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And THAT'S How to Communicate...

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Revolution

Do you have a strategy for talking with your clients? Are you REACTING or are you in control?multi tasking

One question I like to ask my sellers is, "What is the best way for me to communicate with you?" You'd be surprised by the answers. Some don't have unlimited texting plans, so they get charged when I text them. (Good info to know so they don't DREAD my expensive messages). What a great example for me trying to keep them in the loop but actually does the opposite by cultivating animosity.

"I have six kids OR work weird hours and don't check my voicemail until evening." Also good to know when that offer comes in.

"I prefer to meet face-to-face." These guys are cool... a stiff hand shake and their word is gold. Look me in the eye and then let me tell them how it is. People of character and don't get bogged down with impersonal technology. My experience is that when you take the time to meet with these guys once a week or so for updates, it will be a GOOD thing. Encourage them to take care of the small stuff the new-fashioned way, but keep that bond.

"Jay, just SELL MY HOUSE." These are interesting people. They see me as a means to an end and not a "team" and they aren't interested in a relationship. They want money NOW for their home and just call them when the offer is in. OK, fine. Just know that going in to the deal that your calls may not get returned and they are very concerned with the bottom line. Results are THEIR focus, so keep YOUR focus.

The point is, ASK HOW THEY WANT TO BE COMMUNICATED WITH, not how I want to communicate with them. Then we become consultants focused on serving THEIR needs and the game changes.

Have you ever had a communication nightmare or super-success? I'd love to hear about it!

Posted by

  Jay O'Brien, Kansas City : Social Media Guy (RE/MAX Revolution)Jay O'Brien
 
RE/MAX Revolution, Kansas City, Missouri

  www.JayTheHomeGuy.com

 

Comments (7)

John Durham
Durham Executive Group - RE/MAX/Results - Woodbury, MN
MS, MS, ASP, ARS

Jay,

Good blog and very important question. We too find similar responses from our clients. Always love where we don't have email or a cell phone. Say what?

Mar 11, 2011 01:11 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

This is a very important point as everyone communicates differently. Someone taught me about 10 years ago to ask clients for their "preferred method of communication" and I have been asking them every since.

Mar 11, 2011 01:18 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Jay, normally the best ideas are the simplest, thanks for this tip.

Mar 11, 2011 01:32 AM
Jay O'Brien
RE/MAX Revolution - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate

Tru dat, guys! Glad you all are doing this. Hope it's in everyone's arsenal!

Mar 11, 2011 01:56 AM
Ann Bellamy
Hard money lending for investors in NH and MA - Tyngsboro, MA
Lending to real estate investors since 2006

Love this post.  Too often we focus on how WE want to communicate - now how the customer wants to communicate.  Love this.  Did I say that already?

Mar 13, 2011 07:50 AM
Kathy Smiley
Rodeo Realty ~ Fine Estates Westlake Village - Newbury Park, CA
"Real Estate results that make YOU smile!"

A great question I will remember to ask! Good post, always good stuff from you.

Mar 15, 2011 05:52 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I love this question and I'm going to start asking it every time I get a new buyer or seller, it is such a simple question and it shows you care about them and their style.

Mar 29, 2011 06:40 PM