E-Mail vs. Phone

I think people hide behind their emails and texts sometimes.  It is much easier for me to make a 1 min. phone call then to text someone a message.  Besides someone can misconstrue an email or text.

These are all very common text msgs from the Gen-Y and I am using them from time to time, as needed. That's whatthey want as the first step in communicating with a Realtor. They have told me this! They will call you when they are ready. Better be ready or they will text someone who is.....imho....

I completely agree i do a ton of emailing, but when it comes to crunch time when things really need done quickly the phone is the only way to go.  I realized i was emailing when i should be calling a fews months back.  Pick up the phone!!

I agree with the first post, people hide behind e.mails and texts.. as it is easier.  You do not have to talk.  I know I would rather communicate via email first.. then once I have some knowledge of the potential client or agent I fell more comfortable on the phone.

Let me first say, I hate text messaging.  What is the point?  I got a text one time from someone that said, "Call me."  Really???  Why not just call ME?  That aside, a healthy mix of email and phone skills make for a great admin.

There are some disadvantages to emailing (I don't text) but there are also some advantages. We have some Owners who don't listen very well, maybe its hard to get a word in. I can send an email, I can compose it carefully and be very precise in what I say, AND I have a record of what I sent so they can't later say "but you said..."
But yes, you've got to be able to do both.

Maybe some people hide behind emails or texts messages -- however, those people are not Gen Y. As Chris touch on a few blogs ago, at Real Living we stress the importance of understanding communication styles with Gen X and Gen Y "minded" consumers and agents. I am happy to see David from Akron recognizes the importance as well. Overall, it is important to have good communications skills whether you’re using email, text and/or phone. I would like to think that it’s up to the consumer on how he/she prefers to be communicated with.  

On a personal note, I much rather have people email & text me rather then call. It has nothing to do with hiding or not wanting to have a spoken conversation, but everything to do with my preference, documentation (reference material) and/or time management. However, I adapt my preference to the needs of my clients and how my superiors prefer me to communicate with them. Oh, and I am Gen Y.

Caitlin, I think you’re 110% on target. Great post!

Gen X here: "call me" as a text msg seems perfectly normal to me. 

While I understand the humor side (why not just dial) its a courtesy.  If my friends or colleagues have  an urgent msg, they will call - if it is just a casual call (like do you want to go to the lake this weekend) then its not that important to do right now, and a simple "call me" can be done at my convenience - instead of while I try to navigate my rental car around some town Ive never been in before in heavy traffic.....   Remember, most gen x and y ers don't have home phones to leave msgs on - just mobile devices.

PS - I abbreviate Call me as "CM"!

I think it's about managing the expectations of the client.  Sometimes they prefer text and email due to work circumstances, etc.  I like to recap what we've discussed in a phone call on email as well for documentation.  You just have to read your client and decide what's best based on their wants/desires. 

I have to say I also like using JOTT as it allows me to send texts to a group of people all at the same time (for example husband and wife) about transaction updates, etc.  It works great and allows me to archive a copy of that text.   Talk about a paper trail. 

I am well versed in all three forms of communication.  It's the clients choice and it is also situational.   Like agent feedback on a showing.  In a email sometimes you don't know what they mean so I'll still call.  I email weekly reports about the activity in a seller's neighbor with commentary because it is easier to for them to refer back to and I have a record that I did it for them.  Text messaging is my favorite way to be contacted.  I'll tell my husband to pick up a couple of items at the grocery store - which is easier for him - all he has to remember is go to the store and then he can reference back to his text message for the list.

Oh, and I don't use some of those abbreviations except for FYI.  However I choose to communicate, I want the person to understand me.

Thank you for the post. I did not know a couple of words.

I agree with Stacey, Give the customer what they want and don't make it cookie cutter or one size fits all. Be flexible. Use a combination of communication techniques and you will be seen as a resourceful professional!

Good post - I personally have to say that I think a quick text or email is just fine but sometimes it takes a call.