Realtors across the U.S. are seeing an increase in Chinese clients who are looking to invest in the U.S. real estate market. Sales to Chinese clients increased from $4.1 billion in 2009 to $28.6 billion in 2015, according to National Association of Realtors.
As such, it’s important for agents in the U.S. to try to connect with these Chinese buyers. Although our team in China communicates with buyers mostly in Mandarin, U.S. agents might consider learning a few Chinese sentences as well. This would help give a good impression during the first contact between the agent and the overseas Chinese buyer.
Below are eight important sentences that should help in giving Chinese clients a good impression:
• Hello – “nǐ hǎo”
This is the first term to say when you see a Chinese customer and try to build relationship.
• My name is… – “wǒ jiào …”
Let them know your name, and you can use this right away and give the overseas Chinese buyer a good impression as early as possible. They may not need your service right away or close a deal tomorrow, but they can come back and find you easily if they remember your name.
• Welcome to the U.S. – “huān yíng lái dào měi guó”
Most Chinese clients are proud of owning a home in the U.S. Greeting them in this way can remind them that they’re in their dream country, and it is good to build trust.
• I’m happy to show you properties – “wǒ hěn gāo xìng dài nǐ kàn fang”
This sentence can lead the conversation from general greetings to real estate. It shows that you are interested in helping them find a house
• There are great schools nearby – “fù jìn yǒu hǎo xué xiào”
Chinese people place great value on properties in good school districts. Firstly, a big part of Chinese clients buy properties for their children who wish to receive good education in the U.S. Secondly, Chinese people believe properties at good school area are easier to be rented out and can earn higher rent, and thus are a good investment from the financial perspective.
Therefore, introduction in this way can draw their attention effectively.
• This is a good house for investment – “zhè fang zi zuò wéi tóu zī hěn hǎo”
A good investment is always attractive. This sentence is good to use when you have solid reasons why a particular house would be of interest for investors looking for high returns.
• This is a beautiful house – “zhè shì gè měi lì de fang zi”
“A beautiful house” is always one of the requirements for the dream home for Chinese clients, although the “beautiful” could be quite subjective. This is a good sentence that can be used to introduce a property.
• The Number 8 is a lucky number – “8 shì gè xìng yùn shù zì”
In the Chinese culture, the number 8 represents making a fortune. Chinese people like the number 8 in their life, and regard it as a sign for luck. If the number 8 is in the room number, building number or street number for the property, make sure you mention it to Chinese clients.
The above sentences should be helpful for U.S. agents to welcome Chinese buyers. With these words, agents can make a good impression, show their interest in the Chinese culture and hopefully move them towards closing a deal.
Sam Van Horebeek is a director at East-West Property Advisors, a U.S. real estate advisory firm based in China. You can follow on Facebook and Twitter.