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Speakerphone....Use it Wisely Real Estate Professionals!

Funny thing when real estate professionals get on the phone. Often times they think they are in the room alone.

I am guilty of it too...carrying on ....on the phone...

Just me and the person on the other end.

Careful and don't assume.

There might be a good chance you are on speaker phone and how many people are listening to you now?

Recently this has happened to me where a real estate professional put me on speaker phone and their customer was standing right there with them.

In my mind this is a sensitive issue and for many reasons.

Ever been out in public and heard both ends of a conversation?...I have heard love affairs taking place...key bank info...other people's phone numbers....I could go on and on.
How about the disruption that takes place? Ain't it great...all eyes on you and often times it cannot be helped....all ears are on you too! Who knows maybe someone has a pen and is taking vital information from your phone call.
Do you want people to question your integrity? In Daytona Beach....everyone knows someone that knows you! If you have a long enough conversation and discuss vital info...

Just how many times have I been on speaker phone and did not even know it? How many times have I thought I was having a conversation with one person to have several listen?

I asked this professional if I was on speaker phone... I asked them please to take me off speaker and please apologize to their customer on my behalf. Their customer should not be subjected to my small talk or conversations that was not pertinent to their transaction.

In real estate there is a certain level of trust and respect and many assumptions...don't assume everyone works like you...don't assume you are just having a conversation with you and one other party. I say in real estate....Professionals...use your speaker phone wisely!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and CENTURY21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Posted by Florida Real Estate Trainer | Daytona Beach After School Training | Midori on 01/21/2008 07:32 AM

Comments (23)

speakerphone, real estate professionals, privacy, trust and respect, daytona beach, midori, midori miller, daytona real estate trainer

Originally posted at: Daytona Real Estate Training: Speakerphone....Use it Wisely Real Estate Professionals!

23 Comments on Speakerphone....Use it Wisely Real Estate Professionals!

JAN

2008

Excellent reminder, Midori. In my previous career I used my speaker-phone quite a bit (behind closed office doors). In real estate I do not for the reasons you mentioned.

When I am talking to a fellow agent about a property, I often put the phone on speaker. However, I think it is simply a courtesy to tell the agent that my clients are listening to their comments. First, we do the polite "chit-chat" without opening the speaker - then I ask the question about the property and tell them that I don't want to repeat the answer...so I am opening it up for the prospective buyers who are with me.

Speaker phones outside your private office - or without the notification of the other party - is simply rude. Everyone has the right to know who is listening.

great information on here. I like this post.. Thanks

Don

I've done it a few times but have always asked permission 1st. Usually it will prevent interpretation issues when relaying information. I'd never do it without everyone agreeing upfront or puting one person on the spot by not knowing what was happeing.

Midori,

Great advice. You never know who is listening.

You know..... that picture really doesn't do you justice. :-)

Yea that could be very embarrassing. I think you should always watch what you say.

Hi Gary-I agree private office or your car! Bottom line let people know they are on speaker phone...one slip and you can kill a deal! In my mind...its really dishonest!

Kathi-yes, that is the way its done and it really doesn't take rocket science. I too love speaker phone and will use it...in a private place...you never know who is listening.....and with warning!

Don-glad you found it useful!

Monika-Yes, I have nothing against speaker phone at all...but privacy issues are important...especially with customer info or transaction details. I too utilize speaker phone but again...I let the other party know and who all is listening!

Martin-that was a rough night...lol. You're welcome!

John-I agree and there are so many loose lips in real estate. Don't you think it might and could be held against you? You are right...doesn't matter manners and common etiquette...watch what you say!

Hi Midori - So true. I have witnessed this quite a bit myself. Of course if you are on speaker phone you need to be that more careful with what you say.

Midori, Very valid. We know not to assume, but sometimes even we forget. Good reminder.

Bill-I agree, be careful in what you say. I was in a restaurant not to long ago...an upscale restaurant...very popular in town...sitting across from us...a real estate professional....I could hear the entire conversation...that means me and about 20 other people.

Marc-yes....we should never assume anything...and I don't....yes we do forget...but for me...I got a reminder that I really did not like!

Unless you are alone, one should always let the other person know that they are on speaker and who is present. It's just common courtesy. Plus I wonder how well the other agents can represent/educate their client when you can hear everything on your side.

Hi Scott-I agree with you as well. It's kinda scary to think that there are loose cannons out there without the common courtesy....to let someone know they are on speaker phone. Also the info that might have been private now becomes public.

Great reminder that not everyone works, thinks like me. Who knows who may be listening.

Oh so true, Madori. That and talking too loud and fast.

JAN

2008

Midori~That is one of the valued reasons for why I elect to work from home now. In my past office, I was provided with a beautiful office with a view of the Wasatch Mountains, had a home stager help me decorate my office for complete comfort and went in every day to diligently work my business. Then one day, after consulting with one of my clients on the phone, I walked out of my office and the young agent outside my office said "hey, I'll write up an offer for you XXXXX listing and have it on your desk in 45 mins" I was so shocked that he heard the conversation that took place. So you don't always have to be on speaker phone. The wheels on the chair go around and they made it right to the outside of my office for this person to listen intently. Sorry, for the unusual complaint here.

JAN

2008

Midori, I have recently begun to ask the caller on the other end if we are speaking privately. I have had agents say.."wait, I gonna let my customer hear this". At that point I use the conversation to my advantage. I'm just very careful with what I say. Today's technology can backfire! Deb

JAN

2008

Thanks for an important reminder about discretion! Speakerphones nowadays can be full-duplex and high quality, and phone conversations aren't always private. Sometimes people don't abide by the protocol of telling you who's in the room.

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