F.O.R.D. Model YOU CAN ASK FAMILY How did you meet? (if you are meeting a couple for the first time) How old is your son/daughter? Do you have any siblings? Did you grow up in this area? What brought you to (name of town)? (If they didn’t grow up there) OCCUPATION What do you do for a living? How do you like working at _____? What’s your favorite part of your job? What made you interested in becoming a _____? Do you work remotely? RECREATION What do you like to do for fun? Do you have a favorite sports team? Have you watched (or read) ______(popular show/book)? What are you up to this weekend? Have you and your family gone on any recent vacations together? DREAMS Keep in mind that these questions often lead to deeper answers, so you may want to wait until you’ve established more rapport before asking too many questions related to this topic. Where would you like to travel? What’s something you’d like to try in the future? Would you ever consider trying _____ (particular hobby or activity)? Where do you see yourself in five years? What brings you joy? As a real estate agent, you want to master small talk, make connections, meet new people, be outgoing, and talk about real estate—without seeming pushy. The F.O.R.D model is a tool to be able to connect with people and naturally lead the conversations to real estate. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

The Power of Storytelling YOU CAN SAY Hi! I just wanted to reach out to see how you are doing. (Send them well wishes if it is the start of a new year or season). IF THE CONVERSATION LEADS TO REAL ESTATE Focus on the benefit for sellers in today’s marketplace OR Tell a story of a recent seller who benefited from the current market conditions. It can be someone who worked with you directly or a success story of another agent in your office. This shows the benefits of selling in the current market. FOR EXAMPLE The market conditions right now are really benefiting sellers to an amazing degree. I just sold a house and the sellers got $10,000 over asking. Sharing real stories of success with your sphere in the current market conditions can be a particularly compelling way to find new clients. Maintaining connections allows you to discover new people who are interested in purchasing or selling a home. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Market Trends YOU CAN SAY If you love this house and you can picture yourselves living here, it might make sense for you to make an offer while interest rates are (check market rates and insert here). They're the (lowest / relatively lowest) rates on record (check updated market statistics and update the potential buyer here). You'll get more house for your money and the data that I follow shows no signs that housing prices will go any lower. In fact, the forecast is that prices may even go up a bit between now and the end of the year. Right now, you may also be competing against fewer buyers because there's still a lot of uncertainty with people's jobs. There are a lot of buyers that are holding off or delaying their home search process right now. Buyers look to you as an expert in understanding market trends. Educate your clients on local market statistics and support them in making informed decisions. Sharing your expertise builds a strong sense of trust with buyers, enabling a successful sale and potential networking opportunities for the future. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Compensation Structure YOU CAN SAY Great question! Let's dig into how I can be compensated. With such a big purchase, it’s normal to be concerned about where every dollar comes from and goes. This is a common question due to recent industry changes. New MLS rules eliminate historic practices making a seller's unilateral offer a legal obligation. Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable for both the buyer and the seller agent. That said, there are several ways in which I can be paid for my services. These include: The seller of the property you are interested in has offered to pay a commission to the buyer’s agent as part of the listing. The seller has offered a modest commission towards the buyer’s agent as reflected in the listing, which would require either contribution by you as the buyer or we would include that as part of an offer you make on the property. The seller has not offered to pay a commission to the buyer’s agent, but we include that requirement as part of the offer you make on the property. The seller will not agree to pay a buyer’s agent commission, in which case you would be responsible for my compensation. Based on the properties on the market, we can determine what works best for you. WWB Buyers may wonder why the seller is not paying a commission split. Be transparent about the many options buyers have under new compensation rules. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Another Agent Will Take Lower Commission YOU CAN SAY Thank you for bringing that up. Let me ask you this: Is it more important to you to pay the least amount of money in commission or to net the most money from the sale of your home? (Wait for them to say, “net the most.”) Great! My List-to-Sale ratio is (number), while the average agent List-to-Sale ratio is (number). Did (Agent Name) talk about their List-to-Sale ratio? (Most likely, they will say “no.”) Why do you think that is? (Because it’s lower, or they don’t know their numbers.) I pride myself on my List-to-Sale ratio. My experience and expertise give me an edge, which in turn gives you an edge. Let’s do some quick math, if you don’t mind. (Have the seller net sheet calculations handy and do the math.) If I sell your home for 97 percent of list price, even with my commission, you are going to net (number). If (Agent Name) sells your home at 94 percent of list price with (percent) commission, you are going to net (number). OR Thanks for bringing that up! If (Agent Name) won’t even negotiate for their own commission, how do you expect them to negotiate for the value of your home?” Your job is to show how selecting an agent based on lowest commission isn’t setting them up for a successful selling experience. Explaining the value of your quality of service, your list-to-sale ratio and commitment to netting the greatest profit from the selling of a home provides strong rationale as to why the seller should choose to work with you. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Non-Occupant Homeowners YOU CAN SAY Mr./ Mrs. (owner name), I'm calling about (address). Do you still own that property? Great. I don't know if you've been keeping up with what's happening in the market here. It's an incredible time to sell if you wany to get more than asking or other incredibly favorable terms. Do you have any plans to do something different with the equity you've built over the next three to four years? I wanted to let you know that we've seen three years’ worth of appreciation in one year so it may be to your advantage to make those changes sooner. I'd love to walk you through what the market data says right now and how we can use that in your favor. Do you have some time now or would you like to talk tomorrow at (specific time)? Non- occupant homeowners may not be utilizing their vacation home or retirement investments. You can show homeowners how you can help them utilize current market statistics to maximize profit on the sale of their property. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Gain New Clients YOU CAN SAY I know of a few additional homes that are (coming to market/on the market) that would meet your criteria. Would you like to see one of them? When is the best time for you to see one of them? I’m free as soon I am done here—at 4:00 p.m. If not, let’s get together on (day) at (time). What’s the best phone number and email for you? You have a captive audience with potential buyers looking at your open house. If the prospective buyers are not interested in that property, use your knowledge of the local market homes for sale to discuss other properties and set up an appointment with them. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

I Want Everything Repaired! YOU CAN SAY I understand how you feel and the list from the home inspection can seem intimidating. Many buyers I have worked with have felt the same way. Home Inspection reports always have items that might be perceived as major issues. What I have found is that many sellers would prefer to give buyers credit for the repairs. If the seller were to offer a credit, what number would you be willing to consider? Many buyers want the seller to complete all the repairs on a home inspection report prior to making a purchase. Manage realistic negotiation expectations between the buyer and the seller and maintain a positive relationship with your buyer through the utilization of the Feel Felt Found technique. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Close The Deal YOU CAN SAY The fact that we have an offer on the property is a great beginning! Let’s discuss some of the factors that will still need to play out (address local practices: title search, financial contingencies, etc.) Until all contingencies have been cleared, the home will appear on the market with a disclosure that the contract is pending. Do you still want to continue to show your home and take back-up offers? It’s exciting for the seller when they first receive an offer. Your job as their agent is to ensure they’re well-informed about contingencies and have a back-up plan in the event the offer does not go through. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Can’t We Drop The Price If We Don’t Get An Offer YOU CAN SAY That’s a great question, and if I were you, I would be asking the same thing. However, the best chance we have to net you the most money is to price it right today because unfortunately, as the number of days on the market increases, interest and showings decrease, and the likelihood of offers below asking price increases as well. Now that you know that, I am certain you will want to price it correctly so that we can maximize our impact on the market. Sellers may wish to sell their home above market value thinking that they can drop the price if they do not receive an offer. You can educate the seller about the importance of listing the home at market value to ensure it spends the least amount of days on the market. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Private Listings: The Principles of Supply and Demand SELLER QUESTION Why not make my home a private listing? YOU CAN SAY There are some rare instances when listing privately for a period of timemight genuinely be in a seller’s best interest. Often, it’s because the seller is a public figure or they have unique circumstances or sensitivities where discretion is preferred. And while we do offer private listings, from what you have said so far, it does not seem that marketing your home privately would be beneficial to you. Consider the simple principles of supply and demand—broad distribution of a listing maximizes visibility around a home and, in turn, the ability to generate your best offers. Even if you were to receive an offer on a private listing, you shouldn’t assume that you can’t receive a similar – and perhaps higher – offer from the open market. Educate your sellers on the simple principles of supply and demand and how broad distribution will benefit them in the sale of their home. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.

Educate Your Buyers YOU CAN SAY Committing to me as your partner in this home-buying experience is not you committing to purchasing a home. By signing a Buyer Representation Agreement, I am committed to professionally representing you and providing the service, time, and attention it takes to find and close on the home of your dreams. I am committed to protecting your best interests while minimizing conflicts, negotiating favorable terms, and ultimately providing the superior service that will make you a client for life. What I’m asking for is that same commitment for you to work with me. WWB Depending on your relationship with the buyer, there will be opportunities throughout the process for a substantive conversation about Buyer Representation. Refer to your state rules for specific timelines. Next Previous You are free to use the recommended best practices in these materials for your consideration. These scripts are not intended to be used verbatim, and they should always be modified for accuracy. If you choose to make contact by phone or text (i) check phone numbers against the federal DNC registry, any applicable state DNC list and your company DNC list (ii) do NOT use autodialers and (iii) do NOT use artificial voice or pre-recorded messages, this includes those you haven't spoken to in a while. Emails must follow the rules. Emails must be clear it is a solicitation and provide the consumer with an opt-out. Also, before calling or texting referrals, those numbers need to be checked against all applicable DNC lists. Get prior, express, written consent before texting or using artificial or prerecorded messages.