It seems that not everyone understands my post about_how_technology_isolates_us_from_our_clients. At least from the comments that I have received.

Believe me, I do like all your comments. I even like the comments that seem to somewhat disagree with me. Although I do not disagree with the comments. So now I have confused everyone. Let me try to explain what I mean.

I truly love technology, as any one would know if you have read any of my articles like Technology_and_the_upward_slippery_slope  a story about how I have always been on the side of technology, almost to where I am trapped in it. Or the article that I wrote about_a_Free_Investor's_MLS_Web_Site  of mine designed to help Investors of fixer uppers or flips in Portland Oregon, technologically. And of course the article I wrote detailing the business I was able to do because of My_new_Toshiba_Laptop_Computer.  And many other stories as well as it relates to me and technology. 

Regardless of how clients originally come to me, if it is by sign call or through one of my 4 Web Sites or 3 Blog Sites I make every effort to move them into a technology oriented contact management system. And generally most people today prefer that way of communicating. It frees us all up yet keeps us well informed.

However, the article I wrote does not speak to the everyday rigors of daily, weekly or monthly contact management and communication. What it does speak to is communication at the time of action. That of Showing Property, Writing Offers and or Taking Listings. It is at this very moment when personal face to face communication will have it's greatest impact.

An example of what I mean :

Bob and Cindy have been thinking about a home to buy that they had seen and fallen in love with. The home is new to the market and priced very competitively. The price range is one of tremendous competition.There will no doubt be multiple offers on this home. After a brief conversation they decide to give there favorite Realtor a call to have you write up the offer. Bob picks up the phone then turns to Cindy and Say's "I don't want to write a full price offer though". Cindy immediately asks why? Bob's only response is because all my friends say that it's a buyer's market and no one is paying full price anymore.

Your cell phone rings and it is Bob. He informs you that he and Cindy have talked it over and want you to write an offer. After the initial excitement, Bob begins to dictate the terms to you. You question him about his decision to write less than full price given its price range and it's potential to have multiple offers. Bob stands to his guns. Not wanting to alienate them at this sensitive time you decide to let technology take over thinking that surely you will get your offer in first and then work on a counter from the seller which is surely to come .

Your offer is quick and most importantly legible. Off it goes to the the listing agent in a wink of the eye. Bob and Cindy are very impressed at your quick response and ability to use technology.

A couple of hours later you hear from the listing agent. He received your offer and 3 others as well all at full price and or above. Your offer has been rejected flat out.

Now getting back to what I was talking about in my previous article about_communication_and_technology . A face to face encounter and conversation with your clients could have eliminated this flat out loss. No I am not suggesting to you that you should try to convince your client to offer above what they are willing or able to do. In stead I am saying that face to face communication allows you to discuss the merits of the offer before writing it. It also prevents one party or the other from taking a hunker down in the bunker mentality for the sake of some altruistic argument and eventually losing sight of the goal during the heat of the chase.

No one can deny that face to face communication is King. Have your technology standing by ready to pounce once the face to face has produced a realistic well thought out strategy.

Portland_Oregon_MLS_Home_Search_For_Buyer's  A free web site for the Portland oregon metro Home Buyer.

An_Investor's_MLS_Web_Site_for_Portland_Oregon_Properties  Defined investment search portal.

Portland_Oregon_Information_and_Property_Searches  Full of local Portland Oregon information.

Rose_City_Blog_with_Local_Portland_Or._Stories_and_Photo's  Catch the local flavor provided on this Blog.