I have a client moving to my area andam not licensed where they currently own their house and want to sell. I began my search for another agent over an hour and a half ago to give the referral out. 7 calls later and seven voice-mails later- I am still on the hunt. I don't think it is asking too much to expect other agents to answer their phones. So my hunt goes on. I do understand that we are all busy as agents and can't always answer the phone but 0-7 is unacceptable. When searching for an agent to refer one of my clients to I have a certain a criteria that I am looking for; answering the phone is one of them, personableand caring is another. Those 7 agents might be wonderful agents... I did spend a lot of time on their websites and looking at their credentials, too bad they are going to miss out on this $400,000.00 referral. I used activerain to find most of these agents.
I will answer mine if you call! LOL I agree with you. Many people in this business are just afraid to answer because it might be one of their seller that is unhappy. I am always open for referrals!
Thanks Jim- I am happy that I am not the only one that answers my phone! Too bad you are not in the area where I am looking!
Hi Shanna~ It is sooooo sad...but true!! If we are soooo busy that we are not able to pick up the call...we should be able to hire someone to answer the phone for us!! Thanks for sharing and all the best in 2010!
Shanna, every week we hear the same thing from our agents. Only our agents are frustrated that other agents dont answer calls or return them when they are trying to write an offer. It is amazing to me that an agent is so busy that they turn away potential clients.
Stephen- excellent point! I know that if nI have too much business- I referral clients to someone that can give them the attention they deserve or I" would hire someone to work for me;)
Lori- Isn't it mazing how people call themselves professional- but yet they can't do their job?
Hi Shanna,
I had this same thing happen to me trying to finder a lender. I contacted 5 different people, and only one even got back to me. And that person was suppose to then follow up with the borrower...but never did. I guess business must be really good for these people. ; )
Michael- I remember when lenders never called us back because they were rolling I the doubt with re-fi's... I also remember when the re-fi boom ended and they were calling me begging for clients. This is where I informed them that the lenders that helped me when "they" didn't have time now get all of my referrals- there is a lot to say about loyalty!
WOW......That's hard to believe that you had to work that hard to get in touch with a agent. I have been in Real Estate just about 9 months now. I have even called my own phone at times to make sure its working and you are trying to hand someone business . If you ever have on for the Philadelphia area please give me a call ....
Thanks Jeff Dugan
The only time I don't answer my phone is when I'm driving. One ticket for talking on the phone while driving is enough. I feel really sad for any agent who won't pick up the phone because they are scared of irate past clients. They really need to do a better job taking care of business in the first place. Every client won't be happy, but they can at least be satisfied you did the best you could.
Dave- It is a shame that there are agents that won't answer the phone from fear of past mistakes... Whenever any of my clients have an issue- I work quick and hard to get it resolved ASAP!!!
The only time I don't answer my phone is during dinner and when I'm with a client. I am amazed at how much business I get because I do answer my phone. I'm always hearing "You are the first agent to answer your phone"
I always answer even if it is just to say- I am with another client can I call you in an hour or two? My clients love it and my other clients don't mind because they know that I will always answer their calls too!
Isn't it frustrating? And, it drives me crazy when I hear the messages that say, I will be returning my calls between the hours of 11:00 and 12:00 and then again between 4:00 and 5:00. I had an agent do this to me last week. He did finally answer, and I got my showing instructions. It was for his mother's house. He turned up there in a pair of shorts! That's how busy he was.
My phone is on from about 6:30 am until about 10:00 or so at night. Most of my clients have my home number in case they need me. I bend over backwards to answer my phone or will call you back asap.
I had a potential buyer call me this evening and he was shocked that I answered the phone. He just knew he was going to get voicemail and he had his message all prepared. I'm showing him my listing tomorrow. It does pay to answer the phone.
Shanna-When I am out with a client I never answer my phone. I give them my direct attention just like I expect them to give me theirs. If I see messages piling up on my phone I will usually ask if they mind if I check. Other than that I always answer my phone.
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