How do You handle AFTER HOURS phone calls when you are with your family?

Greg, this is a complicated issue.  If you have a deal under contract and you know you may receive after 6pm or during family time calls I would just inform your spouse/family what is going on so they are prepared.  If you can answer I would, listen to what the person is looking for, let them know you are out and about or won't be able to access a computer until tomorrow am would that work for them to talk then or for you to send them information at that time.  A lot of times people just want to know someone is working for them to find out answers so they can move on with their evening as well.  Good luck, this is never easy!  --Krystal

Depends who you value the most. . not really being sarcastic here. . but I set my own guidelines because it is my own brokerage and people that play inside it. .are  only are allowed if they are OK with my policies.

My wife and I are both in a business that we feel we need to take or make evening calls. We have two times in the evening we will take a call or return calls to clients. We always say we are in a instant world and no one can wait. But in all reality I find most clients don't bother us in the evening or weekends unless it is important. We always let our customers know If they need to call after hours we stop taking calls after 8:00 PM and will take calls or return calls we receive before 8:00 PM that day if possible. If we are at a meeting, appointment or with friends we call the next day.

It's simple. I don't answer them. There are no real estate emergencies and certainly none that I can handle after business hours. Folks can leave a message and I will call them back. If they don't leave a message then my guess is that it's not important.

My sellers and buyers know before they hire me that the best way to reach me is email or text message. They also know that they will almost always reach my voicemail and if they need a call back be sure to leave a message. If they leave a message and it's before 8pm I will usually call them back quickly unless it's something that can wait.

Greg, you will get lots of different takes on this issue. It's best not to get into a habit of taking evening calls on a regular basis. That being said, I always take calls while I am negotiating a contract. But I tell clients the best time to reach me is between 9-6. Like BB, if they leave a message and it's really important, I'll call them back. If they call and ask, "Was the carpet in that house I liked blue or green?". Those questions can wait.

Greg, boundaries - not easy to set in today's "instant gratification society" but there really very few emergencies that cannot wait to the following day. Consider setting expectations with your clients from the beginning and ask them to leave you a message if you don't answer and that they can be SURE you will return the call just as soon as you are available.