#supremelending

So, you’ve listed a home.

The neighbors are curious.

But do you realize that the surrounding neighbors could not only be your “eyes and ears,” but also help you sell the home?  

A top real estate agent suggests that you meet the neighbors.  

Here’s what she does—

· Introduces herself and provides them with several flyers. Interior pictures of the home. The sales price.

· She gives them her business card and contact information.  

· She asks them if they have any friends or relatives who might like to move into the neighborhood.

· If the house is vacant, she asks them to report any problems—like maybe the lights get left on or a window is broken.  

Here’s the thing.  

Usually, when a home is listed and sold, and based on the selling price, there tend to be other homes in the neighborhood that go up for sale.  Why not be the real estate agent they know (because you have introduced yourself) to list their home?

Additionally, potential buyers sometimes talk to the neighbors to ask about the area, the activities, the schools.  

Being pro-active and sharing this information will help you sell the home quicker.

Question:  Do you meet the neighbors when you list a home?  

It’s as simple as asking a question.

It sounds easy enough.

I’ve interviewed some agents on HOW they get their leads—but have found they may not be asking the right questions—nor do they keep track of the source of their leads.  

The biggie reasons for asking the right questions are to learn:

· Who to thank

· Which marketing campaigns are working

· Which marketing campaigns are NOT working

· Where to best spend your marketing dollars

· Where to best spend your time

So, here are some questions to ask when…

You Hold an Open House – Why did you stop by to see this house?  How did you find out about the open house?

Someone Calls to See Your Listing – How did you find my name and number?

You Get a Referral from Another Agent – Why did you call me to handle your referral?  

A Seller Calls You To Make a Listing Presentation – How did you hear about me?  

Someone Calls You to Buy a Home – Did somebody refer you to me?

You Get a Lead Via Social Media – What is the reason you choose me?  

You may be surprised at some of the answers – and it could be money in the bank to know the source of your leads.

Attributed to Sam Khater, Chief Economist.

“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased once again to its highest level since May.  Mortgage rates are drifting upward again and represent continued affordability challenges for prospective buyers – especially first-time buyers,” he said. “Borrowing costs are moving right now for three main reasons: the very strong economy, higher U.S. government debt issuances and global trade tensions.”

Added Khater, “Amidst this four-week climb in mortgage rates, the welcoming news is that purchase applications have risen on an annual basis for five consecutive weeks. However, given the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas, the next few months of housing activity will likely be somewhat volatile.”

Expectations

This week brings us some very important economic data to digest.  Wednesday kicks things off with another Fed meeting.  A 25 basis point increase in the federal funds rate is fully expected.  Wednesday also brings us New Home Sales information.  The Durable Goods Orders data will be brought to us on Thursday.  This is always an important economic indicator.  Friday finishes up the week with the Fed’s favored inflation indicator with the release of the Core PCE price index.

Guidance