Friday, October 11, 2024

niche buyers

    It may seem like buyers are buyers, from one year to the next. Buyers’ agents understand, however, that no two clients are alike, and that “buyers,” as a group, hold certain commonalities.

    We’ve already officially entered the decade of the first-time buyers, as millennials aged into the housing market. Classifying “buyers” became immensely easier. We know a whole lot about the largest group of them in the market.

    Of course, whether buying or selling real estate, who reaches out to you for help depends on the types of consumers you’ve been stuffing into your pipeline this year and last.

    And, how consistently you’ve kept in touch with these real estate leads.

    In a perfect world, your CRM is impeccably organized, your leads segmented, your follow-up spot on and you perform multiple touches throughout the year.

    The Ready to Own postcard from the First Time Buyer Series is available in the postcard section.

    Since the world isn’t perfect (nor are most agents’ CRMs), 2020 may be feast or famine time (as usual, right?).

    Here’s what the “experts” are saying

    Don’t you love reading the year-end prognostications about next year’s real estate market? While in late 2018 the experts were far more committed to their guesstimates of the 2019 market, this year, they are all hedging their bets.

    Nobody is really sure what the real estate market will be like in 2020. Except for Nobel-prize winning economist Robert Shiller.

    In September, he stated “that the U.S. housing market could start to see a fall,” according to Harsh Chauhan at CCN.com. Chauhan bases his predictions largely on the fact that existing home sales fell 2.2 percent in September.

    Hey, isn’t that the time the market slows every year?
    The Six Move-Up Mistakes Homebuyers Make Report is available in the Free REport section.

    The truth is, Americans, by and large, are optimistic about the economy. NAR’s latest quarterly survey finds that 63 percent of buyers “feel optimistic” and 52 percent are happy with the way the economy is humming along.

    So, will 2020 be a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market?

    I really wish that the media would survey the country’s real estate agents when putting together their year-end roundup of expert opinions.

    What are the chances that an economist or other “expert” sitting behind a desk, set in front of a wall of framed college degrees, has actually worked with real estate clients? Day in, day out, over the past year?

    It’s agents who are closest to the market’s pulse, who feel the changes as they happen. It often takes a month or more for the media to catch on.

    Agents across the country have told us they agree with Freddie Mac’s forecast of “a projected upward tick in housing supply” next year. While it may not be upward enough to balance the market, it will bring relief to many buyers.

    Speaking of which, look for demand to remain high for homes in the lower price ranges. In Chicago, for instance, this includes anything priced lower than $325,000

    Who are these buyers and what do they want?

    “If you’re selling a house next year, expect to see a lot of young couples walking through your doors during open houses,” claims an unnamed writer at AZBigMedia.com.

    Oops. Millennials, by and large, don’t like open houses. Members of Generation X, on the other hand, love them. According to NAR studies, 63 percent of Gen X homebuyers claim to have visited open houses before buying.

    Which is great news for open-house holders

    Unlike Millennials, Gen Z clients are more likely to have a home to sell before buying, giving their lucky agents a twofer.

    They’re buying more expensive homes as well. They require less hand-holding. Hopefully, you’ve been pursuing this cohort because they and baby boomers will be the clients who bring you the best commission checks.

    Yes, Millennial first-time buyers are expected to still loom large in the 2020 real estate market, so if the cohort is among your target clientele, relax.

    If, on the other hand, you’re pursuing the more-bang-for-the-buck type of Gen X transaction, get to know the master-planned communities in your market. Specifically, those that offer homes with:

    • Three to four bedrooms in a minimum of 2,300 square feet
    • Single-story homes for the older members of the cohort (many hope to age in place)
    • Plenty of nearby amenities, such as parks and good schools
    • Quick commutes to the nearest city

    Baby boomer homebuyers, on the other hand, are typically looking to downsize, so they’re competing with Millennials for those low-priced smaller homes.

    Many in the cohort have decided to rent while others are aging out of the housing market entirely.

    Boomers’ hot buttons?

    • Efficient floorplans with lots of storage options
    • A laundry room is a must
    • Energy-efficient appliances and windows
    • Homes that offer smart-home technology
    • Home office
    • Lots of natural light
    • Single-story homes with no stairway access
    • Homes in walkable neighborhoods near shops and eateries

    The cohort’s cold buttons are just as important, so don’t show them:

    • Homes in golf course communities (unless they voice a preference for them)
    • Homes with an elevator or wine cellar
    • Anything with more than one story
    The Perfect Timing postcard from the First Time Buyer Series is available in the postcard section.

    Fortunate is the agent who steadfastly targeted the older demographics this year and last. Next year may just be your most prosperous yet.

    Send the Perfect Timing postcard from the First Time Buyer Series to a targeted list of renters.
    Need help targeting the perfect list of renters? Use our mailing list tool to create the ideal list (it’s easy) or call our support team for assistance at 866.405.3638!

    PLUS: When you have time…here are Free killer tools to help your success this year!

    1. The 12 Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan – NEW 2020!

    The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 12-Month-Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do when. Four key market segments are included, Niche Marketing, Get More Listings, Geographic Farming, and Sphere of Influence. –Click Here

     

     

    2. The Free One-Page Real Estate Business Plan – NEW 2020!

    Treat your business like a business it is vital to long-term success in this industry. Some agents may put together elaborate business plans, yet there’s something powerful about keeping it simple. Check out our one page Online Real Estate Business Plan.  – Click Here

     

     

     

    3. Get the ALL-NEW “Insider Secret “Real Estate Marketing Guide “CRUSH IT” 

    The “Crush It” Guide includes easy steps to launching an effective direct mail marketing campaign, how to create a targeted mailing list, the perfect way to layout marketing materials for success, seven opportunities available to target in your area right now. –Click Here

     

     

     

    4. Become a Listing Legend Free eBook 

    Ready to take a vertical leap in your real estate career? If you’re looking for inspiration…and the tools and methods to dominate a market and go to the top in real estate…you’ll find them in this free book. – Click Here

     

     

     

    5. The Free Online ROI Calculator

    Consistency and automation are the keys to success. Discover how effective direct mail marketing can dramatically increase your bottom line. Enter your statistics in our Free online ROI Calculator and click the ‘CALCULATE MY ROI’ button to see your results instantly! –Click Here

    Give Them the Facts

    We are a nation of DIYers and fixer-uppers (or folks who think they are). We’re also a thrifty bunch, looking for any possible way to save a buck on purchases.

    Put these two characteristics together and we end up with the real estate consumer seeking a bargain in the form of a fixer.

    As an agent, you know which of your clients can take on all the work and money that a fixer might require.

    “A fixer can be a perfect solution when your clients have long lists with a lot of requirements and if they’re willing to do the work,” David Bailey with Keller Williams, Beverly Hills tells HGTV.

    So, yes, sometimes suggesting purchasing one is wise.

    But it’s up to you to determine if it’s right for each client that hopes to buy one and then how to help that client make the decision.

    Guess who likes fixers? Yeap the Millennials

     The National Association of Realtors conducted a study a while back and discovered, in their efforts to avoid “cookie cutter” homes, Millennials were interested in fixers.

    In fact, “about 30 percent of millennials surveyed say they prefer a ‘fixer-upper’ home rather than a home that needs only a few repairs,” according to RealtorMag.

    Since Millennials make up the lion’s share of the first-time buyer pool, counseling and supplying facts will be your most important task when working with them.

    To get your client thinking realistically, ask the following questions:
    • Does your client or his family or friends have carpentry, flooring, painting, plumbing, electrical skills? They can hire professionals, but doing some work will keep costs down.
    • Speaking of costs, does your client have rehab funds set aside or do they need to borrow the money?
    • Is your client willing to wait to move into the home (maybe six months)?

    If your client becomes fixated on a home in need of work, yank her back to reality by helping her understand the scope of the work required.

    Bring in a contractor to help them determine if it’s possible to bring the home up to standards and to get an estimate of the cost.

    Not only does this offer a reality check, but it gives your client an idea of how much to offer for the home.

    How to finance the purchase

    Unlike in the past, homebuyers have some attractive options when it comes to financing a home that needs work.

    “Future value” loans are the most popular. These loans aren’t based on current market value but on the future value (after rehab) of the home.

    First-time buyers and those on a budget typically opt for a government-backed mortgage that wraps the cost of the rehab into the loan. These programs include the Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation and the FHA 203(k) programs.Just Listed Just Sold Property Showcase Real Estate Postcards

    If your client opts for one of these

    These programs aren’t quick, easy or painless. If your client goes with the FHA 203(k) loan, he or she will need to come out of pocket to pay for a consultant.

    The project must use the same contractor, from start to finish. If the client becomes dissatisfied with her choice, she’s stuck.

    Then, the entire amount of money needed for the project is determined in advance and it’s a set amount. As one homeowner who used the FHA program notes “it is to the contractor’s benefit to do cheap work so they can pocket larger margins.”

    Choosing a contractor will be one of your client’s biggest challenges.

    Getting the loan

    Rehab loans take far more time to complete than your typical residential purchase loan, so remind your client to get the loan process started as soon as possible.

    You’ll have tasks to complete as well, such as helping your clients come up with a list of the work required and an estimate of cost. This will help you counsel them on how much to offer on the home.

    You’ll need to structure the offer so that it’s subject to FHA 203(k) loan approval and the seller’s acceptance of any other HUD or lender-required improvements to the home.

    Of course, FHA isn’t the only option for a client who falls in love with the idea of rehabbing a home to fit their lifestyle. Recommend that he or she meet with a lender and always consult their accountant.

    Do you need to attract buyers interested in a fixer you have listed?

     Send a Property Series postcard with an offer for the Free Report, “Top Ten Renovations that Reap Returns”.
    Extend the offer to your Facebook audience and on your website, as well.

    Need help targeting the perfect niche of buyers or sellers? Use our mailing list tool to create the ideal list (it’s easy) or call our support team for assistance at 866.405.3638!

    PLUS: When you have time…here are 2 free ways we can help you CRUSH IT in 2018!

    1.  The 12 Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan.

    The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 12-Month-Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do when. Four key market segments are included, Niche Marketing, Listing Inventory, Geographic Farming, and Sphere of Influence – Click Here

    2. The Free Online ROI Calculator. 

    Consistency and automation are the keys to success. Discover how effective direct mail marketing can dramatically increase your bottom line. Enter your statistics in our Free online ROI Calculator and click the ‘CALCULATE MY ROI’ button to see your results instantly! – Click Here

    Also…check out these cool tools 

     Three Click Postcards – Just snap a home photo & create a postcard all from your mobile phone

    MLSmailings.com – Automated Just Listed, Just Sold Postcards

    Market Dominator System – Become a neighborhood brand

    Want to Refer a friend or colleague? Refer them, Here. THEY get a Free $25 Gift Card and YOU become their hero (BTW, you also get a $25 Gift Card too, now that’s what I’m talking about)!