Feedback or Not, Do the Job!
Last week, I held a masterclass with 36 amazing agents to discuss the state of the market and common industry challenges. One major frustration stood out: the lack of feedback from agents after showings, hence not having any feedback to report to their clients.
Here’s the hard truth: feedback isn’t always going to happen. Some agents don’t ask the right questions or don’t even know what their clients want because they’ve never clarified the process upfront. As a result, they’re unable to provide meaningful feedback. But that’s not an excuse for you, as listing agents, to leave your clients in the dark.
Communication Is Non-Negotiable
You’ll never lose a client because you’re over-communicating. But not communicating? That’s how you lose trust. Even if feedback is missing, there are plenty of updates to share with your clients:
- Market Insights: What’s happening with pricing, comparable sales, and days on market? Keep them informed about broader trends.
- Showing Activity: Share the number of showings, online views, and any patterns you’re noticing.
- Your Efforts: Detail your marketing efforts—ads, open houses, or tweaks to the strategy.
- Next Steps: Always outline the plan moving forward. Sellers want to know you’re taking action.
The Feedback Challenge
For agents struggling to provide feedback, the problem often starts with their process. If an agent doesn’t ask their clients the right questions—like “What are your must-haves?” or “What’s holding you back from offering on this property?”—they won’t have meaningful insights to share.
To solve this, we need to elevate industry standards:
- Educate Buyers: Showing agents should clarify their process with buyers, asking detailed questions to uncover what they truly want.
- Be Clear in Requests: Make your feedback requests simple and direct, focusing on just a few key points (e.g., likes, dislikes, overall interest).
- Follow Up: A gentle reminder to the showing agent can go a long way in encouraging a response.
Proactive Communication Builds Trust
Even when feedback is not provided, you can still keep your clients informed. Communicate consistently about the market, showings, trends, and your plan of action. This builds trust and keeps your sellers engaged in the process.
Remember, communication isn’t just about selling homes—it’s about building relationships that last. Don’t let a lack of feedback from others derail your efforts. Step up, stay proactive, and show your clients that you’re the professional they can count on.
What’s your strategy for keeping clients in the loop? I’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you a productive week ahead.