How To Tell Home Sellers To Clean Their Home Without Offending? – Sheri Gallimore
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Sheri Gallimore!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Sheri Gallimore…
The conversation began with a word association icebreaker on depreciation, seller financing, and more. Sheri then gives a glimpse of her life beyond real estate. She identifies herself as a traveler, always seeking new adventures and adrenaline rushes. Additionally, she takes pride in being a dedicated mom and a supportive friend.
Sheri operates in Greater Lansing, Michigan, a vibrant region known for its notable landmarks and attractions. The area boasts prestigious institutions such as Michigan State University and thriving industries like General Motors. The presence of a law school and two major insurance companies contributes to the diverse economic landscape. However, the market in this area faces a significant challenge: the demand outweighs the available inventory, resulting in a scarcity of properties.
With 33 years of experience as a realtor, Sheri’s prior occupations have played a crucial role in shaping her expertise. She reflects on her journey, starting with humble beginnings in high school, where she worked various jobs such as at a grocery store, babysitting, and mowing lawns. Her first job in the service industry was at a rolling skates and root beer establishment, followed by positions at different restaurants.
Upon moving to Hawaii, Sheri found employment with a purchasing agent while pursuing her education. Returning to Michigan, she utilized her degree in interior design by working for a downtown design firm for several years. Finally, in 1990, she obtained her real estate license. Rather than considering herself a salesperson, Sheri views her role as a provider of information, a communicator, and a mediator. She prioritizes offering guidance and facilitating transactions, focusing on client needs and satisfaction.
Sheri then reflects on the significant changes that have occurred in the real estate market throughout her 30+ years of experience. She notes that the market has become more user-friendly and accessible, thanks to advancements in technology. These advancements have revolutionized their work, allowing them to accomplish more in less time. Sheri specifically mentions the convenience of features like lockboxes and computer applications, which provide instant access to information about available properties.
Recalling an incident from the early 2000s, Sheri describes a peculiar encounter during a property showing. In those days, there were no cameras, and showings required making appointments and knocking on doors. Sheri arrived at a property where nobody initially answered. However, upon entering, she noticed a sign that read, “Beware of the cats.” Initially, this seemed like a common occurrence to her. However, as she explored the property further, she discovered two enormous cages housing exotic cats—an unexpected sight, including a black panther and a leopard-like cat. Sheri admits that this experience stands out among the usual situations she encounters, such as stumbling upon people still in bed or in the shower.
Next, Sheri recounts a recent transaction that took an unexpected turn. Buyers from Texas flew in with the specific intention of purchasing a house. They went through the pre-inspection process, had their offer accepted, and even provided the seller with a 60-day occupancy period after closing. However, just as they were nearing the final stages, the seller experienced a crisis and decided not to sell the house, backing out of the deal. Sheri emphasizes that such situations, although uncommon, can occur, highlighting the importance of being prepared for unexpected obstacles in real estate transactions.
When asked about instances where closing dates had to be rescheduled, Sheri explains that it usually happens due to common reasons such as financing issues or the need for repairs. However, she recalls a recent situation where a client wanted to cancel the sale of their home at the last minute due to stress and anxiety about not having a new home lined up yet. Sheri emphasizes that in such cases, realtors often find themselves in a role similar to a social worker, needing to provide support and guidance to clients in stressful situations. In this specific case, Sheri was able to assist her client in finding a new home, ultimately resolving the issue.
Regarding the topic of convincing clients to enhance their property’s curb appeal, Sheri acknowledges the sensitivity required in addressing this matter. She highlights the subjectivity of cleanliness and tries to handle it indirectly by providing written third-party recommendations on preparing their homes. If the clients still need some encouragement, Sheri shares success stories from her past clients rather than directly pointing out what needs to be done. She believes in presenting them with what they need to hear, even if it may differ from what they want to hear, and does so delicately to maintain a positive working relationship.
Sheri also recalls the early years of her real estate career when her main focus was knocking on doors of For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties. She recognizes that sellers who choose the FSBO route generally prefer not to work with agents. To persuade them otherwise, Sheri offers valuable services for free, showcasing her professionalism and highlighting the additional benefits she can bring to the table.
The conversation wraps up with Sheri sharing her approach if she were starting over as a prospective homeowner. Sheri believes that the approach remains relatively unchanged. She advises seeking out a lender to determine one’s qualifications, credit score, and income-to-debt ratio. This initial step involves getting pre-approved for a loan, which typically lasts for six months and does not incur any cost. Additionally, Sheri emphasizes the importance of interviewing potential buyer’s agents and selecting someone who will work diligently on the client’s behalf. In a competitive market, it is crucial to have an agent who is well-liked and known for closing deals successfully. Furthermore, Sheri recommends working with a local lender who has a trustworthy reputation for efficiently closing deals.
Check out Sheri Gallimore:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheri.gallimore.3
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/sheriiremax
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherigallimore/
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