Anita Benabou "Knowledge is Power"

The most important hour window of the week

To me, Caravan is the most important hour of the week. Unfortunately, too many agents look at it as just an opportunity to see the few things that might be of interest to their buyer client(s). I look at caravan differently; it’s a chance to get to know the market. Very often, properties I see on caravan serve as “comps” for a future listing or a buy. From time to time, I come across an inspired design idea. Homes for which I have no buyer can often inspire me to reach out to my “sphere of influence” and find a buyer.  

As they say, “knowledge is power” Caravan is crammed full of information; information that agents need to absorb, process and utilize. I’m always amazed when an agent tells me that they are doing something not time-sensitive during caravan, instead of going out, seeing the product and getting their fingers on the pulse of the market.

Caravan is also a great opportunity to “return a phone call” when you run into someone or to learn about an upcoming listing or a new “pocket.” Take a moment to gather information and to develop, maintain and nurture relationships. In this vein, because I see so many properties, and because I am independently evaluating them, I am constantly being called on by other agents to help them price their upcoming listings. This often affords me an early opportunity to see a property (allowing me to slot in an alternative one on caravan!) and allows me to further a relationship with a fellow real estate agent (something we all need to do more)