The Objective: Get It Now
In real estate, time kills deals. The longer you take to get a prospect under contract, the more likely they are to shop around and lose interest. The goal is to move from conversation to contract in a single phone call. This is the one-call close, and it hinges on your ability to quickly and confidently provide a value for their property while you're still on the line.
1. The Two-Fold Approach to a One-Call Close
A successful one-call close requires you to multitask effectively. While you're building rapport and gathering information, you're also secretly running the numbers.
Step 1: Build Rapport and Gather Intel (The Conversation) When you first get the seller on the phone, your primary goal is to connect with them. Don't jump straight into numbers. Start by just talking, asking questions, and building a genuine rapport. While you're talking, you're also gathering crucial information that will help you run comps and determine your offer.
What to talk about:
Step 2: Run Comps in Real-Time (The Silent Hustle) While the conversation is flowing, you're discreetly using your system to run comparable sales (comps). This is the backbone of your offer. You should be so familiar with your process that you can do this almost on autopilot. The objective is to find a rough price range for the property without the seller ever knowing you're working in the background.
2. The Power of the "Hold"
What happens if you can't get a solid number in five minutes? You've built rapport and you have their trust, but you don't want to give a bad number. This is where you use the strategic "hold."
The Script:
"Hey, [Seller's Name], this all sounds great. To make sure I give you the most accurate and fair offer, I need to consult with my underwriting team for a quick second. Can you hold for just five minutes while I run this by them?"
Why this works:
It sounds professional. You're not just a single person—you're a part of a team. This builds confidence and trust. It creates a reason for the pause. Instead of fumbling around, you're explicitly telling them what you're doing and why it benefits them. It's not a "I'll call you back later." The hold keeps them engaged and on the line, preventing them from hanging up and shopping around. During this five-minute hold, you have a concentrated window to get the information you need from your team or do a more in-depth comp analysis.
3. When to Ease Off the Gas
The one-call close isn't for everyone. Some sellers are just tire-kickers, or they're not motivated enough to make a quick decision. You need to be able to read the room and know when to pivot.
Signs a seller isn't ready to sign:
They are hesitant to provide information. They keep mentioning other offers or talking to other buyers. They refuse to give you a specific price they're looking for. Their reasons for selling aren't urgent (e.g., "just testing the market"). If you sense this, don't try to force it. Respect their position, but don't give them all your valuable insights. You can say something like, "It sounds like you're still exploring your options. I can send over an offer for you to review, but there's no pressure at all to decide right now."
The Bottom Line: Always push for the one-call close, but know when to adapt. Your objective is always the contract, and sometimes that means a soft close rather than a hard one.
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