Agents in touch

PROSPECTIVE home purchasers sometimes say they feel their privacy is being invaded when agents ask for their name and telephone number.

“They are concerned that the agent will ring and pressure them to buy a house they don’t want,” Bellarine Property managing director Christian Bartley said.

“And there are agents who operate in this way. But the more professional agents have up-to-date training and marketing strategies and they don’t rely on outmoded foot-in-the-door techniques.”

He said that purchasers who bought houses under pressure usually got cold feet before the contract is exchanged.

“It’s a negative result for all parties concerned.

“The agent would have done better to acknowledge that the purchaser didn’t yet have enough market knowledge to be sure of their decision. What many purchasers need is more information.”

Mr Bartley said agents who record purchaser details can provide service to both vendors and purchasers alike.

“From the vendor’s point of view, it is important that agents follow up after inspections when purchasers have had time to make comparisons.

“Vendors can use this feedback to make informed decisions about the validity of marketing strategies.”

According to Mr Bartley, the main advantage to purchasers is that they are retained on file so that they can be amongst the first to be contacted when new properties come on the market.

“After all, many sought after properties are sold before the ad has a chance to hit the press.

“Letting agents keep in touch is also an easy way of staying up to date with what is selling for what price.

“If you know an agent has a local reputation for professionalism and results, you can only gain by leaving your details – and you can always refuse if you know that an agent has a reputation for being pushy.”

For more information, phone Christian Bartley on 0410 695 325, email [email protected] or head to bellarineproperty.com.au.