Are the days of the real estate mortician gone forever?

(You know, real estate morticians...Agents who throw buyers into the back seat of their car and drive them around until they are dead)

I recently posted the following question to 10 real estate groups on Facebook, and received over 2500 comments:

"In what percentage of your showings do you drive the prospective buyer in your car?"

My concluding thoughts:

I read ever Comment to this post, in all the groups to which I posted, and I "liked" every comment...not to show agreement, but to indicate that I read the comment.

These groups with a total member count of over 200,000 people, had experienced as well as new agents, and overwhelmingly the response was that driving buyers in your car for showings is a practice that is no longer appropriate, for safety and health reasons primarily.

Some of those who commented, however, still drive some buyers in their cars, and, imo, for good reason. The virus and whatever the "new normal" turns out to be may change this, but right now, it appears that driving someone in your car is a differentiator, as noted by all of the agents who stated that they never have and never will.

We have been saying for years that the key to long term success in real estate sales is to differentiate yourself from your competition. But the question is always "How?"

I was reminded that real estate is a "Me TooBusiness." As Seth Godin says, be different or charge less. But how can one be different? MLS, Signs, Lock Box, Advertising, Open House...what else do you do to differentiate?

Maybe putting people in your car (as an option, and their choice) is an opportunity to be different. Those who still do this stated they recognize the value in building a relationship during showings, a time to demonstrate expertise and to build trust and confidence.

Thanks for your participation. I plan to publish the results at Realty Times News. My thought is to take the best comments and publish them and the name of the contributor.

Comments from Facebook Groups:

95%. I live in an urban area and taking two cars would be a nightmare

In a normal market, I often did. Great bonding plus saves gas and mileage. Depends on the client and where we are going as well.

As often as I can. I like to have an ongoing dialog and with the navigation equipment, I am never really lost. I can work out a lot of details when I have a captive audience, and I get more interaction if I'm driving. Plus, I usually know the neighborhoods and can drive them by schools, parks, etc. on the way to or from a house they don't know much about. But, I'm old school and also just plain old. I like to interact personally as much as possible. Lately, during this pandemic, I meet them at the house they want to see and don't get as much direct interaction. PS: Millennials prefer to have little contact, but I have been successful in driving them to homes to see. I map it out in advance, and they turn out to enjoy it...!

Now only about 20%... But I always used to. It's the perfect time to hear their thoughts of the houses you're seeing... Listen to the couple discuss things... It's amazing how much you can learn while they are in your car! It's they perfect opportunity to really get to know them. The only reason I don't as often now is because there are so few listings to see. A few years ago we would meet at the office sign agency and get in my car for a day of showings... There might be 10 or 12... Now inventory is so low... There's usually only 1 or 2 to look at.

Maybe 2-5%, if they are from out of town and don't know the area I find it less stressful then making sure I don't lose them when they are following me. It also allows me to point out areas of interest and sometimes I detour to the scenic route to show them the beauty that is our magnificent Treasure Coast of Florida. They are always appreciative and I think it really seals our relationship.

Before C19 probably 50% now 0%. Only because of social distancing. Lots of gated communities here and less hassle with one vehicle.

Now only about 20%... But I always used to. It's the perfect time to hear their thoughts of the houses you're seeing... Listen to the couple discuss things... It's amazing how much you can learn while they are in your car! It's they perfect opportunity to really get to know them. The only reason I don't as often now is because there are so few listings to see. A few years ago we would meet at the office sign agency and get in my car for a day of showings... There might be 10 or 12... Now inventory is so low... There's usually only 1 or 2 to look at.

20% - it's just easier when people are seeing 6 homes or more and may not know the area. Best to discuss where we are in relation to their new jobs or schools. I also have had people ask me to drive if they are older and they just want to be a passenger. I would always do whatever is best for the client

Rarely, but last year I picked up a client from his office at lunch hour to show 5-6 homes during lunch, then dropped him back off. Best practice is having them drive themselves so they can learn the streets & neighborhoods.

I did all mine in my younger years. Then I realized if they followed me we didn’t see as many homes. I went from showing a hundred houses to ten. (Different market of course). But it was a lesson learned.

In the past 99%. That’s how you truly understand what they like and want, and can talk and point things out in the community.

EXACTLY! You can pick up on what they are talking about, and it gives you a better insight on the entire situation. Whereas if they are in their own car... you’ll never here what they are “really” feeling.

About 2% of the time. I did it with an elderly couple last week but it's been years.