setting up showing appointments

TOURING HOMES WITH YOUR BUYERS

The real estate industry is highly competitive. When a new listing hits the market, if you snooze you lose. Like Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Real estate moves FAST and doesn’t sleep. If a new listing goes on the market, be prepared to carve out some time for home tours with your clients before the listing goes pending. The early bird gets the worm! Set up showing appointments as soon as possible. They book up quickly, with most potential buyers wanting to see homes between 4 and 6 pm, as this is prime time.

These appointments allow agents to walk potential buyers through the property, highlighting its unique features and answering any questions they may have. Showings also help to build trust between the agent and potential buyer, as they allow for a more personalized and tailored experience. Make sure you take notes, whether they are written down, on your notes app, or even just mental notes of your clients’ likes and dislikes of each home. Every buyer wants their agent to be a good listener. For example, if they didn’t like the basement because it didn’t have a walk-out, make note of this to refine your search criteria to avoid the same mistake twice. They will appreciate your attention to detail and caring for their needs.

METHODS OF SETTING UP APPOINTMENTS

There are several ways in which real estate agents can set up showing appointments for clients. The most common method is through phone or email communication. Agents can call or email potential buyers, offering to schedule a showing at their convenience. Another popular method is through the use of scheduling software, such as Showing Time. These secure platforms allow agents to use their credentials to book the showings directly. Most homes are put on electronic lockboxes that require Bluetooth and an app to unlock. Make sure your phone is charged and the app has been updated so you have no issues with access to the home before you arrive at the appointment.

CHALLENGES OF BOOKING THE SHOWINGS

While setting up showing appointments is an essential part of the real estate industry, it can also be challenging. One of the biggest challenges is scheduling conflicts. Agents need to be flexible and willing to work around their clients' schedules, which can often be unpredictable. Another challenge is no-shows. It's not uncommon for potential buyers to cancel or reschedule at the last minute, leaving agents with an empty schedule. Lastly, managing multiple showings can be overwhelming, especially if the agent is working with several clients at once.

TIPS FOR SETTING UP APPOINTMENTS

Despite the challenges, there are several tips that real estate agents can follow to make the process of setting up appointments more manageable. First and foremost, agents should always confirm appointments with potential buyers in advance. An app such as Calendly can be helpful to make things more efficient. This helps to minimize no-shows and ensures that the buyer is still planning to make the appointment. Another tip is to be flexible and accommodating. Agents should be willing to work around their clients' schedules, even if it means scheduling a showing outside of normal business hours. Lastly, agents should use technology to their advantage. Scheduling software and other tools can help to streamline the appointment-setting process and make it more efficient. An app I have found to be very helpful is Circuit route planner. It eliminates the guesswork of planning logistics. 

At Perry Real Estate College, we understand the challenges and complexities of the real estate industry. That's why we offer comprehensive courses that prepare students for a successful career in real estate. Our courses cover everything from the fundamentals of real estate to advanced sales techniques and marketing strategies. By taking courses at Perry Real Estate College, students can gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their new career path.

Setting up showing appointments is a critical process in the real estate industry. It requires agents to be proactive, flexible, and accommodating. While there are challenges involved (like traffic!) there are also several tips that agents can follow to make the process more manageable. Be proactive, make a list of your agenda, and leave a cushion of time to allow for the unforeseeable events that may take place. I even sometimes add an extra “surprise house” on the list to see, in case something goes pending while en route. You may have to dedicate an entire day, or even the whole weekend touring homes with clients. But going the “extra mile” will pay off in the long run. 

At Perry Real Estate College, we understand the challenges and complexities of the real estate industry. That's why we offer comprehensive courses that prepare students for a successful career in real estate. Our courses cover everything from the fundamentals of real estate to advanced sales techniques and marketing strategies. By taking courses at Perry Real Estate College, students can gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their new career path.