One Simple Trick to Land Million-Dollar Listings
Boy, have I got a secret for you—especially if you're looking to score listings in the spring. My name is Kathy Byrnes from Real Estate Riches, and I’m about to share a success story that evolved from one simple thing I started doing. Stay tuned!
From Garage Sales to Real Estate Success
I moved from Michigan to North Carolina in 2005, and I was dead broke. So, what do you do when you’re broke and need stuff for your new place? You go to garage sales, right? I wanted to be the first one there, so I’d wake up early, around 6 o’clock, and check out all the garage sales in the area. I was in an affluent area, which was perfect because people often just get rid of stuff they don’t care about.
It dawned on me shortly after doing this that these people might be getting ready to sell their houses. It’s springtime—the best time to go to garage sales. So, I decided to turn this into a mission. I’d put my business cards in my back pocket and make a list of things I might need for my house. This is also a fantastic way to find stuff for staging homes.
The Strategy: Turning Garage Sales into Listings
I started going to garage sales with a clear purpose. I wasn’t just any shopper; I was looking for potential sellers who might not have an agent yet. I’d target specific neighborhoods and price points. I like to get there when they open, ahead of the crowds. While other professional garage sale shoppers were looking for the best deals, I was on a secondary mission: to find people getting ready to sell.
Casually strolling through, I’d strike up conversations with the sellers. “So, clearing out the house?” I’d ask. If they were getting ready to sell, I’d start asking about the house. What price point? Any updates? I’d mention that I’m a realtor, always looking for homes coming on the market early. By now, I’m doing my listing presentation without them even realizing it.
Building Rapport and Securing Listings
If they hadn’t signed with a realtor yet, I’d ask if they’d be open to giving me a shot. Many times, they’d agree to at least interview me. By the time I came back for the listing presentation, I was well-prepared. I’d researched the neighborhood, asked about the HOA, and noted what they liked about their community. I’d even buy something small to build rapport.
One day, at a garage sale in a 350k price point neighborhood, I struck gold. The seller mentioned she had other properties, including a higher-priced rental property and a million-dollar waterfront property. I got the listing for her house, sold her dad’s waterfront property, and helped her buy a new home. All this from one garage sale visit!
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How to Find Yard Sales and What to Look For
Finding yard sales is easy. Go on Facebook or other local platforms to see where sales are happening in your neighborhood. Get there early—around 6:30 AM is the sweet spot. Offer to help set up if needed and build that relationship. Always have cash on hand, as sellers prefer cash transactions.
Look for items that can help with staging homes. You’d be surprised at the treasures you can find—towels, bedding, accent pieces, and more. Even if a garage sale doesn’t lead to a listing immediately, you can still find valuable items for staging your current listings.
Mindset and Execution: Staying Alert and Being Prepared
This strategy doesn’t always yield immediate results, but it’s about having the right mindset. Stay alert and be prepared. Ask if anyone else in the neighborhood might be thinking about selling. People love to share information if you’ve built a comfortable rapport.
When you do secure a listing appointment, come prepared with all the necessary documents. Show your knowledge about the neighborhood and the home. Be ready to present your listing proposal confidently.
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Spring is the perfect time to hit those garage sales and turn them into goldmines for listings. Have your business cards ready, keep some cash in your pocket, and go out there. Tell me your success stories—I’d love to hear them! Book a business strategy call now and ask me any questions. I’m here to help you succeed in real estate. Thanks for tuning in, and see you on the next one!
Now get out there, hit those garage sales, and start turning them into million-dollar listings. You’ve got the secret—now go make it happen!