Lewisburg and Greenbrier County WV

Have you ever been in a class where the instructor asked the real estate agents to name what the public thinks of real estate agents?  Inevitably, someone will raise their hands and say...they think we're like used car salespersons?  The tone & subsequent commentary indicate that this is NOT a good thing...

In a recent class setting, the instructor went further and asked everyone to raise their hands IF they LIKED salespeople.  Only a few brave souls dared to raise their hands.  We all felt it...it was not cool to 'like' salepersons.  One brave soul actually said he enjoyed a purchase when it was assisted by a good salesperson.  Which got me to thinking...so do I!

Even though I often enter a store and respond to an initial inquiry for assistance with the proverbial, 'No thanks, I'm just looking,' when I want to make my selection, I'm always grateful when a salesperson shows up, particularly when they are a GOOD Salesperson.  

So what's the difference between a good Salesperson and a lousy one?  Well, one could write a book about that and since this is a short blog post, I'll just highlight a few key points which make a huge difference for me.

1.  Good Salespersons LISTEN with two ears & TALK with one mouth

While, this may seem to be the nature of creation, I'm often amazed by how much talking a poor Salesperson does.  I guess it's called 'Selling' me a product.  Problem is, I don't need to be SOLD something, I'm already indicating I'd like to buy.  I simply need assistance in making the right selection.  To help me with that, you've got to listen more and talk less.

2.  Good Salespersons NOTICE stuff.

A couple of years ago I bought a new car.  I really wanted to purchase a particular brand of car, but when I walked into the showroom and started to look around, no one noticed.  That's not to say, there were not sales agents there.  They seemed occupied, talking to each other, walking around...in fact doing anything other than noticing that there was a NEW customer in the showroom who might be interested in buying a car.  Well, after about 10 - 15 minutes, I walked out.  Fortunately, the competing dealer down the street had Salespersons who noticed.  Needless to say, I've been happy with my purchase.

3.  Good Salespersons don't tell LIES

Sometimes, the truth can be a tricky thing.  So what do you say when someone asks you if they look good in something and you really think they look awful? Not an easy situation, I know.  Yet, integrity in sales is the cornerstone foundation of good business in my opinion.  When people trust you, they feel comfortable with the fact that you are making a recommendation for their good, not simply to line your pockets.  Sometimes the truth is hard to swallow.  Like, 'Mr & Mrs Seller, your home has lost 30% of its value OR, you are not in the position to purchase a home right now.  But, it's better to tell the truth, albeit with politeness, than to lead someone down a false trail.

We're ALL in Sales...

Yes, we are.  Everyday, all of us are selling something.  Many of us are not aware of this fact and consequently do a very poor job at it.  If you're a parent, you're in the daily business of training a child to do the right thing and in a sense convincing them that doing so will be beneficial.  We sell when we present ourselves to the world every morning.  

We're selling even when we don't think people are watching.  We're selling every time we convince or ask someone to do something.  When selling is done from good intentions and motivations, it has the capacity to influence lives in a very compelling way.  People want to know what is best and how to make quality decisions.  They want to have the knowledge required to prevent mistakes.  They want to know that you care about THEM, not just the product you're selling.  When I meet a salesperson like that, irregardless of whether they're a REALTOR®,teacher or a clerk in a retail store, I for one, appreciate the service!

 

Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate.  Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area.  We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. 

           

There are many ways to declutter a house and in the middle of the winter just seems a prime time to dig into some of those deep and dark corners and de-web as well as declutter. But how do you start? Left to Right.... Right to Left?

Sometimes it just seems overwhelming and like tooo much work so you leave it for next year? Leaving the decluttering to next year might seem like a good and plausible idea, but the reality is it isn't gonna get any easier. So, you might as well take a deep breath and dig in....

Whether you are cleaning in preparation for a move or just plain decluttering.... Here are some practical tips and ideas to making a smooth winter/spring clean.

10. Start at the front door and work your way around the room in a circle... left to right or right to left. If you do this in each room you'll know right where you left off and you can pick up on the next cleaning day.

9. Have three boxes (or bags) ready. Label them. Throw, Donate and Sell. There are no excuses. What doesn't go back on the shelf needs to go into one of those boxes.

8. Keep in mind.... If you don't love it, use it or need it.... it needs to go in the boxes. Seriously. You might have dumb bells waiting for you in the living room but if you don't love them enough to use them it won't change so they must go. Why clutter when you don't need to.

7. If you are like my mother (bless her heart) you might have a hard time just "getting it out the door" so the throw box goes in the garbage and the other two sit at the front door for a week. It's the 'buffer zone' before going forever. Really, I've never seen her take anything OUT of the boxes, but it gives her peace of mind.

6. If it doesn't fit get rid of it. Clothes. Mountains and mountains of clothes. I know. You LOVED them when they fit, but they don't. No good if you can't put it on and button it up. It must go. Garage sales, thrift stores, donation trucks.... and when you make it back to that size? Go shopping! What a great reward.

5. Invite a friend. One that isn't a clutter bug. Talk about motivation... they are great at asking why you want to keep things. Don't pick someone bossy - although it isn't a bad idea - but someone who will speak the truth in love.

4. Don't get distracted. Have you ever started in the living room and found yourself upsetting four rooms in the house and working on your bedroom instead of your original intent? If you are easily distracted keep a fourth box available for 'relocating' so that you don't lose you train of thought. It'll make the whole job easier because you really CAN work one room at a time.

3. Try setting aside just an hour a day to work. Sometimes small time slots feel easier to work with than massive day jobs. Focus on a room a week so that there is ample time to work toward your goal. It's less frustrating and more rewarding when you actually see the finished product.

2. Send the loved ones away. Have you ever tried decluttering with all the voices crackling? If they aren't helping they are doing just the opposite. It's worth the effort to gain some freedom and send them away for awhile while you focus on the task at hand.

1. Have fun! It's gonna feel SOooooooo good when you are done. Grab a lemonade (or coke) and dig in. It'll be worth the effort.

And, when you are done... you will really feel like having some company over. It'll feel so good.

If decluttering is in prep for a home sale or move... give me a call! I'd love to chat with you about it.

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                 In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!

Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!

If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals!

                                                   Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR
                                                        Coldwell Banker Vision
                                             231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
                                          763-241-5488 (office)  763-218-1347 (cell)
                                           lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
                                                  http://www.hasfordhomes.com