I'll get back to you in less than -------?

Sending emails as soon as you get the call is a good habit...load them up with images, video links, all the property propaganda and don't put it off. Stay caught up with the real estate conveyor belt.

Charles, two hours seems appropriate but isn't always possible.  If I can't return a call right away, I always make sure it's before the end of the "normal" business day..............5 o'clock for those 9 to 5ers.

Nothing is worse than someone who doesn't keep their word, why make a promise you can't keep.  This was one of the first things our brokers told us - follow through, show integrity.  I never let the sun go down, or worst case scenario, send an email of explanation.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...

If I'm in the middle of home buying with a client, or something else very communication intensive, I'll let them know my approximate schedule, cuz clients have a habit of thinking they are the only ones...it helps a lot in the dealing.

Thought provoking post!    It is crazy how we put off the most important part of our business...follow up and follow through!!!   LOL   we can find time to play a game on the puter....clean off our desk yet we won't just pick up the silly phone or send the email!!! 
thanks for a great reminder for us all!

Charles.....I receive all of the listing calls from my direct mail marketing....I pass them along to my team members.....they always check in with me at the crack of dawn if they want a call.....I give them 15 minutes to return a phone call.....MAXIMUM TIME.....I need a return call saying that they made contact or had to leave a message....but we jump....very high and very quickly or I go to the next agent....there is always one in the office at all times.....business waits for NO ONE.

Many consumers do expect an immediate response.  This is especially true when they are first contacting you.  Once I have started working with someone, I try to set the expectation that i return all phone calls and emails as soon as time permits.  Unless you are only working with a person or two, I find that immediate responses are just always not possible.

Charles, I try to get back to people as soon as possible.  When things are really tight for me and I know I won't be able to send anything right away, I will tell them when to expect it.   It does work, people don't want to wait but when they know when to expect something and it's there at that time they know you deliver when promised.

Although fast, I'm finding that phone calls within two hours and email the same day isn't nearly fast enough with much of my clientele.I'm finding the best reply is a text message, RIGHT NOW.

Have a great Sunday!

calling back right away is not always possible.  So at the bare minimum I shoot text or quick email from my blackberry to let them know I got their message and that I will be calling back soon.  Sometimes they just want to make sure you got the message..

I try to actually answer my phone as often as possible.  It's actually made a huge difference with people who eventually became clients.

I try to answer it directly when I can.  If I can't I try to return calls before locking the office door.  If for some reason it just cannot be done, then will call them that evening or first thing the next morn.

Phone calls... I truly try to answer within an hour. Emails, well... I just do the best I can if I do not recognize the e-mail. Clients emails, I am right on them.

I usually return the phone call immediately.  My email goes to my phone so I can reply easily or text someone immediately.  It depends on the urgency of the call but I think if you return a clients call by the end of the business day that is the norm.  I have found that clients just want an answer and if you respond quickly they are surprised with your response time and you make an impression

Charles,

Am I the only one who gets emails that originate after my bedtime?  An occasional call but lots of emails. Those get answered early the next morning.

At RainCamp, one of the presenters indicated we had less than 10 minutes to capture a new lead. Now I try to meet that.

As for clients, I respond ASAP. They know when I'm with them, I don't interrupt for other calls; they understand others get the same courtesy.

Returning phone calls and acknowledging emails (even if it is just to say... "received your email and I will answer in detail tomorrow") is critical to every business. 

This is called "professional courtesy" and is in short supply.

I call back as soon as possible, always within a few hours and usually sooner than that!