I happen to love working with out of town buyers. I have had buyers from Canada, Bahamas, DC, California, NY, Pennsylvania and more come in just for a few days to look at properties.
It’s a whirlwind of a time, but it makes for a fun and exciting adventure!
I sometimes find it disturbing how some agents handle these types of buyers differently. A REALTOR® should show a buyer a bunch of properties to give them a lot of options. Some REALTORS® don’t believe in giving buyers a lot of options, worrying they won’t make a decision quickly. They feel that if they just give them a limited amount, then the buyer will just choose from those.
I feel that my job is to work with my buyers to show them the best possible properties for them, and as many as they need, to make the best decision. When they buy their property, I feel my job is done, when they say, “This was my favorite property and I love it!!!”
As they are getting ready to come for their trip, I email them a bunch of properties that are currently available.
Then, they give me a list of their favorites and I take about three to four days to make the most efficient schedule for their time here. I have shown anywhere from 10-25 properties in two to three days. I have been told that few REALTORS® do that kind of scheduling and I think that is a shame. In fact, I was chatting with another REALTOR® about me showing 16 properties in two days and he just goes, “Eh, I would have just shown them five.”
I also find it important to help buyers learn the area. I send them multiple websites to help them get more familiar with the area so they can factor that in to their real estate purchase.
If you plan to buy a home in another area, go for the REALTOR® that will make the most of your trip.