A client of mine arrived in Central Ohio this weekend. He’s going to be closing on his new home in a few weeks and I showed him the house for the first time yesterday – two weeks after we went into contract on it. In my 22-years in real estate, it was the first “sight-unseen” sale I have ever made.*
*We did use FaceTime…something that was not available 22 years ago
Luckily…he didn’t hate it. In fact after seeing the location and condition and meeting one of his new neighbors, I think he realizes it’s going to be a great place to write the next chapter of his family’s story. Even the FaceTime call to his wife (and kids who were eavesdropping from the side) back on Iowa went well and they are both excited and anxious to get the deal done.
“Welcome Home”
Its the first text I sent to my client when I knew he had arrived last night at the extended-stay hotel – his temporary home for the next few weeks. It’s the first thing I said to him when we met up for beers so he wouldn’t feel alone on his first night in town. It’s what I said at our first “in-person walk-through” when I pushed open the door to the house he agreed to buy a few weeks ago…thanks to a small webcam video, photos from MLS, and the trust and opinion of his amazing Realtor. “Welcome home” is also what I will say to him and his family when they sign the documents officially making them homeowners and later, turn the key for the first time and take possession a few weeks later.
“Let Me Show You Around”
After the walk-through of the home…(he liked it so a big “whew!” was exhaled), I blocked off the afternoon to show him around his new hometown. We explored cities, neighborhoods, and even the campus at The Ohio State University. We visited craft breweries, golf courses, and even stopped by my house to chill on the back patio, drink a beer, and get to know each other.
We drove through many of our wonderful Central Ohio suburbs and I taught him about the main roads, the school districts, the local radio stations and the places to put on “speed dial” for pizza. We talked about grocery stores, local mechanics, the best cell service providers, and fun things to do with the kids. I gave a geography class about our two rivers, a slight history lesson on our city, and a lengthy sports history of the Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew, and Jack Nicklaus.
So Where Are You Taking Me?
Say I’m moving to your town and I already know that you’re my “go-to Realtor.” Here’s my question…
“Tell me about your city…“
So many possible directions we could go, huh? Where are you taking me to show you what your town is all about? What’s on the “dance card” to show off your city so there are no second thoughts? It’s time to put the “sales” in “Salesperson.”
Will you focus on food or fun? Suburbs or schools? Traffic or weather? Do you have a “go-to” spot for pizza, margaritas, or steak on a Friday night? Should we be considering live music outside the library on a Thursday night, Top Golf for Friday Happy Hour, or just hanging out at the pier? What about the best bistro, brewery, or burger joint? Think about it…you might have the perfect spot that checks all three of those boxes.
“This best way to go here” and “the way you get to _________ from ___________ is….”
If the “is” above is based on speed, ease of directions, or as minimal confusion as possible, perhaps keeping it simple is a great reminder. What are your “easy to follow instructions” to the local mall, park, golf club, or your office?
The best chicken salad?
The local florist?
The place to hear live music on a Thursday night?
The best grocery store?
Do you have a trusted pediatrician? Landscaper? Dry cleaner? Nanny? A place to grab Thai food on a Thursday afternoon?
Start to think about what you would “sell” about your town if you suddenly had to start “selling your town” on your own. Become a “Shark” for your town so you can pitch everything about the town you call home. Make people want to invest in you and your town.
Just think, if you love where you live and are passionate about building relationships, solving problems, and having fun, well then damn…who wouldn’t want to live where you do?
Photo courtesy of Monica Bourgeau
Photo courtesy of MARK HESSLING