Sigmund Freud coined the term “The Pleasure-Pain Principal” which is as simple as it sounds. We are biologically programmed to seek pleasure and avoid pain. We are internally motivated and drawn toward that anticipated pleasure and repelled by anticipated pain (unless you are a masochist, but that’s a different blog entirely).
Some of us are more drawn to pleasure, even at the risk of pain, and some of us are move averse to pain, even if we miss out on the pleasure. Understanding your client’s TRUE motivation will help you tremendously to provide an exceptionally satisfying real estate experience.
A few Examples of The Pleasure Principal In Real Estate (seeking the GOOD)
- The home will make me look good to my friends
- The home will make me feel safe
- The home will be a good investment
- The home will make me feel good about myself
- Selling my home will allow me to move on to X chapter in my life
- Selling my home will give me $ in my pocket
- Living in the home will be a beautiful experience
A few Examples of The Pain Principal In Real Estate (seeking the BAD)
- If I don’t buy this home, I might miss out on a good deal
- When I buy a home, my family will no longer be crowded in too small of a home
- If I buy this home, I won’t worry about the safety of my children while they play
- If I buy this home, I won’t worry about the quality of my children’s education
- If I sell my home, I won’t have creditors breathing down my neck
- If I sell my home, I won’t be burdened with this huge financial commitment
- If I buy now, are prices still going to drop? Meaning I’ve over-paid?
- What if the roof leaks?
The challenge is that most people are not always conscious of their true motivation. They might tell you (and believe) they are buying a home based on a logical review of the market, stats, etc. but subconsciously, they really think the home is cute. You have to play detective to best determine if they seek pleasure or if they avoid pain.
Pleasure Seeker Signs
- They drive a fancy car
- They want to buy the most they can afford
- They focus on how the house looks, furniture placement, etc.
Pain Fleer Signs
- They are obsessed with the market and where it might be in six months
- They are very analytical about data, stats and information
- They are very interested in insurance and tax rates
By observing and analyzing your clients, you might be able to best understand their true motivation. Then you can speak the language that will resonate best with them. If they are more motivated by pleasure, focusing more on pain avoidance is not going to matter to them. If they really are more motivated by mitigating pain or the risk of pain, furniture placement is not going to be on the top of their list. Play the detective and look for clues. I bet you will be able to better get to the base issues with your clients, even if they don’t know what they are, by determining what most motivates them. Once done, you can “cut to the chase” quicker in finding their dream home and resolving issues. Unleash your Freud!
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Unrelated Geo-Bonus: MisoTrendy.com uses Foursquare data to see what location is trending, very cool app!
