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How real estate agents' lives differ from that of our clients.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner CA#01772851 HI#RB21268

It actually stands to reason that the daily life of a real estate agent is polar opposite of that of their clients. Or should be!

1. CALLING YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT:

Think about it, when do clients call us? Chances are not when they are working, they wait until they have free time, often at the end of the day or on their days off. And, of course, your real estate agent is available to take your calls during those times. Or they should be!

2. SHOWINGS ON WEEKENDS:

Unless a client takes some time off during the week, is self employed or otherwise makes time available during regular business hours, showings will happen on weekends. If your agent is AWOL on weekends, that's a bad sign.

3. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET:

Now this is where it gets interesting. Many of my contacts via the Internet come after 9 PM. That means, the public has come home from work, has had dinner, and is now settling down for some serious searching on the Internet. EVEN DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

And then they send off a "Request more information" or "I am interested in xyz address". Do they expect an instant answer? Probably not, but still...

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A REAL ESTATE AGENT:

The mantra of the real estate agent should be: I am there for you when you need me.

But the request for more information at late hours is different:

Do you call them right then? After all, they are obviously sitting at their computer and I am getting your message - yes, I get my messages instantly, all the time. But I was taught not to call anyone after 8 PM.

So I send off a message, "Please call me at my direct cell line if you want to talk now, or we can wait until tomorrow. When would be a good time?"

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT?

Obviously, we need to be on the job when you are are not!

And I am! Call me about a property anywhere on the Monterey Peninsula, I'm on it, whether you want to buy or sell.

YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT REAL ESTATE IS MY LIFESTYLE.

Others might think of it as work, but real estate is my vocation and avocation.

So call away, ask questions, I can't wait to hear what you are looking for when it comes to real estate on the Monterey Peninsula in California.

Photos: You might be calling me while I'm sitting in Su Vecino Courtyard downstairs from my office or walking along Carmel Beach, but I'm there for you! That iPhone never leaves my side...

 

Posted by

Hella Rothwell at Carmel Beach during Concours WeekCarmel-by-the-Sea Beach and Pebble Beach Golf Course California

Whether buying or selling oceanfront, oceanview, commercial or any type of real estate in Carmel, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Carmel Valley and Big Sur, I can help you. Call me and let's meet in my Carmel-by-the-Sea office in Su Vecino Court on Dolores between 5th & 6th.

Or we can just chat on the phone to discuss your real estate needs.

Are you out of the area? No problem, I often never even meet my clients. The whole transaction is handled long distance.

As an independent real estate broker licensed in California and Hawaii, I can represent you with residential real estate, commercial properties & investment opportunities.

For more information

www.HellaRothwell.com & www.RothwellRealty.com

& www.HellaHawaii.com

Member: National Association of REALTORS, California Association of REALTORS, Hawaii Association of REALTORS, Del Norte Association of REALTORS, Honolulu Board of REALTORS. Also MLS Listings in California.

 ________________________________________________________________

Hella Mitschke Rothwell (R)

Real Estate Broker/Owner/Realtor®
Licensed in California #01772851 & Hawaii #RB-21268

Tel. 831-626-4000 

Fax 1-877-822-9332

ROTHWELL REALTY INC.: Su Vecino Court, Lincoln & Dolores between 5th & 6th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

 

MAILING: P.O. Box 4554, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

 
Email: HellaRothwell@gmail.com


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Disclaimer: Hella Rothwell does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for the accuracy of the information provided herein, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Comments(27)

Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I always try to respond to my clients with a timely if not immediate response. There are some times more crucial that others to be in constant contact with an immediate response.

Mar 17, 2018 10:14 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Dorie Dillard - You get a feel for what a client is looking for in service. Now, when a new call comes in, I am all over it until I have established a relationship where I know what expectations are.

Mar 19, 2018 01:02 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Training a new agent the other day and a St. Patrick's Day show request came in.  She didn't want to do it.  It was a holiday and she had made plans.  In my mind, you can do both, but it was not my decision.  Meanwhile, she's going back to her full time job.  

Mar 17, 2018 10:57 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Chris Ann Cleland - I bet she is! We need to be flexible in this business. Real estate is not a JOB, it's a service. Bad service, bad results. 

Mar 19, 2018 01:00 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

      Thank you Hella!

Mar 17, 2018 08:27 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Kathy Streib - I so appreciate your including me in your weekly Ah-ha post. This topic is so important to me; I really want my clients to know that I'm there for them every step of the way. On THEIR schedule.

Mar 19, 2018 12:57 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

So well said Hella and I love your area and your lifestyle!

Mar 18, 2018 04:14 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Ginny Gorman - Thank you so much. I chose both because I love it.

Mar 19, 2018 12:44 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Hella... I come from the school of thought that if I set up expectations with my clients up-front about how and when I work, I can make myself "unavailable" at specific times and no one takes offense. I feel strongly that we should not ever give a message that we are there 24/7 for clients.

Mar 18, 2018 04:48 AM
Marte Cliff

I agree Nina Hollander - you don't want to set yourself up as a servant - or a doormat.

Mar 18, 2018 12:26 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Nina Hollander and Marte Cliff - Clients choose and need me during a relatively short period of time that it takes to buy or sell their home, and I make myself available to them at THEIR convenience. I can't conceive of the notion that I am being treated as a "servant" or a "doormat" because I understand they are going through a trying time with major financial consequences to them. I am there to SUPPORT them, make it as stressless as possible.

Mar 19, 2018 12:53 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Hella. This certainly eye opening for the clients and well done too.

Mar 18, 2018 05:52 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Thank you, Sheila Anderson .

Mar 19, 2018 12:41 AM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I tell my clients not to worry about "what time it is"... simply "call me".  If I answer my phone... I'm working!  If I don't answer... leave me a voicemail, and I'll call you back at my very earliest convenience.

Mar 18, 2018 06:39 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Alan May - That's what I say, simply "call me". If I can't answer, I WILL get back to them at least with a short text saying WHEN.

Mar 19, 2018 12:40 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Hella,
The working when they aren't is so true.  Angents also have so much other work to do when the prospects/clients are at "their jobs".  It's important to be available when they are but it's also important to give yourself time off.  For that reason, agents need to have a good working relationship with another agent (or have an assistant) that can help if time is of the essence.  Most clients will be reasonable with their expectations once a working relationship has been established with them. 

Mar 18, 2018 08:07 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Carol Williams - I agree, that if you can't be available for them, you have someone backing you up. And, yes, clients will be reasonable with their expectations, I've found.

Mar 19, 2018 12:37 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Great post and so well put, love it, well done, glad kathy Streib featured it this week.

Mar 18, 2018 08:38 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Nick & Trudy Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - Thank you and, yes, I so appreciate Kathy Streib including me this wekk.

Mar 19, 2018 12:34 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I agree that you need to be there - but also to set limits. Telling  people that you'll respond at 2 a.m. is, to me, setting yourself up as a servant, not a professional.

Mar 18, 2018 12:29 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Marte Cliff - One client of mine was in France and we communicated around Midnight my time. I had no problem with that, or I would not have kept/taken him as a client.

Mar 19, 2018 12:34 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

OMG....bless you all. I couldn't do it. I couldn't do all you do for your clients!

Mar 18, 2018 03:06 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Sharon Tara - Real estate isn't for everyone with the schedules we keep. But that's the name of the game! Those agents who don't make themselves available when their clients need them, well, I don't know how they can stay in business.

Mar 19, 2018 12:30 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Yes, I work weekends and holidays but do have limits on late, nightime phone calls. Great post about real estate work ethics and being available to clients Hella!

Mar 18, 2018 05:03 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! I had one at 10:30pm on Saturday evening. I just quickly texted her that I would be in touch the next morning, and what time would be good for her. I don't think they actually expect you to answer, it's just when they communicate they want to get some information.

Mar 19, 2018 12:28 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Hella

That IS the way to demonstrate our service attitude for our clients and be ready when they are!

Jeff

Mar 18, 2018 10:49 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Jeff Dowler - I know that's what my clients expect of me and I'm there for them at THEIR convenience.

Mar 19, 2018 12:26 AM
Luther Ragsdale
Platinum Real Estate - Atlanta, GA
Luther Ragsdale is a dedicated real estate coach

This is so true. Responding quickly is a big part of turning leads into deals. You must be there for the client always!

Mar 19, 2018 01:50 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Luther Ragsdale - My exact belief!

Mar 19, 2018 02:03 AM
Michelle Finnamore
Toronto GTA, Alliston, Newmarket - Vaughan, ON
Preparing your property for sale

I've also never been a 9-5 person. I thrive on the odd ball schedules and always respond if I am awake. Having grown up on a farm I am up early and go to bed early so my clients tend to be early birds as well. 

Mar 19, 2018 05:49 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Michelle Finnamore - That's the best time to get things done for me as well. My clients? Well, in their defense, they have their work lives so get in touch with me later usually.

Mar 19, 2018 06:23 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Happy Monday Hella,  I love the agents that do not work on weekends,  that just means more business for me I always say!

 

Mar 19, 2018 09:53 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Will Hamm - I actually got a sale that way. People in town ONLY for the weekend and were determined to find a house. And did. They left and I handled everything else except for the final inspection which was done by a relative.

Mar 20, 2018 06:27 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

If I can answer my phone/messages, I will Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® ... if I can't, my message asks that they leave me a message and I will return the call/contact ASAP.  And I do ... and always have. 

My kids grew up knowing Dad performed his job in this way.  Thankfully, my wife has always been understanding.  Our work DOES effect our families and our time with them.  So the choices we make in this regard must walk a fine line between providing good service to clients ... but being respectful of our families too.

Gene 

Mar 19, 2018 11:57 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi - My friends and family members understand when I get up and take the phone call outside. It's just what I do and everyone understands that phone is my "office".

Mar 20, 2018 06:30 AM
Michael Touchette
MT Realty - Lynnfield, MA
Michael Touchette is a real estate developer.

What a relatable post! Everything was said so well. It is quite funny to see how we all can relate to one another over these shared experiences.

Mar 20, 2018 02:27 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Michael Touchette - So true. I seldom have things planned for weekends because I know I will be showing property. If time does open up, I call one of my friends and we end up having lunch, most probably in Carmel Valley Village. Great place to be on weekends. Check out my website www.carmelvalleycalifornia.com

Mar 20, 2018 05:40 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Hella, none of my  clients call me after 7pm they respect my time, on the other hand there might be emails that come and I am happy to respond to them all the way to midnight and even later if the time zones are different...Endre

Mar 23, 2018 11:08 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®

Good morning Endre: We set our own rules in this business. In my case, I often work in the evenings because my clients need me then because of THEIR schedule. Maybe they wouldn't normally, but I tell them it's ok.

Mar 24, 2018 07:23 AM
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

I am a stickler in respecting the client I am working with. If another calls me when I am working with someone at the moment, I do not answer the phone. The one I am with will often say, go ahead and answer that. I respond that I am with them and I respect people by giving them my attention.

So when they call me and I don't answer they understand and know that I will get back to them ASAP.

Mar 27, 2018 11:47 AM