I Want Everything Repaired! YOU CAN SAY I understand how you feel and the list from the home inspection can seem intimidating. Many buyers I have worked with have felt the same way. Home Inspection reports always have items that might be perceived as major issues. What I have found is that many sellers would prefer to give buyers credit for the repairs. If the seller were to offer a credit, what number would you be willing to consider? Many buyers want the seller to complete all the repairs on a home inspection report prior to making a purchase. Manage realistic negotiation expectations between the buyer and the seller and maintain a positive relationship with your buyer through the utilization of the Feel Felt Found technique. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Showing Transparency Around Buyer Agency Compensation YOU CAN SAY Whether to offer compensation to a buyer’s broker, and the amount of compensation you may decide to offer, is purely your choice. You are not required by law to offer such compensation, and all compensation is fully negotiable. However, so that you can make an informed decision, and to help you understand why I recommend that you make such an offer, I want to share why I believe there are significant benefits to doing so. WWB While it may not have always been considered a best practice to bring up compensation in early conversations with potential clients, discussing the benefits upfront can help you build trust and demonstrate your value. It used to be that bringing up fees before demonstrating your value would come across as only caring about your payment – now, that conversation is in the interest of transparency. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Putting Your Sellers in a Buyers’ Shoes YOU CAN SAY Some buyers may not have the cash to pay their own real estate agent out of pocket. Often buyers need their cash for the down payment and other expenses. Generally, buyers cannot finance a brokerage commission through a mortgage. Buyers without the necessary cash may not have the option of borrowing to pay for their own agent. WWB Buyers face significant hurdles when purchasing a home, and easing the financial burden of separately finding funding for their buyer agent can make the listed property more attractive. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Buyer Pre-Consultation YOU CAN SAY MOTIVATION Why are you looking to move? Do you own or rent? What is most important to you—finding the right home, the right price, timing, or an easy transaction? FINANCIAL ABILITY Have you been prequalified or preapproved? Is it just you making the decision? EXPERIENCE Is this the first home you have purchased? What did you like least and most about that experience and the other agents you have worked with? Did you sign a Buyer’s Agreement with any other agents? PROPERTY INTEL What is your target area? Do you have specific towns in mind? Why would those meet your needs? What are the specifics you’re looking for in a home (how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.)? What are your dealbreakers in a home? SET EXPECTATIONS Our next steps are to get together to complete a consultation and sign a buyer representation agreement. I will send you a packet of information that goes into the details of the home buying process and gives you a preview of the home buying process and gives you a preview of the Buyer Representation Agreement that we can discuss to start the search for your dream home. I will send you a text with my contact information, so you have my number and name. Do you have any questions for me? CONFIRM APPOINTMENT Would this evening at 5:00 be a good time to get together, or is tomorrow morning at 10:00 better? Are there any other decision-makers who will be there, or should be there? What is your preferred method of contact?   Not all buyers are ready to buy—ask questions weed out the buyers who may already be working with another agent and the ones that are just casually looking. For serious buyers, determine their motivation, timeline, ability, and experience to help you tailor your consultation to their needs. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

I Want To Wait To Find A Home YOU CAN SAY It sounds like you could be frustrated by the competition for the few listings that are on the market right now and you want to hold off and start looking again in a couple of months. Do I have that right? I understand why you're feeling that way. Deciding on the right time to buy is one of the most important decisions that you're going to make. My job is to inform you on what the market is doing right now, stay up to date on what the National Association of Realtors REALTORS® is projecting for the future and help you make the most informed decision possible. The benefit is, we know that due to very low interest rates, the affordability of homes is very high right now, yet no one can truly predict whether the economy can stay at this level of affordability into the new year. Over the summer, we saw a slight decrease in affordability due to the increase in home prices month after month. Let's continue to monitor what hits the market and work together to find the right deal for you and your family. NOTE—Check market watch statistics and change transcript accordingly to provide updated information to the potential buyer. Buyers may state that they want to wait to look for a new home because they are frustrated over the level of competition for so few listings. Educate buyers on the current market realities to help them reconsider waiting. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Market Updates YOU CAN SAY Hi, I'm calling about (insert house address here). We talked a few months back. I'm following up to let you know that we're seen signs that now may be the time to act if you don't want to miss this historic time for you to sell your home. We’ve seen (amount) of (normal) appreciation in the last (number) months. At the same time, inventory is gradually increasing, and sellers are seeing few offers on average. In your neighborhood, we are seeing (number of offers in potential seller’s neighborhood). but we're not expecting a sudden market shift. It may be more like the air deflating from a balloon, meaning you have time to act and take advantage of multiple offers and record- setting (number) days on market across the country. For a home like yours, we’d expect to have a offers in (insert amount here). I would love to walk you through what the market data says right now and how we can use that to your advantage. Do you have some time now to talk, or should we set up a time to talk tomorrow, around (insert specific time here)? Knowing the latest local and national market data statistics sets you apart from other agents. You can share how this data benefits potential sellers who are considering selling in the current climate while also establishing yourself as a trustworthy, resourceful real estate advisor. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Valuing Representation for Both Buyers And Sellers YOU CAN SAY Your buyer having an agent means that both parties are represented by professionals and ensures a smoother process than when one side is unrepresented. You can incentivize buyers to retain representation by easing some of the financial burden of the buyers’ agency compensation. WWB No matter how the buyer is funding their home purchase, it is beneficial for each side of the transaction to be represented by agents so that buyers and sellers both walk away from the offer with their needs met. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Compensation Structure YOU CAN SAY Great question! Let's dig into how I can be compensated. With such a big purchase, it’s normal to be concerned about where every dollar comes from and goes. This is a common question due to recent industry changes. New MLS rules eliminate historic practices making a seller's unilateral offer a legal obligation. Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable for both the buyer and the seller agent. That said, there are several ways in which I can be paid for my services. These include: The seller of the property you are interested in has offered to pay a commission to the buyer’s agent as part of the listing. The seller has offered a modest commission towards the buyer’s agent as reflected in the listing, which would require either contribution by you as the buyer or we would include that as part of an offer you make on the property. The seller has not offered to pay a commission to the buyer’s agent, but we include that requirement as part of the offer you make on the property. The seller will not agree to pay a buyer’s agent commission, in which case you would be responsible for my compensation. Based on the properties on the market, we can determine what works best for you. WWB Buyers may wonder why the seller is not paying a commission split. Be transparent about the many options buyers have under new compensation rules. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Why Should I Pay You When I Can Do a Lot of the Work Myself Online? YOU CAN SAY If I understand correctly, you are wondering what value I bring to the table as your real estate agent? I can see how you might feel that the only thing we do is find and show homes– tv shows often paint that picture! Many buyers in your shoes felt the same way before they actually jumped into the process. What they learned, however, is that finding and showing homes is the smallest part of the process! As your agent, I can help guide you through each aspect of submitting a strategically crafted offer. My support doesn’t stop once that offer is accepted. The contract to close process is arguably the most complex part of my job. Missing a deadline can cost you thousands of dollars, it can delay the closing, and even has the potential to make you lose the home altogether. If it looks like we are getting close to a deadline, I’ll negotiate to get us an extension. I’ll be negotiating on your behalf until you’ve got keys in your hand, and a smile on your face. It makes sense that I would be fairly compensated for that hard work, right? WWB With homes for sale being easily searchable online, buyers may be considering finding homes on their own. When asked “why should I pay you,” explain the support you give throughout the purchase process. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Selling In An Aggressive Market YOU CAN SAY First of all, I am sure you are aware of the fact that you and I do not determine what your home will sell for. The market decides, depending on what a buyer is willing to pay. There are currently(number) homes for sale in your area. Each month approximately(number) homes in your area sell. That means if no other homes come on the market, we have a(number) month supply of inventory. Plus, (number) additional listings come on the market each month in your area. If I were to print a one-line printout from MLS/listing system with all the homes for sale, the list would be (number) feet long! Currently only (percent) of listings are going under contract. Most homes are priced 10 percent or more above market value, one-third are between 5 percent and 10 percent above market value, and the rest are between market value and 5 percent above. Which homes do you think all buyers want to see first? Of course, they want to see the best priced homes. They all do! If you were a buyer, which homes would you want to focus on? Of course, you would. Only (percent) of the inventory is sold each month. The ones that are moving are the ones that are priced properly. With (number) homes on the market, we want to be one of the (number) homes that sell! Because of this, the market is recommending that we list your home tonight at a price between $(amount) and $(amount). Based upon this information, what price are you comfortable positioning your home for sale? Let’s go ahead with the paperwork and take advantage of the fact that most of your current competition is overpriced! Sellers who have urgent motivation to move may not understand the importance of proper position in the market. You can educate the seller about the importance of proper positioning to ensure their home sells in a timely manner. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Buyer Expectations YOU CAN SAY During our tour (day) from (time) to (time), we will visit (number) homes. I’ve found that trying to see more than that in any one time out on tour can make it hard to remember crucial details. Also, if we’re spending time in homes that don’t truly fit your criteria, it could mean that some other buyer is writing an offer on your dream home, and we don’t want to risk that! As you find homes, I’ll ask you to prioritize them in order of preference to see which (number) homes make the cut, and which ones we may want to potentially visit later. Once your buyers are clear about what they are looking for, you should set the expectation about how many homes you will tour and ask them to prioritize properties. This helps to ensure that you and your buyer can make the best use of your time together to find their ideal home. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

I Want To Wait To Sell YOU CAN SAY (Make sure to update the script to reflect latest market statistics) The latest statistics are showing signs of potential shifts in the market. Existing sales decreased month over month for the first time since (date) and mortgage interest rates rose above (percent) for the first time since last summer. This data is important for you to know because it may impact the net amount you could receive for the sale of your home. My job is to provide you with the most updated information to help you make this decision. I'm going to provide you with everything you need to know. The benefit to you is having a complete understanding so you can make the smartest and most profitable decision. Can you see why this would be important? Sometimes sellers want to capitalize on the conditions of the market and wait to sell in order to net the most amount for the sale of their home. Your role as the real estate agent is to educate the seller on market data statistics to show them that waiting to sell may not be in their best interest if they want to maximize profit. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.