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The one that almost got away...

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Windermere Peninsula Properties~Allyn~Belfair~WA 73708

The one that almost got away.......

 

Buyer that is! 

9 times out of 10 my gut instinct is right on; so I try to pay attention to that feeling and follow through as to why I feel something is "off."  Today it paid off- otherwise it could have been the tale of "The one that got away"... Instead of "The one that almost got away!"

It is so important to make sure the lines of communication are not tangled and that you follow through!

A buyer left me a message late last night wanting to make an appointment to see a lakefront home for sale in Timberlakes, Shelton, WA that I have listed. It was on my "to do" list for first thing this morning to return the call.

I actually was going to have another agent show it because I prefer not to be in a dual agent position. I like to hook them up with their own representation and a good agent right from the gitgo. I spoke with the agent and forwarded the message and let it go from there. I will generally call the inquirer back when I have an extra minute to acknowledge that their call was important to me and I was not just trying to shove them off on someone.

I was with clients myself at the time and I was not going to call this one back until later; but I couldn't shake this feeling that something wasn't right.... 

The other agent called me back and said that they had gotten a hold of someone else in the office to show it to them; But it still didn't sit right with me.

I knew they would be in good hands no matter what agent it was in the office, but it still kept nagging away and playing over and over in my head. Something was not right.

I called the office and queried the floor agents. Nope - no one made an appointment to see anything or called on anything; a pretty quiet morning overall... Hmmmmm??? 

So I called the number back that was left in the message to follow up and make sure they really had gotten a hold of someone to see the home....

"NO - We don't have an appointment to see it and YES we would like to see it as soon as possible!"

"WHAT?!!!!You're kidding me right?!!!!!" my brain is screaming- as I calmly set the appointment to show the property.  I didn't care at this point how the lines of communication got tangled, I just knew I had to untangle them and clear up the mis-communication that has obviously happened!

Even if someone is not my "client" - all of my calls and messages deserve and get my top priority care and service.

It really made me realize the importance of my follow through and keeping the lines of communication untangled with everyone that calls me and following through.

They did not understand that just leaving a message for me - didn't mean we had an appointment as they had portrayed to the other agent.

My gut was right on once again...because I do have great follow through- they didn't get away even though the lines were tangled!

Make sure your lines aren't  tangled - and your lines of communciation are not crossed along with superior customer service follow through. You'll no doubt have a keeper on the line in no time!

Comments(6)

Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

You are quite right to point out the importance of communication.

Sep 02, 2009 04:02 PM
Matt Grohe
RE/MAX Concepts - Des Moines, IA
Serving the metro since 2003

Valerie: Great job of following up. In this topsy turvy world you can never be to sure somebody is carrying the ball.

Sep 02, 2009 04:07 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Communication and follow-up can never be stressed enough in our business.  These two skills set Realtors apart.  You are a great Realtor!

Sep 02, 2009 04:08 PM
Susan Neal
RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker

Hi Valerie -  It can sometimes be very difficult to give every new caller your full attention when you are juggling a few other transactions that are in a sensitive stage, but I agree that taking a couple of minutes to return the call will make a huge difference in your reputation, even if you wind up having to move them to another agent.  And being a dual agent can work, as long as you are careful and there are no bumps in the road to closing. 

By agreeing to help a buyer purchase one of my listings and making things very clear about that dual agency to both parties, I wound up with a great client who wants me to help him purchase several other properties for investment.  He really appreciated my ethics and the way I handled such a delicate situation very honestly.  My seller felt the same way, and has told me he will refer others to me.

Sep 02, 2009 04:15 PM
Valerie Spaulding
Windermere Peninsula Properties~Allyn~Belfair~WA - Belfair, WA
Allyn-Belfair-Hood Canal-Local Expertise!

Brian - Yes it is a top priority even as difficult as it can be!

Matt - It is a topsy turvy world and comunication is sooo important!

Sharon - Thank you Sharon - I LOVE my job and really do try and go out of my way to make sure I am communicatin effectively and efficiently!

Susan - It sure can be difficult at times, but I always make sure I get back to them no matter what! Yes dual agency can work, but it is something I prefer to stay away from. The transactions now a days seem to have enough other hiccups without the extra stress of dual agency! Thanks for stopping in!

Sep 02, 2009 04:24 PM
GLENN LEACH
Mortgage - Puyallup, WA

Thanks for the important reminder.  I struggle with Urgent vs. Important myself and often get wrapped up in today's messes to the point where I can't pull myself away long enough to start creating tomorrow's messes (new clients).  Love the lesson on follow-up and gut feelings!

Sep 04, 2009 12:07 PM