Real Estate Barista
Seattle Real Estate | Gerhard Ade
Made to order, one customer at a time
What is a real estate barista?
A real estate barista is a real estate agent who systematically performs at the highest possible level serving individual needs.
One of my favorite places to work is the Mercurys Coffee shop inside the Haggen store in Woodinville. The coffee and service are excellent. The baristas know what I do for a living and so do some of the patrons. There is much merit to consistency. These days, I hear more than once “It must be easy to sell homes in this market.”
True, all I need to do is put the home on the MLS from where it is syndicated to thousands of real estate websites. Because it is expected, I put up a sign, too. Homes listed in that minimal fashion get offers. In this overheated sellers’ market, everything sells eventually.
From the counter where I sit, I can observe the baristas at work. There is a system. Every customer is treated the same. Regardless of the kind of drink or the money being spent, the steps to fulfilling the order are the same. From the “what may I start for you” to “would you like a coffee bean with that?”, the personal touch is genuine and practiced. No matter how long the line of customers, there are no shortcuts.
As a real estate barista, this is how I approach the listing of homes. There are no short cuts. Why would I treat one customer differently than another? If I cut back on my systematic marketing because it is a sellers’ market, when exactly should I return to it? If I do not apply my system, how can I create the most effective marketing for a specific home? If I cut back on the proven steps, how can I be certain that each home sold for the highest possible price and in the fewest number of days?
Did I work too hard?
This Redmond Ridge home sold the same day I listed it. This IS a sellers’ market, and I’ve sold several homes in seven days and less. Under contract by 10 pm of the listing day? This is my new best.
As with all my listings, I got involved early. While the owner still lived there, we decided what needed to be done. We made a list (Wunderlist app). Major to-dos were: refinish the hardwoods, paint the whole house (Madison White), and add a door on the first floor to create a fifth bedroom.
In my to-dos, I followed my own advice, the 3-P listing system. I employed my trusted photographer and stager, built a custom web page, created a custom sign, and once listed on the MLS, pulled the trigger on the social media campaign. To top things off, I decided on my personal premiere of an iGuide tour.
Would selling the home “as is” and merely uploading the listing to the MLS have had the same results? I don’t think so. Even in a crazy sellers’ market such as this, a well-priced, well-prepared, and well-presented listing will achieve superior results – sell quickly, and well over list with the most favorable terms.
On the seller’s end, our decision to create another bedroom was key. In doing so, we had a certain buyer in mind, and we succeeded. Seconds after we accepted the offer, I received a call from California from someone wanting to buy a Redmond Ridge home. The iGuide tour was the icing on the cake, and it succeeded too.
Where you can find everything about this Redmond Ridge home and neighborhood. Then let me know how hard you would like me to work for you so you can succeed too. Your real estate barista is ready when you are.
First published by Gerhard as his
May 2017 View from the Street Newsletter.
