How many homes is too many to view at a time?
I've asked several Realtors this question and most like to show only 3 or 4 houses at a time. 3 or 4?? I can understand viewing that few homes when you're in a market that doesn't have many listings, but there is so much available in my area, and buyers want to see every single thing out there to make sure they're getting the best deal.
I like to show 7-9 houses at a time. This is because there will be several where the buyer goes in and out and on to the next one. It's easier to compare homes and pick a favorite if you've been given a variety. Now, to view 7-9 in person, that typically means you've looked at about 100 listings online first in order to narrow things down to the properties to view.
Oh, yes, I wasn't referring to relo buyers... I'm showing 11 tomorrow and about 23 on Sunday...
I was referring to regular, in-town buyers who have to set time aside to look at houses. I just think it's a waste for a buyer to set aside an afternoon and then only get to see 3 houses... that's like, what, 45 minutes? Depending on the drive to the houses, that's an hour. I think that when buyers set an appt, they're expecting to go look at a variety of houses that they narrowed down from a huge list.
Just my take...
Donna,
I agree with you. In fact, I just made a sale because an agent told my buyers "I'm not a tour guide" and was not interested in showing them a variety of homes and price ranges--and these were out of state buyers. I can't imagine how someone like that would react to a local buyer.
I think some people think it is a waste of time to show people a lot of homes. I agree with you that they are making a big purchase and they want to see as much as possible to reassure themselves they are making a good choice.
Donna,
I agree with you. In fact, I just made a sale because an agent told my buyers "I'm not a tour guide" and was not interested in showing them a variety of homes and price ranges--and these were out of state buyers. I can't imagine how someone like that would react to a local buyer.
I think some people think it is a waste of time to show people a lot of homes. I agree with you that they are making a big purchase and they want to see as much as possible to reassure themselves they are making a good choice.
I bring buyers into my office and look at all the homes they may be interested in via the Multiple Listing Service.
I have dual screens and turn one around facing the buyers while I view the other one.
We then pick out their 8-10 favorites that best suit their needs to go physically look at.
I find this saves a ton of time and they're not concerned about missing something because they see everything in their price range in the areas they are interested in before we ever get in my car.