unlike houses or figures, people are dynamic, they are unpredictable and sensitive to factors we can sometimes not control.
There are certain methods and practices, however, that you can use to help ease the burden and stress of client management. Keep reading for our best tips and tricks on how to become a pro at managing clients as a real estate agent.
Be Clear About Expectations
Many times, clients become disappointed when their expectations are under-met, regardless of whether the situation is fully in your control or not. The best way to avoid disappointment is to have a clear understanding of what your client is hoping to achieve from working with you.
Simply having a quick meeting where you can sit down and inquire about this will be a lifesaver in the long run. Once you are fully clear about what they are hoping to see, you’ll be able to not only adjust the work that you do for them but also forewarn them in the case that you might not be able to make something happen. Setting these guidelines will make the experience of working together better for both parties, setting them up for satisfaction and thus you up for success.
Build Trust
Being tasked with finding or selling somebody’s home is not easy. People are very sensitive when it comes to their private space, and rightfully so. Keeping this in mind, it is important that you are able to not only build trust with your clients but also maintain it.
Your clients are putting themselves in a vulnerable position, wanting to effectively sell and/or buy a home, but likely have little knowledge of how to correctly do this. When they hire you, they are entrusting both the security of their current and/or future home in your hands, it is imperative that you act as someone that is trustworthy and also follow through with being trustworthy.
Don’t Over-Promise
Similar to the setting of expectations, it’s important to be realistic about what you will be able to provide for your client. Although you’ll have the best intentions and want to go above and beyond for every client, this is most likely not possible. Making sure to not promise things that you cannot deliver on will ensure that your clients are not disappointed and will also spare you from burnout and being overwhelmed.
Be Empathetic
If you are ever at a crossroads in decision-making regarding the business of a client, try putting yourself in their position and think of what option would best support their success. The tactic of empathy goes a long way, especially when you are handling the life of another person.
Check In
Hand in hand with empathy, regularly checking in with your clients is a great way to make sure they are happy with your work and will allow you to confront and resolve any conflict immediately. It never hurts to ask questions or double check the decisions you are making on their behalf. When in doubt, it is better to ask questions than just assume. Being a real estate agent is an incredibly flexible job that allows you a lot of agency as a professional. To ensure your success, it is up to you to effectively manage your clients and strive for their ultimate satisfaction. Learn these tips and more when you enroll in a class with Greenwood Real Estate School today.
Categorised in: Real Estate, Real Estate Tips