Today's home buyers are thirsty for knowledge, so in today's market you can be a great asset to your clients by being educated and then, in turn, educating. Many first-time buyers have never even pondered the various options at their disposal. Their desire for information means it is to your advantage to become more of a partner to your client, rather than just a real estate agent. By being a solid foundation, you will get better results that stem from that extra pinch of personal care.
Case in point is the "short" sale, a common phrase in home market language, and yet some people have no idea what it is or how it can benefit both buyer and seller. In essence, a "short" sale is the payoff amount that is agreed upon in the transaction that is "shorter" than what is owed on the property. Put simply, more is owed on the property than what the seller can get for it. Some issues that can generate the seller's need for a short sale are: health problems, elevated interest rates, or a family change such as a divorce. For a seller in distress, a short sale might just be the antidote for avoiding the dreaded foreclosure. Short sales can be a true win-win situation if you pair the right buyer and seller for a mutually beneficial transaction.
Clearly you are more than a home-seller. Your expertise and enthusiasm is contagious and tremendous support through the potentially daunting and emotional process that buying or selling a home can be. After all, it is the American Dream. So, empower your clients through education, and the solid relationship you build on that foundation will likely take you through every subsequent home purchase they embark upon. You are in a great position, with the expertise to make someone happy and secure, a skill that will undoubtedly be remembered for a lifetime.