What do you bring to the table?

If you’ve been involved in the Denver market over the last few years – as a buyer or a seller – you know what it’s like; competitive doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Properties have 50 showings in one day and dozens of offers, all bringing something different to the table.

No one knows that better than I do. Yes, I’ve helped represent clients on both ends of the transaction, but I’m an investor, too.

I was recently asked how I do it, how I sustain a competitive edge in this market that doesn’t seem to ever slow down. And while the conversation did cover a few tricks of the trade – going in with a cash offer and taking a recent flip project “as is” – what really came out of the conversation is my belief in something that sometimes gets lost in the transaction.

Courtesy.

It’s simple. But it works.

Technology is amazing and has allowed real estate agents to coordinate and connect with clients in many different ways. And this can be extremely useful in today’s world where everyone is being pulled in so many different directions. Sometimes in-person meetings in order to get things reviewed and signed aren’t possible. And I get that.

But we’ve somehow made that the norm. It’s not something we use if we “have to” – it’s just become the way we do business. The auto signature has replaced a handshake. An attachment on an email has replaced interacting face-to-face. And sometimes our industry is missing the “service” part of customer service.

So, as I was answering the question about how I operate, I described how I suggested that I hand deliver the offer I had made on a home that had 36 other bids.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” said the agent representing the sale.

“But I’d like to,” I said.

Sure, it’s something that could have easily been taken care of with an email; after all, I’m just handing over paperwork. But I was able to meet her face-to-face. I was able to shake her hand. And there’s a chance she won’t even remember that I did that. But there’s also a chance that she will.

Bottom line?

Who knows? Maybe that will help in the long run should another investment opportunity arise with that agent. Or maybe she’ll remember the guy who took the time to drive to her office just to hand her an offer. Maybe she’ll remember how thrilled I was to win this property and let me know when she has another flip available.

Or maybe it was just worth it to have a personal transaction with a smile instead of hitting the “send” button.

Patrick Finney is the owner and managing broker of FINN Real Estate in Denver, Colorado. He has been named a Five Star Agent by 5280 Magazine and has over 13 years of industry experience with $240,000,000 of real estate sold. He is an active supporter of many non-profits, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.