How to work with Realtors as a buyer and visa versa!

Too many Realtors get hung up on getting a buyer pre-approved before they will even meet.  Until you know what "problems" they might face in getting a mortgage, how do you know how to direct them to the right lender?

For each buyer, I conduct a "needs analysis"! What is their barrier to entry?  What is their time frame? Do they like to drive by homes with or without the Realtor first? How do they prefer to communicate?  Over tea to chat, via email, text, or phone calls? Are they used to working with professionals or are they the type that do their own work? When do they have time to look at properties (will this conflict with my schedule?) Do they have realistic expectations?

It is important to set expectations correctly upfront with a buyer. Did you know that according to the National Association of Realtors' survey of buyers and sellers report for 2010, the typical home buyer searched for 12 weeks and viewed 12 homes?

Think of it as eating a Tootsie Pop.  What is the end objective?  Is it trying to count how many licks it takes to getting to the center of the tootsie pop or is it to get the center after getting a taste or two or three?  He realized the objective and go for it!