Building a home is likely the largest investment a person will make. As the builder, keeping them engaged from their initial visit, and even after their home is complete, can ensure they stay satisfied. For you, happy homeowners mean a higher chance for earning their business with their next home, word-of-mouth referrals, and boosting your company’s image in the community.
Communication is Key
Clear communication should be a priority from start to finish (and beyond). This can mean several things, but some of the most important include:
- Making sure the homeowner has a point of contact they can be in contact with and knows they will get a prompt response.
- Communicate the homebuilding process and timeline at the beginning of the sale. You should also update the buyer on any changes immediately and give them an explanation of why a change is being made.
- Explain what the expectations are for them, as a buyer. Make sure they understand that if they don’t communicate or answer questions promptly, it can stall the project.
- Schedule regular updates throughout the process so the buyer knows they will be kept up to date even if everything is going smoothly and on schedule.
Keeping the lines of communication open probably has the largest impact on buyer engagement in the home building process.
Offer Personalization Options
Depending on your business model, you might offer customization of the entire house, or just a few selections like appliance color. When a buyer can take part in selecting options for their new home, it can keep them engaged and excited about the process. Personalization options can include everything from cabinets, flooring, and appliances to the choice of the exterior elevation. Having an organized selection process, like a showroom or catalogs, can have a positive impact on the sale and keep the homeowner excited. Being involved in these choices can also mean greater satisfaction with the outcome.
Encourage Site Visits
Allowing buyers to visit the construction site is a great way to keep them engaged and informed throughout the building process. They can see the progress being made and can really envision themselves living in the house. It also gives them the opportunity to ask questions, bring up any concerns, and to feel more connected to the process. You can encourage them to take pictures to document the process to share with family and friends and to look back on later.
Provide Virtual Tours
If the buyer can’t make it onsite to check in on the progress, you can offer a virtual tour to keep them up to speed. This can mimic an actual site visit and the homeowner can take a virtual walk through the house and feel connected to their new home. If you can have the point person on the tour, the buyer can ask questions like they would in-person.
Keeping your buyers engaged throughout the home building process is essential to ensure they are satisfied with the final product. By establishing clear communication, encouraging site visits, providing virtual tours, and offering personalization options, you can keep your buyers engaged and excited about their new home.