Cell Phone Etiquette..It's not Just for Realtors Anymore

Good information.  I do not have my phone in listing appointments (or with any client at any time) I make a point of telling the client that I am readily available to them, but if they go into my voicemail, it is probably because I am in an appointment, like this one, where I don't bring my phone.  However, I WILL call you back.

Thanks for the reminder.  I have a habit of leaving my cell on vibrate when I am with clients, or in a meeting.  At least you know someone is trying to reach you, but I agree.  You have to give your clients your full attention.  You can always get back to the caller.  I hope I never have a blue tooth gadget hanging on my ear. 

I can't remember what we did without them.

You are so right. One day I was so exausted I decide to get a pedicure. Thinking this is going to be relaxing. I sit down next to another woman who answers her cell and has a 1/2 hour conversation about almost nothing. Thank goodness the last few minutes were peaceful but...  As long as you have voice mail all is well. Everyone needs to be respected.

A lot of conversations are private and I dislike when it seems that I am unintentionally eavesdropping, at the grocery store, etc. I prefer face to face conversations with eye contact but of course that is not always possible, especially in the real estate business where cell phones are invaluable. Quiet time is a true luxury these days.

Could not agree with you more, Barb. I never answer the phone when I'm with a buyer/seller (except as you mention above, if the buyer asks me to contact a listing agent and they're returning the call). It just seems that basic courtesy and respect are dwindling the more technological we get. Maybe things will turn around some day...one can hope. :)

I agree - I don't use my cell phone when I am with clients (unless we are jointly looking for an answer).  My pet peeve is when I wait patiently for my turn to make a purchase or for an appointment and then the person I was waiting for is constantly answering the phone.  I think this is the equivalent of someone barging to the front of the line.  I always wonder if I should just leave and phone in my purchase or request instead.  

Barb, I do the same thing as you, making a point to tell clients up front that I want to give them my full attention and will only take calls if it's an emergency from the school or another agent we are waiting on. Although it's expected, I think people appreciate it if you go out of your way and say it to them.

I agree with you when we are with customers unless it an emergency; I am like you if my children call it is an emergency I will answer the phone. Other than that I let the answer machine pick up.

Barb: We leave our cell phones in the car when we are on listing appointments or in a buyer consultation, other than that, I answer my phone or call back as quickly as possible.

Barb, when I'm on a listing appointment, I turn off the volume/ring on the phone.  If a call is urgent, it will be paged through the office, and it will come in with a 'chirp', so I know it's urgent.

When I'm out with clients on showings, I only answer phone calls that have something to do with those clients (i.e., if we're waiting for confirmation on other showings, then I'll take it).

People calling will know to page me through the office, if it's urgent.  The paging system comes through my blackberry on a different ring, and also as an email. Only then will I explain the urgency, and will excuse myself to make a call.
Other than that, I give my total attention to the clients I'm with, and will return all calls as soon as I become available.