How to answer, "How's the market?" so strangers never (ever) forget you

It could happen anywhere: When you're in line at Starbucks, waiting to board a plane at the airport, or grabbing a cookie (or six) from the back table at a sleepy Chamber of Commerce meeting. But if you're a chatty agent who tends to make new friends and contacts wherever you go, you likely hear the following question quite often:

"So, how's the market?"

Be honest. When your new pal asks, do you stumble or mutter some generalized stats... or do you stand at attention with a clear, succinct answer? Do you give them your card so they can follow up with additional questions?

Trick question. None of those responses are good enough. Here's the script you should follow instead:

That's a great question, but today's market is crazy! And it actually varies from one street to the next. I've recently helped buyers who were able to pay under-asking price in [Happy Valley], but then I have clients in [Sad Valley] who are facing a bidding war... they'll probably have to pay 10-15 percent over the asking price to win their dream home. Can you believe that?!

From there, you can follow your new friend's lead to gauge if they were just asking to be polite, or if they're actually interested in the nuances of what's going on. Don't be afraid to ask,

Are you thinking of [buying/selling], or just curious about the market in general?

From there, offer to look up a local address or neighborhood so you can show them the granular details of the market. Or better yet, get their email address and offer to send them the report so they can check it out later.

What do you say when you meet a new friend at Starbucks?

Not every script is going to resonate with every agent. It's important that you feel like you're in your own skin as you get to know new potential contacts and prospects! What are your favorite ways to get the conversation started with perfect strangers? Tell us our Facebook page!

To view the original article, visit the Realtor.com Results blog.