When you go to sell your own home, you need to know how to manage the many emails that will be coming in from potential buyers. Use these tips to help keep your inbox in check.
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Create an email just for the sale of your home:
This simple step will help you stay in regular contact with potential buyers while making sure no messages slip through the cracks. You can use any major email provider to set up a free account. If you don’t work at a desk and you have a smart phone (who doesn’t these days…), add your listing email to your phone for easy access to messages.
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Set up an auto-reply message:
Most of us work full time, so answering the many emails we get each day doesn’t always happen in a timely manner. That’s why it’s a great idea to set up an auto reply message with a simple thank you along with information on when you’ll be available to connect.
You should also let potential buyers know how quickly they can expect a response and include additional contact information on how to reach you. Taking this step will not only save you time, it’ll set proper expectations for buyers.
If you need a little guidance on what to write in your auto reply, feel free to customize this template:
Thank you for your interest in our home. I’m unavailable to respond to emails at the moment, but will reply within 24 hours.
If you’re question is urgent, please call or text me at 555-123- 4567 between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. I’m also available on the weekends to take your call and answer any questions.
I look forward to speaking with you!
Home Owner | 144.656.6253
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Respond to messages quickly – no excuses:
Buying and selling a home is an emotional journey for all parties. When a potential buyer shows interest in your home, it’s because they feel a connection to it in some way. As the seller, it’s your job to help foster that connection and keep their interest alive. To do so, be diligent about responding to messages in a timely manner.
If you’re slow to respond or seem uninterested, buyers will be turned off quickly. It’s best to respond as soon as possible, but definitely within 24 hours of the initial contact. From then on, you can just let your charm and charisma win the buyer over. That and the charm of your home, of course!
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Be on the lookout for SPAM:
Unfortunately, there are people out there who just want to take advantage of you in some way. Keeping that in mind, be aware of any suspicious emails. If a message doesn’t seem right or if it asks you to step outside of normal home sale processes, chances are pretty good that it’s SPAM. The best thing to do is delete it.
If you’re not sure if a message is SPAM, use your common sense and never click on unfamiliar links. If the person sending you the message is a legitimate buyer, they’ll contact you via one of the other methods listed in your auto reply message.
Follow these four simple steps to effectively manage potential buyer inquiries!