The prospective second home buyers tend to be wealthier individuals and are typically looking for higher priced real estate. As they live out of town they usually don't have a prior relationship with a Realtor. Still, it's not a road of roses for you as you may still have to compete with other Realtors in getting the second home buyers as a client but they usually aren't loyal to any agent.
This offers an opportunity to utilize your professionalism, market knowledge and follow up plan. You need to be prepared for the fact that out of town buyers may contact more than one agent. Many second home prospects buy not on the first trip to town so it is important to have a great follow up program. Most agents give up if they don't succeed right away.
Pros of working with second home buyers:
- Usually, the buyers come to the town for a short time. So, if they are educated on the real estate investment market and are ready, willing and able to buy all you need to do is find a suitable property. The short stay can work to your benefit. It requires the buyers to be efficient in their home search.
- As the properties are big, there is always a greater possibility of good income with little time spent.
Cons of working with second home buyers:
- Most second home buyers have no idea about the real estate market like the locals do. This requires a longer time to educate them on the market. Sometimes, it takes 2 or 3 trips to your area to learn, about the market. Realtors need patient and perseverance with these types of buyers.
- Many of these buyers want the Realtor to offer them a "tour" of the city. This is very tiring. Some clients require this of the Realtor. If they don't get it they will move on to the next agent who will.
- There is a greater risk of labor lost dealing with the second home buyers as they have plenty of options at their disposal.
Since these buyers don't know the real estate market, realtors can spend a lot of time on the telephone and typing emails describing the market before actually meeting.
Working with second home buyers is great if you handle them properly. With a little experience and expertise you can eliminate the people wasting your time and focus on the more serious prospects. Visit http://investrealestate101.com for more information