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Ambassador
2,116,883
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

My response, which works for all markets, has always been: "unbelievable".

Mar 06, 2017 03:58 PM
Rainmaker
5,252,301
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I always say "Its on fire!! Our inventory is so low..you don't know anyone thinking to sell do you?"

Mar 06, 2017 04:26 PM
Ambassador
1,472,185
Susan Emo
Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Pretty real!!

Mar 06, 2017 05:02 PM
Rainmaker
151,733
Julie Larson Realtor® Sarasota FL 941-284-9826
White Sands Realty Group FL | 941-284-9826 | Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties - Sarasota, FL
When you're thinking of moving...ThinkSuncoast.com

Real estate is great!!! Do you know of anyone wanting to buy or sell a home?

Mar 06, 2017 04:54 PM
Rainmaker
5,584,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Real estate has been good for me for the past 39 years, and I fully expect it to stay that way...

Mar 06, 2017 03:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,045,915
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

Fantastic but if you are asking about a particular property or area it may vary so lets take a look together.

Feb 15, 2018 05:54 PM
Rainmaker
4,322,035
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® - the most common answer - to probe what is expected - 'It depends. Are you looking forward to buying, selling or investing?"

(And of course, 'unbelievable' answer from Alan May.

Mar 06, 2017 11:30 PM
Ambassador
3,421,337
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

The market is great - how can I help?  

I do agree that for the most part ... people are just making small talk. 

Mar 06, 2017 06:44 PM
Rainmaker
2,818,727
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Honestly, I doubt that most people really care.  This is small talk, like "What's up?"  People don't really care when they ask that either.

I would venture to guess that 10% of people care, tops 20%.  Maybe 10% have legitimate care as it may impact future plans and another 10% may be curious as it may impact their business (if it's somewhat related to real estate e.g. movers, mortgage brokers, people that care about interest rates, etc.)

Mar 06, 2017 05:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,613,780
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors

"It's amazing right now, what market are you specifically asking about?"

Love that question!!! It's a door opener.

Mar 06, 2017 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
809,308
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Some people probably care, most are just making small talk.  I'm really bad at small talk and it makes me uncomforatble.  If I am at church or a party I often don't want to talk about work (I know, I know, great places to meet future clients, but sometimes I just need a seperation).  I usually just say something like "We are doing really well and keeping quite busy."  I kind of hate it when I get that question and know it's just small talk though.  -Kasey

Mar 06, 2017 09:00 PM
Rainmaker
5,774,095
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Hella,

Somehow, I can always tell if they really want to know or they are just asking to be polite.  I usually turn it around and ask what they specifically want to know.  A

Mar 06, 2017 09:00 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,138
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

They are asking about the market and I tell them some juicy tidbits that get them asking even more questions.

Mar 06, 2017 07:43 PM
Rainmaker
2,234,859
Debbie Laity
CinaJones Real Estate - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County

Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't really want to know. I usually have a quick answer, because of the market reports I do. 

Mar 06, 2017 06:43 PM
Rainmaker
2,840,001
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Answer: People are buying & selling all the time. How about you?

Mar 06, 2017 06:22 PM
Rainmaker
2,510,566
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

FANTASTIC! (somewhere). Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® 

Mar 06, 2017 04:46 PM
Rainmaker
115,482
Jeanne Feenick
NextHome Premier - Basking Ridge, NJ
The Agent you choose REALLY does make a difference

I like your reply Alan!  On so many levels that really is a good one, and generally accurate - sometimes for good - sometimes for bad, but quite rights, real estate is "unbelievable"!

 

Mar 06, 2017 04:26 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,282
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

If i don't want to be bothered, I say: "Fine".  If I want to engage, I ask if "It depends on whether you are buying or selling, which are you planning to do?"

Mar 07, 2017 04:20 AM
Ambassador
2,563,795
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes, I really do think for the most part people want to know. I usually say "busy!" but I love some of the answers that have already been provided.

Mar 07, 2017 03:11 AM
Rainer
321,664
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

I tell them it's great. Thanks Dorie Dillard I should follow with "Know anyone that wants to buy or sale?"  

Mar 06, 2017 10:44 PM
Ambassador
2,704,367
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  Did you ever hear senior citizens talk about when they could have bought prime real estate back in the day for very little money, but didn't do it, and they regretted it?  Well NOW we have those opportunities again.   Lots of prime deals, interest rates are at rock bottom.  Let me show you some incredible buys!

Mar 06, 2017 08:11 PM
Ambassador
5,155,160
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It's a complex housing market, what area are you interested in that I can tell you about

Mar 06, 2017 07:57 PM
Rainmaker
577,850
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

Its a very busy Seller's market and we are low on inventory... Are you thinking of selling any time soon, or know someone who does?

Mar 06, 2017 07:36 PM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Alan May and Richie Alan Naggar have great responses.  

Mar 06, 2017 07:36 PM
Ambassador
5,473,648
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Regardless of the market, there is a positive somewhere - "Inventory is super low but, my sellers are doing REALLY well right now!" 

Or, "My buyers are scooping us some fantastic deals!"

I always share the positive when asked, "How's the market?"

Mar 06, 2017 07:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,713,581
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I tend to answer with there is always a market.

Mar 06, 2017 07:18 PM
Rainmaker
979,796
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Hella - I usually answer by saying "it depends". Then if they are really interested they will ask more questions. If not, they didn't really care to know anyway.

Mar 06, 2017 05:46 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,372
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I always answer in a positive way and include saying something to garner if they are ready to buy or sell something

Mar 06, 2017 05:37 PM
Ambassador
6,660,504
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Just a small talk question that is asked when they dont know what to say, the answer that you give them is really not that important.

Mar 06, 2017 05:24 PM
Rainmaker
756,425
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I like Alan May's and Dorie Dillard 's answers. 

Mar 06, 2017 04:44 PM
Rainmaker
564,544
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

It's great - !!   That always entices intrigue ...

Mar 06, 2017 04:20 PM
Rainmaker
142,796
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

I like Alan's response. 

Mar 06, 2017 04:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,260,083
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Don't get us started..... blah blah blah...

Mar 06, 2017 04:01 PM
Rainer
408,854
John Duke
Staging By John - Burlington, NC
We stage your home to show it at its best!

I usually would point them in the direction of one of the agents I work with frequently for the answer

Mar 03, 2018 08:06 AM
Rainmaker
5,984,277
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I get this question all the time --- and say it is crazy again this year!   Low inventory creates this frenzy.

Mar 09, 2017 01:37 PM
Rainmaker
5,175,276
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Goodn't be better is my standard answer.

Mar 07, 2017 04:46 PM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Today would not be a great day for me to answer that question.

 

Mar 07, 2017 01:44 PM
Ambassador
3,654,438
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hella I like it when they ask me how the market is. The question that I find amuzing is "Are you still selling real estate"?  So many agents come and go in my market that I can understand why they ask that question - but anybody that knows me KNOWS I'm in the business for keeps and not a fly by night.

Mar 07, 2017 12:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,535,124
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Doing great!

Mar 07, 2017 09:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,007,423
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I like my husbands answer - he is always so quick with it... "It's always good" it's his go to answer for most things "How are you" - "I'm always good", "Ho';s the weather" "It's always good"

LOL - never fails

Mar 07, 2017 08:29 AM
Rainmaker
864,758
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

It is awesome for the seller and awesome for buyer. Which one are you?

Mar 07, 2017 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,618,024
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I just had a lady call me yesterday from blog asking the same question

Mar 07, 2017 07:25 AM
Rainmaker
4,721,203
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

That's a great question.  It depends on a lot of different factors.  Why do you ask? 

 

Mar 07, 2017 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,749,477
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We have some super values; are you shopping?

Mar 07, 2017 06:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,458,913
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

"Terrific"! Are you looking to buy or sell at this time?

Mar 07, 2017 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
846,575
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

"Great for me!"

Mar 07, 2017 06:01 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Your choice is, "Do you want to sound and act like a real estate agent?"

Then respond to such 'testing' question with "Its great!"
You will have failed the test.

Largely based on the age of the citizen, somewhat on the environment in which you exist and the context in which the question was delivered, a better response can be made that will attract instead of repel the one asking.

Based on the agents awareness, responses could be:

"Real estate is Forever. You know that already. Tell me more about your question?  " or

"All real estate is local. The reality is every real estate condition exists simultaneously. What community do you live in?" or

"Hey, I'm doing fine, how about you?" or

IF you really don't want to talk, phone is ringing, cashier just handed you the receipt, the light turned green, say "Great!"

 

 

 

Mar 07, 2017 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

Yes " If you really want to know my answer then it will cost you "

Mar 07, 2017 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,094,887
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I just refer them to my good friend for an answer

Mar 07, 2017 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,869,008
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Such a BS question. It really means how are you without any concern as to how the person feels.  I am tired of discussing it with dopes who believe the media over the folks in the trenches.

Mar 07, 2017 04:55 AM
Rainmaker
2,245,607
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Very oportunistic

Mar 07, 2017 04:54 AM
Rainmaker
8,123,167
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It is a good time to take advantages of real estate opportunities.

Mar 07, 2017 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
872,164
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

"Great!"    Depending upon where I am, who they are etc it'll escalate from there.  ;)

Mar 07, 2017 04:09 AM
Rainmaker
5,287,429
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Some want to know, some don't. But I keep close tabs on the market and can give a two minute answer on current state of affairs.

Mar 07, 2017 03:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,646,371
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

Yes, all the time:) And i can talk about it for hours, but I try to hold myself and listen more. 

Mar 06, 2017 10:32 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,473
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

The answer is always positive.

Mar 06, 2017 08:16 PM
Rainmaker
4,340,665
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® Real estate is a good investment.

Mar 06, 2017 08:15 PM
Rainmaker
602,025
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

If you keep up on the market, it should be easy to give them a snapshot and then expand if they are actually interested.

Mar 06, 2017 07:48 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,257
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® Great!

Mar 06, 2017 05:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,841
FN LN
Toronto, ON

You could always ask what aspect of it they want to know about.

Mar 06, 2017 04:06 PM