If you are an Owner, be very careful of your attitude!!!

I thought of sharing some information with all the property owners out there when it comes to your responsiveness and behaviour in front of a client regardless of whether the client came through an agent or direct especially when it comes to renting out.

Even when it comes to selling, you, as an owner should be very careful with your conduct and not give in any information that may or can backfire. Of course, I don't mean to say you shouldn't be honest and professional, you have be very honest, straight-forward and professional but keep it only to business and do not go beyond business. You can do so after the transaction is done. Until then, let's keep it simple.

When it comes to renting, whether you are with an agent or whether the client comes to you directly, at all costs, ensure that all the relevant details such as the terms and conditions, payment plan and if possible, the pictures are sent to the client.

It is considered very unethical and unprofessional to quote prices only when you figure out whether the client has the cash in the tank or not, study the market and always quote a reasonable price. Again, don't get me wrong, yes you have to cover your loan,mortgages etc but remember that it has to worth the value.

Today, I came across a client who point-blank told me 'I don't like the owner's attitude' and this was specifically said after the owner changed some of the terms and conditions. On top of that, it is also important to be humble and help people when they are looking to rent a place. Not everything should be looked at from money-making perspective. Satisfaction matters and if the client is not satisfied with the owner, it's a sorry scene for the owner.

So how should an owner behave or what should their attitude be like?

At first, when you put out your property in the market, you have to ensure you cover every little detail whether it is describing the property or whether it has anything to do with payment. Once you have done your homework, you start to hunt for clients, this you do through Agents/Brokers or simply in your circles and when you do have a client, always be pleasant and indicate to the client that you are a kind and friendly person (you may want to show that you are tough and all that but at the first meeting, let's make friends shall we).

Clients often open up when you have a friendly approach and they tell you more than you need to know, this way, you also get to know the client and understand their needs and then you could probably help them out or if you feel your place is not going to fit the client, without wasting any time, you know what to do if it is the fitting and what to do if it's not. There are so many properties on the market and you as an owner will have to maintain really good relationships with everyone (Agents/Brokers, security guards, tuk tuk drivers, caretakers) and I mean it - EVERYONE. It makes life so much easier.

Further, do not be too money-conscious, always accommodate offers and if it's a no go, quietly turn them down. There is no need to be very strict or harsh. The client can always take revenge by leaving an unpaid bill or damaging something and not telling you. So be very careful. Agreements and contracts are signed to keep things formal but there is always a fine line between a heart-to-heart bond and a bond that is in writing.

Good luck with your hunt for clients. If you need our agency to get involved. Please write to info.mistert@gmail.com