Hey there, Loan Officers! Let’s kick off today’s LOBC live show with a powerful thought: 79% of homebuyers go with the first lender they speak with. Now, think about that for a minute. That’s a huge chunk of the market that could be yours simply by being the first to answer the call. But what happens if you miss that call? What if you’re caught up in another conversation, in a meeting, or grabbing a coffee? That potential client might just move on to the next lender, and before you know it, that 79% opportunity is gone.
In a recent podcast episode, Carl White chatted with Kristin Simpson about a story that hits home for many of us. A guy emailed Carl, frustrated that he lost a deal because he couldn’t pick up the phone when the buyer called. He called back within 60 minutes—pretty quick by most standards—but by then, the buyer had already connected with another lender and was off the market.
Carl and Kristin didn’t just sympathize with the guy—they offered a solution. It’s a simple one, but man, it’s effective. Consider using an inexpensive call service. These services are a lifesaver, especially when you’re in a bind and can’t answer your phone immediately. When you forward your calls to a service, you ensure that someone—an actual human being—is always there to pick up the phone.
Here’s the deal: When a potential buyer calls, they’re often ready to make decisions. They don’t want to leave a voicemail or wait around. They want to speak to someone, feel heard, and start moving forward. That’s where a call service shines. These companies don’t just answer the phone; they can follow a well-crafted script tailored to your business, schedule appointments directly into your calendar, and even try to connect the caller to other members of your team if you’re not available. It’s like having an extra set of hands without the full-time salary.
The stats speak for themselves: 79% of buyers go with the first lender they talk to, and 92% end up working with one of the first two loan officers they speak with. So why take the chance of being number three—or not getting a shot at all?
Investing in a call service could be the game changer you need. Imagine never missing a call, always having a friendly voice ready to engage potential clients, and staying at the forefront of a buyer’s mind. It’s not just about being available; it’s about being consistently available. That’s the kind of reliability that turns potential leads into closed deals.
If you’re interested in learning more, I highly recommend listening to Carl’s full podcast episode with Kristin Simpson, titled “How to Close 79% of Every Home Buyer That You Talk To.” It’s packed with insights that can help you turn this 79% opportunity into a regular reality. Check out the podcast here.
Remember, in this business, being the first to connect can make all the difference. So, don’t let another call go to voicemail—get yourself set up with a call service and start closing those deals!