As a realtor, you’re inherently aware that your reputation is on the line each time you refer your buyers in a certain direction. Whether it’s a pre-owned home, or a new build in this case -you want to ensure that you’re putting your clients in a well-constructed home and that they’re satisfied with the advice you’ve provided. Ultimately, this will lead to positive reviews and future referrals.
So how do you gauge the quality of a new home build, and properly guide your clients to the right product?
Online reviews
Checking out a builder’s online reviews can often provide the most accurate insight about their client’s overall experience. Many builders have great feedback when it comes to their sales processes, but lack the capacity to fulfill the promises made to the homeowner. These experiences will come out through these online reviews, and paint an accurate picture from the most important perspective – the homeowner’s.
At the other end of the spectrum, a builder’s strengths will also shine through online reviews. If you know that your clients are first-timers, you can guide them to a builder reputed for their ability to walk clients through the entire process and but their fears at ease.
Great builder comparison websites are: Homestars, facebook, houzz, Google and Customer Insight.
business people talking.
Other Realtors
As a realtor, you are equipped with one of the greatest resources available: a network of discerning colleagues who have been through similar experiences. If you’re going to be touring a client through show homes, you can save time by eliminating builders that won’t be able to deliver for your clients. One easy way to do this is to call up a few trusted realtors in your network to ask for their opinions on which builders they’ve enjoyed partnering with, and which builders to avoid at all costs. You’ll find that you’ll hear a lot of horror stories on builders to avoid, which will sharply contrast the reputable ones.
Familiarize yourself with each builder’s uniqueness
Every builder focuses on providing their own unique value to potential clients. For some it may be the lowest price, and for others it may be the ultimate standard of craftsmanship. By educating yourself beforehand on a builder’s areas of strengths, you’ll be better equipped to navigate your clients properly through their buying process. For example, if you know that your client has a taste for finer finishes and magazine-quality designs, you can guide them away from the price-point builders and towards a builder you are confident can deliver in these key areas.
I am often asked by realtors “How can I add the most value to my clients when they’re looking at new homes?” I hope these insights have demonstrate some of the ways you can deliver extra value to your clients in their search… and ideally contribute to your overall success and bottom line.