Your prompt initial contact with the lead is the single most important step in assuring a future sale (and a commission). Please remember that the lead is expecting excellent service. In their eagerness to obtain the information they need, leads often request service and assistance from as many Realtors® and other resources as they deem appropriate. Therefore, view this both as a race and a competition. Generally, the Realtor® who responds the quickest shows the most understanding and responsiveness and establishes the most effective rapport. This is the person who usually gets the opportunity to make the sale. However, we would like to remind our members that we only assign one member to each lead that comes in.
Your response needs to be in three forms. As most of our leads have e-mail, this is the quickest (and least expensive) way to show them your professionalism and desire to be of service. Your e-mail should be effective, but "short and sweet." It should emphasize that you have just been contacted by Buyers USA Relocation about their planned move and their desire for a relocation packet for your area. You should reiterate any special concerns that they expressed and solicit any further issues that they need to address. You should also mention that you are putting together a customized relocation packet for them. Like all communication at this stage, you should demonstrate your promptness and sincere desire to serve their needs. Please refrain from trying to impress them with your credentials, level of importance, and successful rate of you and/or your company. This is assuredly the fastest way to guarantee that you will not develop rapport with them. Remember that the reason that they may work with you is that you may become a "problem-solver" who will relieve the stress of their impending move. Your accomplishments in the real estate industry are not a key concern and may leave the impression that you are more concerned about yourself rather than their needs.
Sample Email: (For PC - Highlight text and control+C to copy. For Mac - Highlight text and hold mouse. Choose copy from pop up menu.)