Most people I find are just curious. But hey, nothing wrong with a good follow up question to test that water

Paul,

I would say, " There is so much to say about real estate, what in particular do you want to know?"  If their eyes start glazing over, you know it is small talk.  A

It's never an opportunity it's cocktail party small talk.

I simply ask them if they are thinking of buying or selling a home. If no, i tell them to remember me if you do, because i would love to help them.  If yes, i work my magic

Hi Paul -- it depends.  Typically I like to keep it light and brief.   It's a party not a business gathering.   I like to ask questions about them and then I can get idea about who they are.  

I was at  a dinner party last night and my buyers were showing the house to other guests who had not been in the house and my buyers brought up that I was their agent and showed them many houses and told them this was going to be the house they were going to buy. At the end of the dinner party I said I have to use the bathroom and someone asked do you know where it is and I said I know where everything is in this house and that got a laugh.

I don't look for opportunities at parties...I don't want to talk business.  I also don't look to solicit buisiness from anyone local and my neighbors probably aren't sure what I do.

I like it that way, so that I can go to WalMart and dress like the rest of them.

Eve

Q: How's the market? A: That depends, are you buying or selling?

I often wonder that too.  But it adds up, you have a conversation with someone, they mention your name to someone else, they see your sign or get a marketing flyer and you get a call, and a client.  I found it tends to be a cummlative effect.  Good luck.

Spirit

#1. How's the market?  "In my years as a professional I have come to understand all real estate is local, as an example, Fairway Estates is going to have a landmark year in appreciation rate and will clearly exceed $300,000 by years end.  What community do you live in?"

If they give you their community, it is a business opportunity.

Hello Paul , depends on the party ; but most of the times because my  wife does not like me talking about real estate i will do this. i am really interested to talk to you about this subject let me take your phone number and email ; will call you in the morning about it  here is my card , if the give me their information this tends to let them open about why they are asking the question and we start chatting , if they don't give me their information we chat about something else and 9 of ten times i will get their information also . good question have a great day

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor Ask them. "If you ever plan on a purchase or a sale or know someone who wants to buy or sell, please give me a call." Give them your card. Nothing gained, if you don't ask.

I prefer the direct method.  Ask them if they are in need of your services.

Michael nailed this one!