Talking with motivated sellers but not a "people person"

Buying & Selling Real Estate
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Talking with motivated sellers but not a "people person"

Jessica H.Pro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Easton, PA · Member since 2013 · 224 posts · 36 votes

Being relatively new to REI ,I have talked with motivated sellers but I myself am not a big people person and frankly it is not my favorite thing to do. My sister who is also an agent has volunteered to take this position on. Does anyone think this would be a bad idea?

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  • Tom Reynolds
    Investor · Deland, FL · Member since 2014 · 101 posts · 32 votes
    12y

    Sounds like a partner approach. Do what works best for your end game. 

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  • Jessica H.Pro Member
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Easton, PA · Member since 2013 · 224 posts · 36 votes
    12y

    Thanks @TomReynolds I was thinking the same  thing, but also know a lot of people who say at first you should be the one answering the phones etc and then teach/gie the job to someone else.

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  • Jean BolgerPro Member
    Aurora, CO · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y

    I get where you're coming from, I'm totally not good on the phone with strangers. I think it CAN be learned to some extent, but... some people just have a knack, and others don't. It sounds like you're a rehabber? If your sister has a lot of phone sales skill then it seems like you could have mutually beneficial arrangement.  She talks to prospects about what you're doing, finds out their situation/motivation, and you decide together what's the best end game. Some of these would turn in to rehabs for you, some into listings for her. You'd have to think about what would  be fair compensation for her, taking into account both of your investments: money spent on marketing for you, time dealing with callers for her. I'll be curious to hear how it works if you try it!

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  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    12y

    Yeah I think I get it from my mom's side. My dad was more withdrawn but lively around people he new. I guess you could say he was more "guarded" about what he shared with people. He is not with us anymore and has left this Earth long ago.

    My mom is the opposite. True story my mom was on a trip in Georgia up in the mountains and was outside of a restaurant finished eating. She saw this cute dog and started petting him. She looked up and it was Ted Turner was standing there with the animal. YES the billionaire Ted Turner. She said he was very nice and they talked awhile just about regular things and nature etc. Then he went on with his dog and left the place as he was finished eating to. She didn't want to ask for his contact info and be " one of those people ". I can't remember all the other details of what my mom told me. This was about 5 or 6 years ago.

    My mom is the type that is sometimes to trusting. You can put her into a room without knowing anyone and she will know everyone within like 30 minutes or something. She could talk to a wall and they would respond back. I kind of inherited both features of connecting like my mom but being cautious like my dad. When I was younger I worked for years as a pizza delivery driver and also answering the phones. When you talk to thousands of people over the phone and in person you get great at making small talk.

    What people really want is the relationship. The business is a by product of that. If your sister is a very warm person and has a pleasing voice on the phone and in person then yes she has to learn the technical questions to ask in an efficient manner but the secret sauce is the delivery of the message and connecting.

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  • John E.
    Boston, MA · Member since 2014 · 152 posts · 63 votes
    12y

    @Jessica H. I suggest that you read the book How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I just finished it last week and it's done wonders for me already. I picked up some of his techniques by observing others, but I never knew there was a book filled with other ones!

    Jessica~ I'm going to do you a favor and give you a free copy I have on my computer. Email me at jmeheretu AT yahoo . com if you want it. Leave your name in the subject line.

    I just want you to get the preconceived notion that we're either a "people person" or not. I feel that the ability to confidently communicate with people is like sales- it's learned. We are, at least as young children, merely the sum composite of what we've picked up from those around us. That's why some kids are outgoing, friendly, and trustful and others are not so much- we pick it up. My dad always told me when I was a younger kid (still pretty young now) that I was "shy" like he was as a boy. I set out to prove him wrong and boy did I! 

    Carnegie does a splendid job of explaining how to go about communicating with people confidently. It's a must read for all people that want to do great things in life. I see that you're beginning your career of doing great things in real estate, so I recommend you check this book out!

    Thoughts?

    ~John

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  • Jessica H.Pro Member
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Easton, PA · Member since 2013 · 224 posts · 36 votes
    12y

    I agree that you can learn certain skills/ways to make yourself more personable to an extent but some people are just naturals at it and others it takes a lot of effort. Now this is when taking with strangers .....especially when trying to buy  a strangers  house at a steep discount, lol! I also beleive God gave us all  different personalities....we can't all be extremely outgoing, some need to be the deep thinkers and planners, etc....so knowing my strengths and weaknesses I just think I 'll go with my strengths and compensate with help from others on my weaknesses. Not to say I wouldn't love to check out your book @John E.   ; )

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  • Bryan L.
    Residential Real Estate Agent · Cookeville, TN · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 948 votes
    12y

    @Jessica H. 

     - I think it's a great idea.  Also, most of the people who are "motivated" will still not be people who have good deals for you.   And with those, your sister can try to get the listing.  Another thing to consider is sales coaching or training.  I'm taking some coaching right now and it's making a big difference.

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  • Charmaine M.
    Queens NY, NY · Member since 2013 · 467 posts · 107 votes
    12y

    Jessica, I totally understand where you are coming from. I am not a people or phone person, I try, but it is not in me. I am more a take charge, get it done type.

    Having your sister, take care of the "conversation " type sounds like something she will be better suited for.

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  • John E.
    Boston, MA · Member since 2014 · 152 posts · 63 votes
    12y

    Yea definitely @Jessica H. ! I agree 1000% that God us all with unique strengths and abilities that are uniquely ours.

    I hope I didn't come off as saying you haven't learned it or anything of the sort. Having the ability to sort through and find what our strong points and weak points are is an important skill to have. I've tried to play the guitar (ok, I didn't put in enough effort) and I quit because it was definitely not something I had the aptitude or attitude for. My cousin on the other hand is 14 and just picked it up a little over a year ago. Now he can rock along to any Jimi Hendrix or Beatles song after hearing it only once and he CAN'T read music. It's kind of incredible- he's better than his teacher, so now they just record music. He's learning how to play with his pick between his teeth... In other words, God gives us all different abilities and we need to find 'em.

    Just email me and I'll send you the book. :)

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