Atlanta Real Estate | Atlanta Housing News for Real Estate

I am pretty accessible but won't answer calls when I am in an appointment or on the phone, UNLESS I expect something urgent coming in.  I hate interrupting people when they deserve our undivided attention. I also try not to take them in public when someone is in earshot and if I am in public within earshot and I must take the call, I find  a private place to talk because my clients deserve privacy.  A public restroom is NOT privacy.  Why do people talk in the restroom?  TACKY TACKY TACKY!

During the summer I go camping for about 30 hours every other weekend.  I take my phone but will only pick up messages twice a day.  My clients know when I am going and when I will be returning.  They (for the most part) seem to understand that I do deserve a day off every once in a while.  Otherwise it's fair game.  I can turn off my phone any time after 5 to my discretion.  Sometimes it is on till 10.  It depends on how tired I am and if I feel like dealing with anything.  I am my brightest about 7 Am and after that it is all downhill :)

I always set the ground rules with new clients and customers when I first meet them. I check my email on a regular basis and always have my cell on. My main focus is to respond as quickly as possible and thats what I tell them to expect.

You can't please everyone but it generally works for me. 

Terry Lynch 

Usually when I get calls very late or very early, the client is surprised that I answer - they expected to leave a voice mail.  I generally have my cell phone on, except when I'm with clients, or where I can't pay full attention to the caller or write down a message.

Thanks for all the comments.  Privacy is a must for clients.  I agree with all said, and Sharon mentioned it...clients love it when they reach you personally.  They are very appreciative.  Over the years a few clients have told us that unlike other real estate experiences they reached us directly.  The call was not filtered by a team member that returned the call several hours later.  When we are out showing real estate, we also do not take away from the client we are with, UNLESS it is deemed a priority.  That is something we are expecting or needed to close another deal.

My slogan is "Communication for Results".  With a slogan like that I feel like I need to be accessible.  I have rarely felt abused by not having specific times set up.  There are times that I let the message go to voice mail but I always call back promptly when I have the chance.  I usually do turn my phone off for Church also.  Just recently however I was waiting to hear that my son was back in Germany from his tour in Iraq and kept it in my hand on vibrate.  I had been waiting all week but you know that Mom intuition.  I got the call during the Lord's supper. I quietly walked out and talked to him (what a relief to have him out of there), but that is definitely the exception.

I absolutely agree with Renee's initial comments, and I think most others also agreed.  I tell my clients up front when meeting that they can always feel free to call me from 8am to midnight.  But I specify, I can't always answer.  I simply explain there are times when I need to respect others I am with (which also includes family), and I can't take the call.  I always provide the "What would you think if I talked on the phone for 3-5 minutes during the middle of our time together" speech.  People always understand. 

Now I do always check the caller id on my cell to see who is calling, and if I think I need to take it.  I'll always quickly look and make a decision if I think it can wait, or I need to talk now.  I use the below example for the times I do need to briefly pick up a call. 

I assure my clients that during critical times (like negotiations) that if I am with someone I'll pick up quickly (only when I know urgent things are happening), provide a brief ear, and give them a time when I will get back to them.  I never will stay on a call like this more than 30 seconds.  It's also something I tell my clients at the beginning, if I am in a serious negotiation that is time sensitive I might have to BRIEFLY take a call, but always assure them I'll keep it 30 seconds or less.  I provide the same example, "if we were in a big negotiation and we had to urgently speak, I'll do the same for you, but I will respect who I am with at that time as well".  I'll answer, get a quick overview, and tell them what time I will be back with them (the soonest possible).

It seems that just about everyone understands it both ways when I tell them how I work up front.

 

Thanks for the comments, and thanks for sharing.  I guess we have to weed out clients from those that just want free info, or talk nonsense.  If we are out showing and receive a call... unless it is absolutely urgent...we tell the caller we are out showing, and we will return the call after our appointment,

Part of the reason that I do not use  a black berry for Internet leads,  most of those calls  tend to be lower quality.  So the choice of who and who does not have instant access is sort of like installing a filter.  We let those messages roll to Voice-mail.  If we are working something higher priority, we will foreword the services.  Again, the choices we make are to prioritize service to clients either listings or buyer clients.

Hi Jim, Expectations are important to understand when it comes to client communication.  The discussion about the best way to contact us is always a priority at the beginning.  When people know up front that they will be contacted within X amount of time if we are in meetings and also have access to a number for emergencies...we find that most people appreciate that information.

Lola Audu~Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate  I am more concerned about contact with clients.  We really provide all the access they need to address any concerns they may have.  All other may sometimes just want free information!

M-F 8am till 8pm.  Weekends are for family and faith, with the exception of negotiating offers.  If a seller expects me to be available 24/7 they're not the kind of person I wish to work with.  I work mostly with sellers for this very reason.  I can't live a fulfilling life if I'm working everyday of the week 18 hours a day. 

 

 Guy E. Gimenez ABR, CRS, GRI - Broker - Austin Texas Homes (512-731-5613  Thanks!  We are pretty much available 7 days a week from 8AM until 9 PM.  That's real estate.  Feast or famine I have to be available!

Jim - I understand all too well.  About 5 years ago I felt I was getting burned out trying to balance a hectic  business schedule and busy family schedule and I knew I would not last in business if I didn't make some changes.  I finally decided I had to give up some business in order to keep my sanity.  I know many agents that can handle the schedule you mentioned, but I just don't have that much energy anymore.  I am envious of those who do.  Much success to you in 2008.

Guy E. Gimenez ABR, CRS, GRI - Broker - Austin Texas Homes (512-731-5613  Guy, first of all there are two of us, my wife and I.  The other item is that I refer out a lot of work!  We cannot do it all!