I saw this question posted over on the Trulia Q & A forum by a client.  It was interesting to see what other agents had to say about this issue.  Some said it was okay to call them anytime, and that if they were awake, they would answer, even if it wasn't urgent.  

What?  Really?  

Others said that if it was after 10:00 pm they wouldn't respond unless it was an emergency.  The only real estate emergency I can think of is if we are in the middle of negotiations and are approaching a deadline.  Then again, I try not to let 10:00 pm become a deadline for anything.  

 

Last year I remember a conversation I had with another agent in my office.  He told me that his phone rang at 11:30 pm one night.  He was awake and wasn't doing anything, so he answered it.  

He said that the buyer was thrilled that somebody finally answered one of her calls.  She said that she had been calling agents for a few hours and couldn't get anybody to answer.  She then made some remark about how most agents are lazy and she was glad to find one that was HUNGRY and READY TO WORK!  Yeah.  Okay.

I was curious to see how this transaction would go, so I followed up with the agent throughout the process.  He said it was a nightmare.  This buyer called and texted day and night.  She was impatient, unrealistic, incredibly demanding, and was the worst client he ever had.  (Um..  you didn't see that coming??)  This agent worked his tail off and the deal never closed.  The buyer blamed and fired him and went on to call on other agents.  Probably at 11:30 at night again.  

 

Don't get me wrong.  Amanda and I work our butts off and will do whatever it takes for our clients, but we lay out expectations up front.  If it's 11:30 pm and you think of a question for us, email us.  We will get back with you first thing that next day.  

If we are in the middle of negotiations and it runs late into the night, so be it.  We will work through the night if that is what is called for.  But...  if it's 11:30 pm and you are calling multiple agents to see who will jump through hoops to  earn the honor of being your agent...  keep on calling.  

In my opinion, it's a simple matter of respect.  It goes both ways.

Agents:  How late do you take calls?  

Clients:  Do you expect your agent to be available 24/7?  What are your thoughts on this?  


 

Amanda and Jared Christiansen are award winning Realtors with Century 21 Bradley Realty in the Fort Wayne area.

Enough about us...

Tell us what you want your real estate experience to be, and we will do it YOUR way.

Buying?  Tell us your wants and needs.  Let us know how you envision your family living.  Tell us what's important to you, and we'll find the community and home that fits what you are looking for.

Selling?  Our job is to make you the most money possible in the shortest amount of time.  We offer our sellers professional staging, professional photography, and more internet marketing than most.  We will also put your home on our weekly television show Sunday mornings on ABC.

We are committed to giving you everything we have to offer.  We are both full time agents and will work around your schedule.  Do nights and weekends work better for you?  NO PROBLEM.  We are here to help you.

Amanda can be reached at 260-704-0843, and Jared can be reached at 260-704-0842.

 

 
This post has been included in Indiana Real Estate News Allen County, IN Real Estate News Fort Wayne, IN Real Estate News Century 21 Bradley Fort Wayne (Fort Wayne, IN) Real Estate News
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!
Post is included in group: Real Estate Rookie
Post is included in group: Bartender, Make it a Double
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain
Post is included in group: BananaTude

331 Comments on Is 10:00 pm Too Late To Call My Realtor?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
04
292,625 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Whoa!  I've studied all 317 comments above mine and I agree with Richard in #7--it's a business decision.  
7:15pm • #314
535,983 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm game until 9/930ish. After that I tend to get less interested in real estate.
7:34pm • #315
SEP
05
851,625 Points 183 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master


There is a difference between calling and expecting someone to answer. I tell my clients to call me anytime and if my cell is on, I'm working....or I'll call back as soon as I can.
10:50am • #316
293,518 Points 7 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

This is by far the most comments I have ever seen for a blog.  I think you broke the record.  Realtors love talking about everything that is wrong in the business and rant every chance they can.  You would have to be an idiot to answer a phone call that late, no offense.  I can't see anything that good coming out of it.
11:04am • #317
303,075 Points

Although I can't imagine anyone rude enough to call I know several agents crazy enough to answer. Ho w sad and desperate
9:15pm • #318
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Totally agree that after 10pm, it needs to go to voicemail.  I can decide if it is important and whether to email back, text right then, or call back in the morning.
9:24pm • #319
SEP
28
423,884 Points 16 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

324 comments, that's impressive!

I am not surprised at the outcome with this client, as I get older I learn to stay away from these problem clients, many of these prospects find a hungry young agent who is happy to have the phone ringing at all hours.
10:52am • #320
DEC
28
390,863 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I've only been contacted late at night (between 11 and 12 Midnight) twice. Once was when we were writing a contract (was totally ok with me) and just a few days ago (again when we were working on a contract but not as urgent). I didn't mind in either case. That's it. So I think people are generally respectful as far as I am concerned and I don't put limits on my time.
1:45pm • #321
Localism Sponsor Hit Router

I am sometimes criticized by others for my over-availability, especially with taking late night calls and being "on" 24/7, but never from my clients. My clients appreciate and need that service. I work with many first-time home buyers and their hours are typically not 8-5 M-F like others who have moved higher up the property ladder. I happen to be single and I do not have children, so I happen to have the luxury of providing service to my clients day and night and on weekends, and even holidays. I have sold several homes on major holidays simply by being the only agent available. In my beginning years that really made a difference when I hadn't yet had the experience to build repeat and referral business. I feel like new agents should have to put in the time and work the long and hard hours, I sure did! As I have gained experience over the years, I now would faster and smarter, but I still remain ultra available. Yes, every now and then it gets abused, but most clients try to be respectful and if I don't jump and run they know there is a good reason, not just that I'm busy watching The Real Housewives.
3:50pm • #322
1,338,050 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Congratulations on having the most comments on a post in 2012. My clients know they can call whenever they need me. They do not take advantage.
5:04pm • #323
654,358 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

If someone said to me that they were glad they found and agent hungry and ready to work I would have said find someone else. 

Congrats on having the most comments Jared. You rock!
6:12pm • #324
488,382 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Sometimes when we work with international buyers we will have to talk to them at their time of convenience, but msot of the time they are very appreciative. It is important to be around for clients, but there need to be mutual respect.
6:14pm • #325
873,128 Points 47 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jareed, congratulations on being the number one most commented post on ActiveRain in 2012!! Love this post - commented before and will say again - we all need some down time. Do not answer calls after 7 or 8 at night unless it is urgent during the middle of negotiations, etc.

Sharon
7:24pm • #326
226,861 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Congratulations for writing the blog with the most comments for 2012. I personally draw the line at 10pm and 8am. I had a client call me at 5am once and I answered thinking it was an emergency.
10:01pm • #327
DEC
29
982,681 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I can't remember if I commented on the original, but now that you made #1 in comments, just wanted to say congrats.  The interesting thing is the follow-up you had with the agent. 
1:18pm • #328
292,625 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Congratulation on eliciting more comments here than any other 2012 post.  I was #314--late as usual.  I guess everyone has an opinion about calls after 10:00 PM.
2:48pm • #329
653,966 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks again for all of the comments and your opinions.  I'm humbled and thankful to be #1 in this category for this year.  We'll see what happens next year.  :)  
5:19pm • #330
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Congratulations on writing the most-commented-on AR blog of 2012! I missed it the first time around but enjoyed reading it and many of the comments today. As for me, you can call me at whatever time you think is reasonable but if I don't agree with your idea of reasonable you can expect that your call will go directly to voice mail. 
6:16pm • #331
DEC
30
159,758 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Congratulations, guys on having the most comments on a post in 2012!

Wow, from one blog to another:) Trulia to AR:)

And about time, I agree with those that tell: it is a matter of respect.

This very morning, I received a text message at .........2am ish, asking if the condo they found on my website is still available. It is not even my condo, I have no idea what condo they ask about. But even If i knew, I think, they could wait till 7am at least!???

(p.s. I even forgot about that text, lol, you reminded me with your post)
5:13pm • #332
MAR
16
179,617 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Unless they are in a "Different Time Zone" or someone has died or was seriously injured, while we were under contract,  it is just plain rude to call to do business at 10:00 at night.  The acceptable cut off is 8:00 pm.  The customer/client that expects otherwise is probaly someone you don't really want to do business with.  They are usually rude, demading, unreasonalble, disrespectful, unappreciative and  "DIS-LOYAL."  They will chew you up and spit you out at whim.  And, if you do kill yourself trying to meet every single one of their unreasonable demands, they wont even bother to give you a "Thanks"
12:40pm • #333

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

Login or register to leave a comment
 
Realtors-in-fort-wayne Rainmaker_large

Amanda and Jared Christiansen Fort Wayne Real Estate

Amanda and Jared Christiansen

Fort Wayne, IN

More about me…

Century 21 Bradley

Address: 2928 E. Dupont Rd, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825

Office Phone: (260) 704-0843

Cell Phone: (260) 704-0842

Email Me

Fort Wayne Realtors on Facebook


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog