Taking cell phone calls while with clients/customer

Cell Phone I often find it amazing when I see agents walking around with clients/customers in the middle of demonstrating a home stop and answer their cell phone. Do they say excuse me? No, not these agents.

I know there are many reasons why we need to answer our phone. It could be we need to take a call from another agent we are meeting later on or we are waiting for more information about a house we are showing with these clients.

What about the agent that is sitting in the conference room writing a contract and stops to chit chat with a buddy. Is this rude or what? I see it all the time and I wonder what the clients are thinking.

A couple of weeks ago I had to meet an agent at a property he was showing in order to drop off an escrow check on a sale we put together. I pulled up in front of the house and waited for him to come out.

He exits the house on his cell phone which cracked me up and I get out of my car to hand him the check. He is still talking and talking to me at the same time. I just chuckled inside.

I am thinking where are his buyers? Out of the corner of my eye I notice the listing agent walking from the back yard with her phone in her ear. Where are the buyers? At least five minutes go by and both agents are still on their phones and then finally the buyers come walking out of the house.

Both agents say they have to run to whoever they were talking to and then they say goodbye. Everyone mingles in the middle of the street and off we all go.

I guess I might be "old school" but then again I wonder how the buyers felt being left alone to wander on their own while the agents are chit chatting. I guess I wouldn't mind being left alone to talk to my wife about the property but if my agent was taking phone calls that had nothing to do with us, that would bother me.

I feel if you are going to take a phone call then that phone call should be about the clients/customer, not about what tee time you have to make tomorrow or about your girlfriend taking little Johhny to the dentist.

If it's an emergency from home that is understandable and please keep your phone on silent. It's all about the client/customer not you.

 

 

134 Comments on Taking cell phone calls while with clients/customer

I agree with you and I have picked up phone calls while I was on an appointment, but like you said it was because I had to pick up for another agent that I had a contract with.

05/21/2008 08:10 AM by Dennis Sanchez (Coldwell Banker Susani Realty)


Jay,

I absolutely agree with you.  I must be old school too.  I do not answer my cell phone when I am with clients unless it is a call from my husband or kids.  They know I am with clients and wouldn't call unless it is important.  It usually is a very quick call, (ie: "Honey, where is the check book?")  I also tell the clients if I waiting for a specific call on a property before hand. 

When I meet with clients for the first time I tell them that I don't answer my phone when I am with clients unless, ...and I give specifics.  I also tell them that if they need to get ahold of me to leave a message and I will call them back as soon as I am able.  Usually within a couple of hours.  They are very understanding because they know I am giving them my total attention.  in this business you really need to give your total attention to your clients or they will go somewhere else.  And I don't blame them.

 

05/21/2008 08:20 AM by Peggy Magnanelli (Realty Executives)


Jay  This is an ongoing debate here in the Rain, and I totally agree with you.  I've yet to encounter a "real estate emergency" where seconds matter.  Part of being a great real estate professional is scheduling your activities where they don't coincide and anticipating the next hurdle.  If you do these two things well then you'll rarely be in a position where an incoming call can't go to voicemail.  The customer I'm with is #1 priority and everything else can typically wait the 5-20 minutes until I have a chance to check my voicemial.

You know what?  Many times a customer will hear my phone vibrate and when he/she says "you can take that" it gives me the perfect opportunity to butter them up by saying, hey you are my #1 priority right now!  Points for me  :)

05/21/2008 08:22 AM by Anthony Clark (AMA Real Estate Group, Inc.)


P.S.  Next to my cell number on my business card it says "Voice/Text" so that my customers know they are free to text me.  I can reply to that in a much more discreet manner than returning a phone call.

05/21/2008 08:24 AM by Anthony Clark (AMA Real Estate Group, Inc.)


I totally AGREE with you. When I am with clients, I am WITH clients. That is what I have "voicemail" for.    This is a good post and many should read it!

Thanks!

05/21/2008 08:28 AM by Kathy "Kat" DeLong, REALTOR (WINDERMERE FINE PROPERTIES/LAKE ARROWHEAD)


Jay, when I'm with clients, the only phone call I will answer is from my wife.  Everyone else can leave a message and wait for a call back.

05/21/2008 08:31 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


That story is almost unbelieveable! Except that I have seen it too. I just don't get it. Essentially you are letting your buyers know that they are second best. That is not the way I would want to be treated! Very unprofessional!

05/21/2008 08:44 AM by Stephanie Ballou (Century 21 Central Falls Realty)


Amen! Its not just with clients this should be common courtesy anywhere. People should have to take cell phone etiquette to be able to graduate High School.

05/21/2008 08:50 AM by AmState Realty Solutions LLC


Jay, I agree with you 100%. I get so mad with agents that answer their phones while they are showing. Unless it is an emergency or in regards to another showing, do answer the phone. It is rude to everyone else and it lets the others know that they are not valued at all. Thanks for the post, Jim.

05/21/2008 10:38 AM by Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate (Agent Owned Realty)


My gramma taught me better than to do that!  Basic good manners require that you focus on the person you are with and make THAT person a priority for the moment.

When did we begin to lose the personal touch?  When cell phones became widely available!f

05/21/2008 10:38 AM by Carrie Heath (Prudential Benrud Realty)


I totally agree with this as well... I put mine on vibrate whenever I am with clients.  If it's convenient I will look at it to be sure it isn't a child (but they are all adults now, so not quite as dicey as when they were little).  I expect the same from people I work with/for too.  I used to work in Corporate America and they are no better, they take calls all the time when you are in meetings with them.  How DID we survive without them???

05/21/2008 10:38 AM by Cindy Marchant


I'm with you 100%. The thoughtful agent lets unrelated calls go to voice mail.

05/21/2008 10:39 AM by Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty)


I have seen it also. I don't answer when I'm with a client- I will call them back. My wife knows not to call when I'm with clients because I won't answer. She knows if there is an emergency to call first- then text- I can look down and read it without being rude. We even had a whole system in place last year while she was pregnant so I would know it was important and to answer.

05/21/2008 10:39 AM by Rob Muller - ABR, ASP, RCC, CNHS, LREA Cherokee County Real Estate (ReMax Town & Country)


I find that some real estate agents I work with bring their clients to my office to get pre-approved and then take phone calls and talk at the top of their lungs into the phone. THis is such a distraction. I have one that I call and depending on where she is  the call is not foucsed on what I am saying but what she is doing, it could be driving through McDonald's or taking her dog out or being in the car with he husband and telling him how to drive.  Rude, Rude Rude.  However, I better not ask her to hold on . I guss my time is not as valuable as hers.

05/21/2008 10:40 AM by Carolina Home Mortgage


Speaking of cell phones... I was recently riding in a car with three other agents.  We were ALL on our cell phones.  I had to wonder what people in other cars were thinking.  It must have been quite funny to see.

My signature

05/21/2008 10:43 AM by Christine Howlett - Lake County Ohio Real Estate (Howard Hanna Smythe Cramer)


Jay....this is so true and so sad.  I am also old school.  When I am with clients, I am with them.  It is their time.

05/21/2008 10:45 AM by Pam Winterbauer ~ 2006 REALTOR® of the Year (Windermere Welcome Home)


It's amazing how many times we see this sort of thing.  I wonder how the seller would feel knowing that buyers were left to roam around their house unassisted.  How much did the agents miss by not being involved in showing?  Very unprofessional behavior.  These are the same sort of people who are talking on their blue tooth at the grocery store, restaurant, etc... completely oblivious to their surroundings.  Hmmmm..... can you say pete peeve?   LOL 

05/21/2008 10:49 AM by Katherine Anderson, Managing Broker (Coldwell Banker Hobin Realty, LLC - Hampton & Rye, NH, USA)


good post..but I always answer my phone. If I am with a client, I tell the caller that I will call them back. i don't think it is rude.. I tell the person that I am with before hand that I will answer my phone.

05/21/2008 10:50 AM by Michael Shankman Selling Las Vegas 702-498-3383 (Liberty Realty )


Jay - Absolutely, I concur 100%!  I remember an Agent at a closing one time who was sitting at the closing table yapping away on his cell phone on 'another' deal while we were going over everything with the client.  The Title Guy & I just shook our heads in disbelief at how rude that man actually was.

05/21/2008 10:57 AM by Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker (First Choice Equity Group Inc.)


Jay...

If my phone rings when I am with clients, I let it ring. When THEY ask, aren't you going to answer that, I say "No, I'm with someone more important right now!" Goes a long way to client loyalty!

05/21/2008 10:59 AM by Richard Weisser, Associate Broker, E-Pro ERA United Realty, Auctioneer, CE Author (Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. ERA United Realty)


Old School - raising hand! I will never pickup a call when I am with a client. Most of the time I change my voice mail message to say I am with clients and will return calls when I am done which will be around XX time. My family knows if they hear this not to leave a message and if it is an emergency they know to keep calling so I can see the number and respond (never have used that). People are important to me and I show this by respecting them. I also don't answer when out to dinner or spending scheduled time with family. Life is too short.

05/21/2008 11:02 AM by Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.)


I don't believe in answering the call when I'm with a client.  However, there are certain calls that are for their benefit that I will take: but only if the call relates to the particular client.  I don't think this is being old school: I look at it as common courtesy and respect.  If you don't show your client those 2 things, they will be more inclined to show you the door.

05/21/2008 11:15 AM by Matt Moxhay Moorestown Real Estate (Prudential Fox & Roach)


I never answer a call when with a client. I do, sometimes ask their permission if I can check my voicemail if I am waiting on a confirmation to show a house with that particular client. Otherwise, no way. It just isn't fair to the customer who deserves my 100% attention

05/21/2008 11:39 AM by Team Carroll, Cranford,Westfield NJ Area Real Estate Professionals (Team Carroll - RE/MAX Classic Group)


I'm a Gen X'er so I'm not old enough to be "old school" but I only answer calls that I feel I absolutely have to answer (ie I've been playing a mean game of phone tag and finally we can talk).  I also only take calls if they are super short, like setting up a showing.  (30 seconds and it's done).

I also have had my phone ring, looked at the number, and let it go to voicemail.  I do think it is nice for clients to hear, "no, they can wait. I'm helping you right now."

05/21/2008 11:41 AM by Melina Tomson, M.S. Salem Oregon Real Estate Specialist (Tomson Burnham, llc)


Jay, I couldn't agree with you more.  I don't think you're old fashioned, I think you have common courtesty for others which everyone should.  I don't think anyone really needs to be on a cell phone during any type of transaction, no matter how small.  If I'm in a check out line somewhere I don't find it neccessary to be on my cell using my "OUTSIDE" voice so the line of people can hear my conversation.  It's just rude.  I could keep going and provide many more examples but I won't bore everyone! 

Nice blog though!

Kristi

05/21/2008 11:45 AM by Kristi Hendrickson (Premier Real Estate Auctions)


You are 100% correct. Using the cell when with clients shows no respect.

05/21/2008 11:46 AM by Richard Lecinski (Long Realty Company)


Wow what a surprise with all these comments. Thank you all.

I am off to walk some land and I will be back later.

Thank you

05/21/2008 11:46 AM by Jay McGillicuddy~Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty)


I think we're raising a new generation that have grown up with a cell phone in their ear.  The agents who walked out on their clients are likely also the ones who sit at dinner, in a restaurant, gabbing on the phone.  I've even seen people take calls, while sitting in the movie theater.

05/21/2008 11:55 AM by Marilyn Katz - Westport, CT Real Estate (Prudential Connecticut Realty)


Jay - This reminds me ofthe Real Men of Genious beer commercial - you know MR. Cell Phone Guy. I try not to answer any calls if I am at an appointment.

05/21/2008 12:07 PM by Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty)


Whomever is in front of me has my attention first. . .I will answer a call only if the call is "muy importante" and only after I excuse myself. 

05/21/2008 12:15 PM by Lori Gilmore - Will County Illinois Realtor (Radcliffe Realty)


I don't answer when I'm with a client, unless it is my wife, because she knows not to call unless it is an emergency.

05/21/2008 12:20 PM by Karl Burger - Pensacola Real Estate News (ERA Beach Ball Realty)


I am a loan signing agent.  When I start an appointment, I ask if it would be alright for me to take a call from a prospective client.  The cell phone is the only way I can secure a signing.  If I let the calls go unanswered I lose jobs.  If the call is something that can wait, goes to voice mail.  Most borrowers understand. 

05/21/2008 12:23 PM by Margaret O'Daniel (NM Notary Loan Signing Agent)


I agree completely and try to avoid answering my phone if I'm with someone. If you feel you "must" take a call, the least you could do is ask for permission first! Manners!

05/21/2008 12:39 PM by Kelly Sibilsky ~ Lake Zurich RE/MAX Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest)


Thank God for voice mail.  I never miss a call even though I turn off my phone when with a client.  If they want to talk to me they will leave a message.  The only exception to this rule is if someone in my family is in the hospital then I leave the phone on and explain to the client and only except calls from family members.

05/21/2008 01:21 PM by Gerald Richards (Team One - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


Jay,  Drives me crazy sometimes. I think it comes down to a pervasive attitude that people feel important by talking or texting while engaged in another conversation. Just the sign of the times we live in.....All I know is that I am just not that important. The person in front of me is.......

05/21/2008 01:45 PM by Kim Harris-Broker/Owner/Sound Realty (Sound Realty)


...just one more comment from me. When call-waiting first came out, IF I was on the phone to someone ( my sisters were famous for this) and they said, HOLD ON I have another call, when they got back to me....I was GONE.  Just plain rude--UNLESS it is some emergency.  Okay, 'nough ranting from me.

05/21/2008 02:00 PM by Kathy "Kat" DeLong, REALTOR (WINDERMERE FINE PROPERTIES/LAKE ARROWHEAD)


In this day and age, it's amazing how we think we *need* to take or make a phone call immediately. Remember the days when we'd return to the office, pick up voicemail and return messages then? I bet an agent's customer service was better on showings in the good 'ol days!

05/21/2008 02:10 PM by Bill Dowell Condo Assoc. Management in Worcester, MA (Worcester Property Management LLC)


Amen, brother!  It's funny, I overheard someone the other day who called an agent.  The call went to voicemail and the person's comment was, "What kind of agent doesn't answer their phone?" I answered her, "A responsible one."  Sure, there are times to answer a phone and we certainly should if possible, but there are just as many times that we should NOT.  I only answer my cell phone when I'm with clients for emergency calls from my wife.  Period.

05/21/2008 02:13 PM by Greg Steffens (Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty)


Interesting story -- My Daycare provider was telling me she was excited because she had a blind date later in the week.  She said the guy sounded perfect.

The next week I asked how the date went and she stated she did not intend to date him again.  Why not?  "Well, he came walking in (to the diner) while tallking on his cell phone".  Her impression was that he wasn't excited to have the chance to meet her.

One Customer at a time.

05/21/2008 02:13 PM by Scott Wooters


The only time I will answer the phone is if it pertains to the clients I am with, (appointments, lender, etc.). I think it is very rude to not give our clients all of our attention. Good post!

05/21/2008 02:48 PM by Huntsville, Alabama Real Estate Agent Elizabeth Ramsey Cooper-Golden (Remax Huntsville/Madison)


Now you have struck a nerve! This is my pet peeve! I goes against everything that we were ever taught about common decency! You owe your clients your complete attention! At a meeting or training session it is very disturbing for agents to be jumping up to go outside to answer the phone everytime it rings!!! When I am with a client, agent or in a meeting I change my voicemail message and tell people when I will be calling them back! I am not a prisoner to my cell phone and my clients and agents know that when I am with someone I will not pick up the phone but they know when I will return their call!

05/21/2008 02:52 PM by Sellstate Advantage Realty


Sorry, there is no excuse for neglecting a real person right in front of you. I have my phone on vibrate and do not even look at ID. Personal manners died in this country a long time ago. I also do not interrupt when a call waiting comes through. How rude. Anyone can wait 5 minutes for a return call.

05/21/2008 03:04 PM by Akron Ohio Homes for Sale. David M. Childress (Realty One Real Living)


Jay, I agree with you 100 percent!!!!  I actually inform clients from the start that I will NOT answer my phone when I am working with them... unless it is my broker.  I let them know that when I am with them they get my undivided attention.  So, if they ever call me and I do not pick up, I will call them back when I have a moment.  EVERY BUYER IS GLAD TO HEAR THIS!!!!!

05/21/2008 03:05 PM by Valerie Osterhoudt (Johnson Real Estate, Inc.)


Jay- I totally agree with you on this. It isn't just agents, it is almost everyone these days though. Pretty much nobody practices any form of cell phone manners. People in the bank talking on the phone and the teller, grocery stores, resturaunts, etc., etc., etc. I only answer my phone when I am with a client if it is from home incase it is an emergency. If it is not I let them know I will call them back in a little bit. However I still only answer it after letting the client know I need to take this and stepping away a little, everyone else gets a call back after I am done talking to the client. Also my phone is always on vibrate, as it is always annoying to be interupted when you are with a client by a ringing phone, even when you are just having a casual convo.

05/21/2008 03:19 PM by Chris Horton (Horton's Lawn Care L.L.C.)


Jay, that is so rude, and I completely agree. I explain to my clients that I've left a message with an agent, or??? and need to take the call; otherwise, it's on stun.....no visiting while I'm with them. Very tacky.

Pepper

05/21/2008 03:25 PM by Mesa, Arizona Real Estate *** Teri Ellis, Broker, ABR,CRS,GRI,ePRO,MRE (Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC)


This reminds me of something that happened to me....

Once an agent was doing a home inspection in the house next to my house.  She parked her car in MY driveway because the other one was full of cars, and there is no parking on the street, it was a busy street.  I knew who this agent was. 

 I had to leave and went next door and told her I had to get out.  I see her buyers and the home inspector waiting in the kitchen for her.

 WHILE SHE WAS TALKING ON HER CELL PHONE, she gives me the finger, (not that one), the pointer? finger?, like saying wait a minute to me.  I walked back in my house and waited for her to move her car. 

I waited 10 minutes and went back next door, knocked on the door and the home inspector answered it and said, "If this broad doesn't get off the damn cell phone I'm leaving."  The buyers I see now are very aggravated.

Well here she comes, STILL ON THE CELL PHONE, GIVING ME THAT FINGER AGAIN!

I yelled at the top of my lungs "GET YOUR F----ING CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY!"  Her buyers started laughing. 

She hung up and moved her car. 

 

 

05/21/2008 03:44 PM by Ida McCarthy-Lombard Illinois


Jay: It's amazing a client would put up with this for very long. I suppose the agent believes this impresses his client because he's receiving calls. I think it's rude and speaks more of arrogance and disrespect to the client and their time constraints.  I leave a voice mail message when I am out with clients.  I'm sorry the agent needs to take a phone etiquette class. 

Patti - Capital Line Funding Group - CA

05/21/2008 03:49 PM by Patti Geib (Capital Line Funding Group)


Jay, Let me put another perspective on this. There are times when I will answer my cell phone when with other folks. I have all of my customer/clients programmed in so know if they are calling. If I am at a listing appointment I may very well answer if another one of my sellers calls. Here's why:

I want my new potential customer/client to know that I'm easy to reach. What I do is explain to folks right up front that I may have to answer my phone if a current customer/client calls. I let them know that once they list with me I will pick up when they call as well. BUT......I do not carry on a conversation. I simply answer and let them know I will call them back as soon as I finish my appointment. It takes less than a minute and I have impressed my current customer by doing what I say will do i.e answer the phone...and I have impressed my future customer for the same reason.

So I guess it's all in how you handle it.

05/21/2008 04:11 PM by Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc


Jay,

Was away from the Rain for too long, but (thankfully!) returned recently. What timing too ... fantastic post! Customers are the reason we - in our professional capacity - exist, so I couldn't agree more! And, although a bit off-topic...

Sox @ KC tonight at 7:05PM ... GO SOX!

(forgive any type-o's as my spell-check's not working?)

Scott

05/21/2008 04:25 PM by Scott Mosher - Realtor, Lincoln NH (Northstar Realty Sales)


I totally agree to disagree with BB.  Especially if/when I am on a listing appointment or showing property. UNLESS there is an emergency.  If we set up our voice mail to explain "I am with clients,...but will get back to you as soon as I can..." most people understand.  IF they don't, well, NOW that is another post.

05/21/2008 04:33 PM by Kathy "Kat" DeLong, REALTOR (WINDERMERE FINE PROPERTIES/LAKE ARROWHEAD)


Incredible -- I have never seen such a thing, but it is obviously not good.  I would never treat buyers like that. 

05/21/2008 04:36 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


The only call they have to take is the one from me because the only reason I'm calling is with a buyer or seller referral. 

If they don't answer their phone and I have a buyer waiting for a call back, I have to go to the next agent. 

Most of our referral agents learn that rather quickly.

05/21/2008 04:37 PM by Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Real Estate


Guess I'm old school too - When you are with me I want you to BE WITH ME! When I'm with you - I AM WITH YOU!!! Others can just wait....

05/21/2008 04:53 PM by Susan Hilton College Station,Texas Real Estate (CENTURY 21 Beal, Inc.)


Jay, the only people I answer for is my kids.  I explain that to my clients. I have found that younger GEN Y and beyond answer and chat. They have told me too, but at my age it just seems rude.

05/21/2008 05:06 PM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor, Michigan)


Hi Jay,

I always explain to new clients they can reach me anytime on my cell however, if I'm with clients I won't pick up to leave me a message. I must be old school too! :)

05/21/2008 05:17 PM by Suzanne Sands-Somerset, MA Real Estate (Century 21 Associates Realty)


Jay...

The one I don't like is when I hear someone is actually answering their phone while on the toilet.

Gimme a break :)

TLW...ROAR!

05/21/2008 05:38 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)


These are the types (that routinely demonstrate rude behavior by taking calls) that later whine that their past clients went with a different agent on their next transaction.   And they can't figure out why....

05/21/2008 05:43 PM by Steve Scheer - Denver Real Estate - Highlands Ranch Real Estate (RE/MAX Masters, Inc.)


Jay,

I couldn't agree with you more.  I can't think of any reason to take a call.  Think of being out to dinner and your foodserver's cell phone rings, they stop taking care of your needs and answer the "important" call.  At the very least, I would NEVER go back to that restaurant and might very well just walk out.  It's crazy to me that you have to even post such common sense, but yet we see it every day in every line of business.  As far as I'm concerned, no excuses. 

 

05/21/2008 06:03 PM by


Hi Jay - I am SO with you on this!  I think it's rude and totally unprofessional, except in emergencies, and in the situations where you're waiting for a call back on the property or something like that.

A while back, one of the agents in my office came back from appointments very upset with herself.  She shared with us what had happened, so we could learn from her mistake.  She had been out with some high-end buyers and took a phone call while with them.  At the end of the day that day, the wife told her that they didn't think it was going to work with them continuing to work her.  She felt that she had booked that agent's time and felt that agent gave those buyers the impression that they weren't important to her, so they let her go.

She was embarrassed to tell us this story, as this agent is a top-notch very professional agent, but did not want any of us to go through that kind of experience.

I've seen too many agents take too many calls while showing property, and every time I shake my head and wonder, like you do, just what those other clients think when that happens.  Shame on those agents who send the message, real or not, that the client they're with is not worth their time long enough to stay off the phone.

Ann

05/21/2008 06:18 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


Jay - how totally unprofessional. I would be so embarrassed if I saw this happen...embarrassed for the buyers! No wonder the public doesn't think we're worth what we're paid.

05/21/2008 06:22 PM by Linda Scanlan ~Selling All of North Texas (Hall Team Homes)


Jay, it is unprofessional and I try not to get on my cell phone when I'm with clients.  The problem anymore is that sometimes I've called to show 10 homes (we don't have a central scheduling company) and they are returning my calls to let me know when I can come.  It annoys me, but seems necessary.  I absolutely don't answer personal calls when I'm with my client unless it is an emergency!

05/21/2008 06:32 PM by Chris Tesch College Station, Texas Real Estate (RE/MAX Bryan College Station)


98% of the time I will NOT answer my cell phone when I am out with clients.  If I do it is because I have made a call on their behalf about a listing and am waiting a response.

05/21/2008 07:02 PM by Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World)


Jay,

I totally agree with you.  What a way to make a customer or client feel inconsequential. 

05/21/2008 07:20 PM by Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton (Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)


I agree but it's okay. Those people make the rest of us look better...I'll contradict myself by saying it's really a double-edged sword. Those people make themselves AND US look bad!

05/21/2008 07:52 PM by Alan Robinson (PTE REAL ESTATE GROUP)


I tell all my people that I am available to take their calls except when I am with other clients. Unless it's an emergency it goes into voice mail. The client I'm with comes first. Most people, except Lenn :) would understand that and even appreciate it.

 

05/21/2008 08:18 PM by Monika McGillicuddy~REALTOR®~ N.H. Real Estate Broker & Trainer (Prudential Verani Realty/Hampstead)


Thank you all so much for your contibution to this post as we all have learned that when Lenn Harley calls this is one call you need to take.

So, don't forget to visit Lenn's blog and add her number to your contacts so you will know when she calls.

05/21/2008 08:42 PM by Jay McGillicuddy~Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty)


Alright.. I am going out on a limb here, but sometimes, I will answer the phone, especially if there  is a buyer's  agent showing my listing, and I know my  phone call is for a good reason... i.e something regarding another pending deal, a listing.  But ... A friend... no... I will call them back.. If we aren't expecting somethign crucial, just leave the phone in the CAR.... We are in charge of that damned thing.. aren't we?

05/21/2008 08:52 PM by


Jay- I'd gladly add Lenn to my contact list, but I have a feeling, the 800 number is not the one from which she makes her calls.

05/21/2008 09:04 PM by Marilyn Katz - Westport, CT Real Estate (Prudential Connecticut Realty)


I have Lenn's number programed in my cell phone and I tell all my people that if she calls it is an emergency... LOL! I love Lenn!

05/21/2008 09:08 PM by Monika McGillicuddy~REALTOR®~ N.H. Real Estate Broker & Trainer (Prudential Verani Realty/Hampstead)


Jay when I am with a borrower I do not answer the Cell Phone, they have my full attention when I am with them.  As soon as I am done with them I return all the phone calls that I might have gotten while meeting with them, all other times I answer my Cell Phone right away.  My Cell Phone is on seven day a week up until 10:00 PM, and my borrowers are the most important thing when I am meeting with them.

05/21/2008 09:22 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)


What's funny is that many of my clients will (upon figuring out my phone is ringing) tell me to get it.  Of course, I try to avoid as many of the calls as I can, and only take the actual important ones. 

05/21/2008 10:00 PM by Lane Bailey - The REALTOR for Car People (Diamond Dwellings Realty)


I'm with you Jay. If I'm with clients, I usually don't answer the phone. If I am expecting an important call, I always warn my clients first, and then keep it short.

05/21/2008 10:06 PM by Portland Oregon Real Estate >> Wayne B. Pruner, GRI (Oregon First)


Jay: WoW... You are 100% correct. I don't like to answer my phone while with clients as a innocent quick question can turn into a legnthy call. I have even see agents take calls while in closings and not paying any attention to their clients when it is show time.

05/21/2008 10:46 PM by Roland Woodworth "Ft. Campbell Area Realtor" (Exit Realty Clarksville)


if it's another client, i'll briefly take the call and say that i'm with another client, can i call them back.

05/21/2008 10:54 PM by Bryan Washington (Coldwell Banker Preferred)


I think some agents answer their phone because they want to appear "busy". Like they impress their clients by being "in demand". I have a friend in the biz who shall remain nameless that picks up 100% of his calls even if he is in the middle of writing an offfer. I tell my clients that I either turn off my phone or screen calls when I am with them, and if I don't answer when they call I am with a different client.

I was going to write a post about this very thing!!!

TURN OFF YOUR PHONE, OR YOUR CLIENTS?

05/21/2008 11:02 PM by BrthAnn Long


I agree with you, people need to put themselves in another person's shoes.  In other words, turned around, how would they feel?  Thanks.

05/21/2008 11:19 PM by Denise Shockey Cocoa Beach Brevard County Real Estate (RE/MAX Elite)


Even though I was in the cellular business for several years, I've always thought that a "manners course" of sorts should be included with every phone. (LOL)

It is amazing how a little common courtesy (or discourtesy) goes a long way--voicemail was invented for a reason!

05/21/2008 11:33 PM by Kent Simpson REALTOR®, CNS®, AHS®, RECS® (with The Pepper Group™ Diversified Real Estate)


Jay, I am so in agreement with on this one. Years back when I worked in the security industry I would walk into my distributor to buy equipment. I would literally have the merchandise sitting on the counter with check in hand and the numb skulls behind the counter thought it was more important to answer the phone from a "potential" customer that only had a question, than it was to finish up with me first. It still burns me up thinking about it.

05/22/2008 12:58 AM by Rob Baldwin, Santa Clarita REALTOR® (Pinnacle Estate Properties)


That is just rude. The only reason we take calls is if we are waiting to hear back about showing a house that we are trying to take the buyers inside. If some other call sneaks in while we are thinking it is the other one we want, we just take a message and tell the party we are with a client and must get back later.

05/22/2008 01:27 AM by Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Arizona Real Estate (The Benjamin Team - Keller Williams Integrity First Realty )


I find it hard to believe that anyone would ever disagree with you!  How does the saying go?  "if you don't like what i'm saying, i'm probably talking to you?".

If i ever forget to put my cell phone on vibrate when