I have been working in the real estate world for just over five years and have been around it since I was a wee child (both of my parents are Realtors). I have moved five or six times locally in seven years, but I have never directly asked myself or my clients this question –
What do you want to know about the area that will either help you move or help you decide to move here?
– Schools
– Crime Rates
– Employment
– Grocery Stores
– Public Transport
– Recycling
– What is there to do?
– What have you been looking for online that you just cannot find?
A general, all-encompassing question that usually elicits the responses above is this – “What, if anything, do you want or need to be “close to?””
Listening is my best weapon which I use to discern my clients’ wants and needs. I just need to be sure I am asking the right questions.
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I couldn’t agree more. Especially with an expanding inventory it’s important to really understand what a client values most in a new home. In turn, this allows us to utilize our time with the client(s) in the most efficient way. Some questions I include are:
Location: Is there one particular area you like or are there other factors such as distance to work/shopping, close to the city or in the county?
Size: How many bedrooms/bathrooms do you need? Do you need an office? Do you like to entertain? Do you need a lot of storage? Do you need a yard? (Fence?) Do you have any pets or other special needs?
Style: Detached? Attached (townhome)? Condo? Stories? Architecture?
Amenities: Garage? Pool? Fitness center? Exterior maintenance covered?