What is your Realtor doing for you today?

I had the brainstorm of writing today about “What’s your Realtor doing for you today?”

This is a significant topic because, with unsold listing having been on the market for longer than six months, I believe every seller would want to know exactly that. But, the fact of the matter is, beyond advertising, socializing and kibitzing with friends and clients, I’m not really sure most Realtors are doing much to directly benefit the interests of the sellers they represent.

Real quickly, before I get too far, let me go back for just a second. In my last Blog I wrote that not all real estate agents were Realtors and agents who were also Realtors should be held in higher esteem than others. If for no other reason, this is significant because Realtors have agreed to uphold a higher set of standards than non-Realtor agents. Those standards are intended to benefit buyers and sellers alike. Plus, the National Association of Realtors is working very hard to uphold and protect the rights of private property owners and we, as individual Realtors, contribute mightily to such efforts; rights which many of our elected officials are attempting to erode and take away from us.

Now, back to the matter at hand, “What’s your Realtor doing for you today?” Well, in my own case, I’ve had to get as far outside of the box as I could. At times, it would seem like there was nothing that was working. Newspaper, internet and specialty advertising, despite costing a fortune, wasn’t working. Interestingly enough though, buyers are continuing to buy and sellers are continuing to sell. But, since I am dedicated to helping my sellers find buyers who will love and enjoy their properties as much as they do, I felt I had to do something. But, where to begin? Back when I first started in real estate, just out of college, I always said I the more creative I was the more I helped my clients.

Consequently, this is one thing I’m now doing for a property owner in the Spanaway area of south Tacoma, Washington. Their home is an estate quality property with two plus acres, a private pond, creek frontage, a lovely two story main dwelling and a guest house. In reviewing their general neighborhood, I’ve found numerous similar properties. In a letter I have been sending to many of those similar property owners, I write:

“The intent of this letter is simply to introduce you to a nearby property which is listed and available for purchase. Being that it is also on acreage, it is similar to your property. To some degree, I sense that properties like yours have an estate quality and offer prospective purchasers a unique opportunity to be close-in yet somewhat removed and secluded.

“It is exactly that sense which has encouraged me to write to you. No, my interest here is not your property. Instead my interest is the possible contacts or acquaintances you might have who may have suggested at some point that they too would be interested in a property like yours, if only the right one were available. Consequently, I submit to you the attached information about my listing at 14520 11th Avenue Court East.

“Despite what the media reports, buyers are still buying and sellers are still selling. In most cases, it’s simply a matter of finding the market. Originally licensed in 1972, I have been through markets like this before and I can assure you, it’s not all doom and gloom. For your convenience I’ve also enclosed information about myself.

“If you’re unaware of anyone who might enjoy and value my listing, I appreciate your consideration. However, if you have friends who would also like to deal with a professional and experienced Realtor in other matters, I would appreciate the referral. Again, I thank you for this opportunity to be of service to you.

“My warmest regards,

“Kenneth C. Thiemann, Assoc Broker / WA State Certified Appraiser
“Personal Cell Phone (253) 370-5626”

Along with the letter I am including information about myself and an informational flyer about the property.

Where many agents are simply interested in getting and maintaining more listings, I feel I am actually doing something positive to benefit the interests of my seller.

Anyway, thanks for dropping by and I hope you have a great day. Always remember to:

Do Good ….. BE GREAT ….. 110% …..