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Calling All Agents, Answer Your Phone!

By
Real Estate Agent with Clearpoint REALTORS

I read a blog at Word-press the other day written by a guy who apparently hates all Realtors.  It was a blog dedicated to FSBOs telling them how they don't "need" us to help them.  What caused my response to this person was the fact he called ALL agents "lazy".  While I am sure there are "lazy" agents (just like there are "lazy" people in all professions) I took exception to that and responded.

I listed all the things "good" agents do and said for a three letter word "all" was a big one.  I personally am not lazy.  I doubt the majority of agents are lazy.  The biggest thing my clients tell me is that they were impressed with me because I answer my phone!  All agents, new and old and in between, this is the biggest thing that will set you apart.

 

While the simple act of answering your phone may seem minor, it can cost you.  I represented a buyer who set a listing appointment with the listing agent on his listing---he stood them up and called three months later.  By this time, they became my client and bought a $350,000 home!

 

Start the year off right by being a "hardworking" agent.  May all your clients call you honest, punctual and hardworking, but never lazy.

Comments (122)

Marguerite Wherry
Associate Broker / Teles Properties, Inc. - Malibu, CA

Michael,

I have to agree with you on this one. ALL is just not a fair comparison, but their are Realtors that make you wonder sometime. I posted a blog about an a Realtor not wanted to show a Buyer and their Realtor a property because it was on a supra key. The response surprised me that so  Realtor think that once you put a lock box or a supra key on a property it was not their responsibility to show the property. Why would they take a listing if not going to be available for showings. Another reason why FSBO's think the way they do.

Jan 02, 2010 07:54 AM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

There are lots of real estate agent bashers out there.  They don't have to use us! 

Jan 02, 2010 08:10 AM
Kim Dove
Watson Realty Corp - Jacksonville, FL
Realtor - Jacksonville FL

Agents that don't answer their phones drive me crazy. Not returning a phone call within 24 hours is just wrong in my book.

By the way, don't you just love it when you contact a agent and their voicemail is full and won't take your message.

Jan 02, 2010 08:19 AM
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Associate Broker / Office Manager

There was a time when we had an interest in a FSBO assist venture. Some are fortunate, most sabotage their own efforts. None have an agent's knowledge. At the end, few think licensees are overpaid. 

Jan 02, 2010 08:24 AM
Daniel Bretzke
Better Properties RE Seattle King - Seattle, WA
Daniel P Bretzke

Answereing the phone is polite and good business.

Jan 02, 2010 08:31 AM
David Monsour
Keller Williams Keystone Realty - Gettysburg, PA
ABR - www.realty-insights.com

Thanks you for posting this.  I do my best to answer my phone all the time.  I turn it off for dates and things like that because it rings at the most inconvenient times.  During more typical business hours I have it with me all the time. 

Jan 02, 2010 09:22 AM
Sonsie Conroy
I serve buyers and sellers everywhere in San Luis Obispo County - San Luis Obispo, CA
Energetic, Enthusiastic, Knowledgeable Realtor

I have a few "time parameters" when I normally do not answer the phone...one hour at dinner being the main one. I also don't answer if I am in the middle of a face-to-face meeting, but I always am prompt about returning calls and emails.

There is a local agent that I have referred several people to, since she deals in a geographical area that few other agents know anything about. The people I've sent to her have all come back to ME, saying they can't get a response from her on either her phone or her email. And I've had the same experience! Sorry, but I'm not sending her any more business. And if I ever manage to get ahold of her, I will tell her why!

Jan 02, 2010 09:23 AM
Susan Thompson-Solomons
Monument Sotheby's International Realty - Solomons, MD
Southern MD Real Estate-Solomons Specialist

It's the easiest thing to do but for some reason many don't. Communicate - if one thing can spell success it's communication.

Jan 02, 2010 09:33 AM
Mike Young
203kOnLine.com, covering the USA - Stallings, NC
FHA 203k Consultant 916-758-1809

The only time I don't answer the phone is if I'm under a house, with a client, or on the phone... What I really dislike is for anyone to email me and ask me to call them, then get their machine when they could have picked up the phone and got me in one try many times...  you hit the nail on the head. You get business by doing what other won't do... you stay business by doing what you did to get business in the first place. We never get too big for personal service. it is fun providing more than your customer expects.

Jan 02, 2010 10:52 AM
Kristi DeFazio
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

I think answering the phone is a no brainer. IF you can't answer, make sure you return the call in a timely manner.

Jan 02, 2010 10:59 AM
Aaron Vaughn 830-358-0455
Conifer Builders LLC - Canyon Lake, TX

Imagine that with all the technology available today, it's the old-school personal conversation that can set you apart.

Jan 02, 2010 11:21 AM
Linda Lohman
Fonville Morisey Realty - Cary, NC
Former Teacher/Broker

I agree all professions have a lazy element, however speaking in absolutes shows ignorance.

Jan 02, 2010 12:34 PM
Frank Castaldini
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in San Francisco

If an agent wants to make more money than he knows how to spend it, there's just one thing they have to do and that is be hardworking to meet clients needs.  The income is sooooo good that all the "hardwork" becomes so easy and soooooo rewarded.  Who doesn't answer the phone, or at least return calls in a timely manner, does not want to have great success.  Simple.

Jan 02, 2010 12:40 PM
Emily Lowe
RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group - Nashville, TN
Nashville TN Realtor

Very true and so simple!  Thanks for the reminder!

Jan 02, 2010 01:16 PM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

I answer my phone, and if I can't, I call right back.  I don't mind so much if an agent doesn't answer their phone, but I do get aggravated if they don't at least call back.  It is common courtesy!

Jan 02, 2010 02:36 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

I can't always answer my phone though I do return calls quickly.  Sometimes I'm with clients or on permahold with a short sale bank.

Jan 02, 2010 02:40 PM
Dave Humphrey, Broker
RE/MAX Marketplace - Celebration, FL
Real Estate Advice You Can TRUST!

My first contract of 1010 is being signed Monday, and I got the buyer because two Realtors let this internet lead slip away by not answering their phones! Their loss- my gain. It is early Sunday morning and I have three calls to make after I know they are out of bed!

Jan 02, 2010 10:40 PM
Tori Stamps
Stamps Realty - Franklin, TN
MA JD - Broker/Owner Franklin TN Homes for Sale

LOL!  I never thought of answering my phone as hard work.  If anything, it's probably the easiest thing I do.  *phone rings...look down...see who is calling...answer it*  See?  Pretty easy!  :oP 

Jan 03, 2010 05:51 AM
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc - Gulf Breeze, FL
Buyers Agent 800-309-3414 Pace and Gulf Breeze,Fl.

I must live in fantasy land, I never encounter that problem. When I call, most o fthe time they answer and if they don't I leave a message and they call me back.

Of course I work for a team and only do 25 to 30 deals a year, so I am not so desprate that it can't wait till tomorrow. When I write offers I give 48 hours to respond and have never had a buyer back out, of course I don't rush or prod buyers into rushing into something they haven't had time to think about.

My business is built around trust, consideration and thought. If I needed it now or yesterday I would go to work at the drive through at McDonalds or something. JMHO

Jan 03, 2010 12:53 PM
David Perry
Wainwright Real Estate - Portsmouth, VA

Great post! I can not begin to tell you how many times I have benefited from a sloppy agents.  For the most part I experience this more from veteran agents than newbies.  Once again, great post!

Feb 05, 2010 04:42 AM