I would find out what the goals of the builder are in terms of number of sales, expectation about on site selling, marketing expectations and what he expects from his agent. Without knowing that I don't see how you can write a marketing plan for him or know if you want to work with him. I would use this meeting to find out those things, ask tons of questions about his product and why he thinks he builds good house, how he handles his warranty and after sale service, how satisfied have his past buyers been, listen and get to the bottom of why he is looking for a new agent. Then go back and draft a proposal that will wow him and make him want YOU! Then you let him know what it will take to get you.

Know a LICENSED Professional Mortgage Loan Originator that you can partner with to close the deals.   A builder wants to know he can turn his properties over SMOOTHLY !

Showing and getting the properties under contract is only half the battle.   Getting the financing closed is the other half.   Show him you can make BOTH halves happen and he should be yours.   Good Luck with your interview !

Wow, how was it?

Great answers you got. 

Best of luck.

Kelly....I could write many books on this topic.... but the bottom line is "knowledge of the product sells the product" ....you do not attempt to close a builder as you do a homeowner .... every agent will have a marketing plan....you need to assume that every agent will have the same or more experience than you....but will they be well versed on information about methods and materials used to build the homes....

as an example, if the builder is using engineered wood, he will be very impressed if you know some details about engineered wood versus dimensional lumber....comparing deflection of the flooring; change in climate and no moisture content in the members, so nothing shrinks or expands....no cracking plaster or doors/windows that don't close properly....

that's the type of "casual conversation that one has as they're walking through the home with the builder"...and make sure you ask for a tour with the builder leading the way and doing the talking....you chime in when he opens a topic that will make you shine compared to other agents....and ask him to give you details of what he did with his construction that we usually don't find.....

all builders like to be "stroked" and have their work appreciated....they like the compliments....but those complimets need to be complemented by comparing what others are doing....

you need to know what the competition is...you need to know the other subdivisions and how they compare to his... quality is most important....using green products; energy efficiency beyond code!!!  building to "code" is the minimal standard.... if a builder says everything is to code, it's a piece of junk!!!!!

I've listed and sold to completion over 40 subdivision and the first thing I did was to sit for my Massachusetts Builders license.... and I completed every college course in a degree program for building construction....

ALL OF THAT WAS DONE FOR ONE REASON AND THAT'S TO UNDERSTAND AND HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PRODUCT (I never built a home...I can't hang a picture!!! but I can tell you what the rafter line length is if someone wants to change the pitch of a roof....and I don't need a rafter book to do it)...that's knowledge that gets you mileage with every builder.... it doesn't happen overnight.... it will take a couple of years.... but the money that you can make by listing new communities (and many of them) will be well worth it.... 

builders talk...they all meet in a coffee shop at 6:00am to talk, boast and bitch.... and they drop names of real estate agents....at one point I had 22 different builders who offered me lots to sell....at that point, I was very particular about where my efforts were exerted.... I had two major builders, and that's all I needed....

I've probably not been of much help, but I've given you a path to start your journey, if you want to make new construction your niche....it's always allowed me to weather every storm....big builders need to move product no matter what the market conditions, and they understand what needs to be done....they'll drop a price without a problem, if the market changes....

sorry for writing this lengthy "ramble".....

Kelly Sauls wishing you all the best. To begin with, connect with a lender partner and share a plan on how you want to attract the buyers - something unique that no one else is doing there.

Good luck and contractulations. Be yourself and be super prepare.

Come from contribution.  Are you set up to cover the subdivision on a regular basis.  Maybe talk to some other builders and find out what they are looking for

parked and reading...and... Barbara Todaro may have some ideas on this

1. How does your marketing plan stack up against the competition also selling new homes in the area?
2. Who is paying for that effort? And,
3. what are the expectations of the builder regarding your production? Answer those questions, and you will be well on your way.

Debbie Reynolds has some excellent suggestions.   If you don't follow Barbara Todaro I'd suggest you do so and then use her name and new homes for marketing ideas -- she has incredible experience in this arena.  

Debbie Reynolds has some great advice. 

Dress well, act well, speak well, be professional, answer questions showing knowledge and experience, ask intelligent questions, make sure you want the job, if so, get it!

Ask a lot of questions about his project and let him talk.

Know the area.

I would give Barbara Todaro a call and see what advice she can offer.

I hope it goes well for you Kelly!

Debbie Reynolds has this one.

Go out of your way to send this message: I only want to make money if you do. I am here for you and not just for now but long term as well.

New home sales expert Debbie Reynolds has provided sound advice for you.

Good luck this could be a game changer!

I love Debbie's suggestions. I don't have an answer but am lurking to see what others suggest.

Do you homework on what this builder has wanted for previous developments, what is currently standard (and above) services for exclusive agreements in your area, know the common commission terms, etc. Then brainstorm so you have several creative approaches for marketing and creating buzz. Show him you are not just one of the pack, you'll make his sales pop!

Best of luck and congratulations!  Be professional, confident and know your market data.

You will do well. Be yourself and take a deep breath. You GOT THIS!