
Our 60's are our Go Go years, our 70's are our Slow Go years, and our 80's will be our No Go years. Why the heck are we talking about waiting?
Look, if you are telling me your decision is between us and someone else and not just staying in your current home, you should take that leap. I think you'll be happier than you are now if you move into any community of this style. That said, if you're asking me to make the case for Trilogy, I would share with you that...
May I share with you what those who have moved into our communities early on in their lifecycle have told us?
"That's a great question. We think hard about that word ourselves. Can I ask - when you hear 'lifestyle community,' what comes to mind for you first?"*[Listen to their response, ask additional questions as you can, and, if appropriate, continue into…]*"What life is like in the community is probably the most important thing we need to uncover together. You know, I was talking with a couple who moved in about six months ago, and they said something that really stuck with me. They told me, 'We thought lifestyle meant having a busy calendar of activities. But what we discovered is that lifestyle here is actually about having the freedom to choose our own day. And being around others who are thinking the same way.""If that lands at all with you, is there something specific about lifestyle that we should probe further?"
"I completely understand. Your time is valuable, and I want to make sure we use it effectively. We can tailor our journey a bit to get to your most pressing questions a little more quickly. How much time to do you have for us to spend together today?"Scenario 1: "I've got 30 minutes."This calls for a classic Pattern Interrupt. They likely expect you to rush or get flustered, but this is a chance to prove your confidence and commitment to what's best from them. An option might be "May I share something you may find annoying?…It would be pretty much impossible for me to give you a sense of this community in only thirty minutes. But I want you to learn what you want to learn. Knowing we can't do everything today, how would you like to spend the time we do have? Would you be okay if I make a suggestion?"Scenario 2: "I've got about an hour."This situation likely opens a door to a revised Up Front Contract. An option might be "An hour is a little tight, but if you're up for it, I'm in. How about this? I don't want to rush, so we can go at our normal pace, and if we need to bow out after an hour, we'll figure out a plan for follow up together. We should be able to know by then if this is feeling like something you're into or something that's not a fit. That sound good?"
The most important thing we can do first is probe with a Calibrating Question. This is intended to clarify the specific type of price objection this is: legitimate, stall, or negotiation."I appreciate you sharing that. If I may ask you, if costs were not a concern, is this a place where you would prefer to live?"The answer to this question is really vital to understand.Scenario 1: "I'm just not sure this is right for us."This likely means they were using price as a convenient, polite way to express that they aren't interested. This can happen, and it is important here to allow them the freedom to say no. Some version of "I understand and appreciate you telling me that. If something makes you curious again in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. When and if this feels right, I'd love to help you find a home."Scenario 2: "Sure, but the fact is, we don't have the resources to afford any of what we've looked at today."This could just be the truth. Once again, it is important here to allow them the freedom to say no. But it is an opportunity to reframe into consultation mode. Some version of "Look, if you really want to be here, I don't want to give up quite yet. I've seen creativity work in the past, and if you're up for it, I'd love to explore more. Is it worth a little more research just to confirm?" If that is rejected, some version of "I understand and appreciate you telling me that. If something makes you curious again in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. When and if this feels right, I'd love to help you find a home."Scenario 3: "Yes, but now is just not the right time."Go above to the "Why Now" script.Scenario 4: "Yes, but we've got a pretty big gap we need to close."This is a buy response. There is interest being expressed, and it's important to realize at this point Commission Breath will stand out more than ever. It's important here to get on the same side of the table as quickly as possible. Use some version of "That's fair, and I appreciate you sharing. I'm willing to put in the work on our side if you're willing to being open to figuring this out. If you want to be here, I'd hate to have the money get in the way. Should we roll up our sleeves and try to make this work?"