First-time homebuyers need a strong, knowledgeable real estate professional now more than ever; preferably, a real estate professional who doesn’t visit the past in how they work their business model, especially when it comes to first time homebuyers.
A new era has emerged, and working with first-time homebuyers should be a long-term relationship built upon trust, loyalty, integrity, responsibility, and accountability. To formulate this type of relationship the client needs to be placed on a true Action Plan that guides them through every step of homeownership. This type of plan might include ‘homework’ assignments where they can be held accountable and responsible for information that might be needed (i.e., documentation, credit letters, etc.). Along with this Action Plan, there should be regularly held informative meetings over the course of many weeks for the purpose of educating and providing direction pertaining to the very in-depth decisions which they are going to make. And with it, rid any intimidation during the process.
Allowing the time to have first-time homebuyers truly prepared gives the realtor an opportunity to truly understand the comfort zones and needs of the client, which also allows them to be readily prepared for any budget constraints that homeownership could bring. In addition, during the preparatory stages of the Action Plan, it allows for each party to become an explorer, gaining better clarity of what homeownership entails. The client learns about what they truly need in a home and a neighborhood. The realtor, through discovery of what will meet the clients’ needs, leads them on this journey to discover the perfect community, pricing and payments.
The door is open and the field is ready to be harvested when it comes to first-time home purchasers. Any quality realtor just needs to have patience and good communication when working with them, keeping them informed through a finely designed Action Plan. Above all, allow them to journey and enjoy the trip to homeownership.
Dennis Stewart
Vice President & Regional Director
Dennis.Stewart@rwnc.net
Wonderful advice. It can be a very intimidating process for first time home buyers. Lighting the path they must take gives them inspiration and confidence towards making the right decisions.
All too ofter Realtors think they know what’s best for the buyers, but if we take the time to listen to their wants and needs and give them the steps towards getting those, we will develop relationships that will last a forever and become their trusted Real Estate Adviser for life.
For many years the Real Estate Community were looked at and compared to the likes of Car Salesmen by the Consumers, because most of them never really took the time necessary to listen and counsel their Clients to custom tailor an Action plan for their specific Real Estate needs during most of their Client’s Adult life.
Dennis hit it right on the point when he mentioned the new era of the Real Estate business is evolving, because More than ever, the Consumers are demanding true Professionalism in a Realtor they work with to buy or sell their home.
The Consumers deserve the same Professionlism offered to them by their Doctor, Attorney, and CPA and the good news is that the few quality Realtors that have remained in the Real Estate Business that stay up-to-date with their education, training and the latest technological breakthroughs in the Real Estate Business will finally have the opportunity to offer the Consumers out there this true Professionalism for the duration of their Adult life!
Cheers to Dennis Stewart for being on a passionate Crusade to inform the Public this great news and to make a difference in everyone’s life!
The most satisfying transactions I have ever been involved with have been working with first-time home buyers. I think the Action Plan concept is a great idea. It is usually pretty overwhelming for the buyer purchasing their first home so I think a more structured apporach is a great idea.
Dennis this is a great article. I am and have been working with first time buyers. This is such an exciting time for them as well an overwheming time. The Action Plan lays this process all out for them and easies their fears.
It is such an honor to share this first home buying experience with them and guiding them thru to having their drean of own their own home come true.
Dennis, I love your statement “Allow them to journey.” Buying a home, especially the first time, is an exciting milestone for people. It’s a huge commitment and working with a dedicated real estate professional is important to feel comfortable, prepared, and well-informed about making the decision to buy. The Action Plan is a great way to know what to expect in the process and feel a part of the process. An action plan is also an excellent tool to dream up real estate goals for the future, and with the support of a loyal, trustworthy agent to be there when that time comes.
Thanks, Dennis, for continuing to educate us all through your dedication as a professional!