Homebuyer tax credit provides customer service opportunities
The U.S. has extended the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program to further stimulate the economy and the housing market. The new legislation now provides for a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first time home buyers until April 30, 2010. It’s a phenomenal program since the buyer does not need to repay the tax credit as long as he lives in the home for at least three years.
When I am not shopping or writing, I am selling real estate, and this first time credit incentive provided another avenue to sell a house, but realtors are a dime a dozen so distinguishing myself from other competition is important, but it does work.
Last month I was in a craft store wading through the hundreds of choices of dried flowers, and overheard a store clerk lamenting the fact that she still did not buy a home despite the first tax credit that had expired on November 30,2009. I saw that as an opportunity to give her information and supplied her with the details of the extended program. She told me how tired she was of living in a small apartment and having no closet space, no garage, and no privacy. The next day that she wasn’t working, I showed her some houses and after a month or so found her a home. She qualified for the $8,000 tax credit, and her new house now has three bedrooms, a garage and a private backyard; all for less than she was paying in rent, and she is extremely happy and grateful.
Not surprisingly, it was a few customer service basics that helped me achieve my goal; that is of selling a home. When I met her, I indicated interest in her plight immediately. We spent time talking about her lack of closet space and especially her need for privacy, and I was able to form a relationship with her and recognized her as an important person. Her previous experience with an agent made her feel unimportant because she was only shown two homes in her price range, and the realtor never followed up with her again, and she told me she had felt intimidated. From the beginning, we formed a customer service bond that worked well and brought me a loyal client and a commission.
photo credit: Vagabond Shutterbug
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