Ask your agent if they are away who covers their business?

Good string of comments and information.  I need to add this to my listing presentations!

Dorie,

A great reason to work with a Team of agents.  We always have someone available to help clients!  Kathy

Communication and expectations are discussed in the listing presentation with sellers and the home buyer consultation with buyers.  I will ask them how they prefer to be contacted and I will give them guidelines for the best ways to contact me.  If I will be gone for any period of time where I do not have reasonable access to phone or email, I have three different agents that I delegate responsibilities to in my absence.  Then I return the favor to them when they need to be gone.  I will send an email with all of the agent's information as well as change my voicemail message to reflect whom they are to call in case they forget.  It sure makes going on vacation easier and less stressful!

So true, if you want business go on vacation. It never fails!  Murphy'[s Law or something like that.  Great post thanks for getting it out to us today on AR>

Patricia/Seacoast NH & ME

That was not the deciding factor in starting a team, but it sure had a voice, and now we can all tag team each other and in a seamless fashion... It works. 

It's so important to have an arrangement with a trusted associate to cover for you when you are away and to be sure they have access to information they may need to assist your current clients and customers.

If the listing agent doesn't explain this at your meeting be sure the issue is covered and ask.

It's impossible to be at your best 365 days a year 24/7!  You need a break to rejuvenate body, mind and soul and return raring to go once again.

Sue of Robin and Sue

Wow Dorie!  Really tough question you offer up here.  With all the intracies of transactions, it's gotten harder to "let go" .. even if only for a short time.  I typically still have my computer and cell available, even if out of town.  But I realize (courtesy of my wife reminding me), that I have to temper the needs of my clients with the needs of my family and my own personally too.  Finding and maintaining that fine line is a trick I struggle with.  Luckily I'm surrounded by good support.  My assistants, Ron and Mike, my co-worker, Chris Totani ... even my wife ... provide good back-up.  I'm blessed and grateful.

I do agree that the downtime is needed both mentally and physically.  It's just not healthy to go at it 24/7 and 365 days of the year for years on end.  Something is going to give at some point.  If clients can't understand that ...

Gene

Dorie,

This is a great post! I frequently have potential clients ask me my availability upfront and how i conduct business.  I also partner with 2 wonderful agents in my office because I can rest assured knowing that my business is being handled as I would handle it and that my clients are being taken care of as I would take care of them.  Thanks for posting!

Dorie -- EVERY time, and yes EVERY time, I go on vacation, which is not too often, I am SO busy.  It just never fails.  I should take a vacation every month. lol!  Anyway, I make absolutely sure my clients have full coverage and those covering have knowledge of every aspect of the transaction.  Clients expect that service and it should be no other way.

I cover my own business when I am away via the use of technology (iPhone 4, LogMeIn, TeamViewer, Google Voice, Skype, Google Apps, etc.).  If a showing is needed I refer that potential buyer to a Realtor that I work with on a 50% referral fee basis for that Property and 25% for any other Property.  This method has worked very well for me.

"When selecting an agent to represent you in a real estate transaction you need to know their procedures for working with you." 

We set the expectations right up front.  We're in the office 7am-3pm Monday through Friday, closed weekends and holidays, will present offers on first business day following the weekend (also confirmed by Seller Written Instructions in our listing agreement and disclosed in the MLS) and have resources in place for "emergency" coverage.  Works like a charm!

Dorie, no one can be available 24/7 365 1/4 days a year.  I work with a fellow agent who covers my business when I am away, and I do the same for her.

This is a great way to handle being away.  I'm fortunate enough to have great backup as well.

Dorie,

It is a great point. We cannot operate in a vacuum. Clients expect and deserve service even if we are unavailable.