Wednesday Morning Marathon – Why Sneak Peeks of New Homes on the Market Gives Realtors an Advantage

Wednesday is the day REALTORS® gather in East Hawaii. It’s “Caravan Day.” REALTORS® are all members of a professional organization. There are two REALTOR® organizations on the Big Island. In East Hawaii, members of the Hawaii Island REALTORS® (HIR) are invited to preview listings submitted by members every Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy Freedigitalphotos.net/photokanok

Tours, at least in East Hawaii, are arranged geographically rotating in a five week cycle; one week in Puna, one week in Volcano, etc. Second only to exposure through our Multiple Listing Service, board caravans, in my opinion, are probably the most effective method of marketing property to our members.

We Make Sure as Many Agents as Possible Can Preview Your Home When We List It

Though it’s not a particularly pleasant experience for sellers who spend days preparing for REALTORS® who spend an average of 10 minutes at the property, the benefits of exposing the property first-hand to multiple agents who might be working with multiple buyers can’t be over-estimated.

Normally, about 30 agents tour homes together. We arrive in a line of vans, cars, and SUVs. I often imagine what the neighbors think as we all jump out of the cars, rush inside, and then leave again!

Although our rules allow buyers and potential seller observers, it’s not really an appropriate format for meaningful observation. At least in East Hawaii, we travel as a group and are expected to stay until the end, especially if one of our listings is included. Agent caravans are a unique way to market property to agents, and even though agents spend but a few minutes at each property, the ripple effect of the visit can be powerful stuff!

We Are Out There Previewing Homes For You

Agents attend for different reasons. Some attend because they are trying to learn what’s new on the market while others may be previewing for a specific buyer. Of course, many participants are there to showcase their listing. Even when I can’t attend, I make it a point to find out highlights from someone who did. 

When my listings are included, I take the opportunity to showcase them as much as possible. Even though properties are listed on the MLS, nothing beats a first-hand experience. Several times, even though I had noticed a property on MLS, it was actually visiting the property that allowed me to quickly match buyer and seller.

It’s hard to imagine that a bunch of real estate agents driving from place to place can actually be productive, but it certainly is! We normally see about 13 homes in the same time it takes to show 4 homes to a potential buyer. It’s a marathon for sure and hard work indeed.

So, the next Wednesday morning you see us touring in your neighborhood, give us a wave. After all, we may just have seen the property your new neighbor will love during our Wednesday marathon!