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What are the most important things about customer service?

By
Real Estate Agent with Aksland Real Estate

The number one thing that can help a person be successful in a down market is customer service skills.  Many people tell you, you have to have them, but what exactly are the most important qualities customers are looking for?

The answer to that is very easy, all you have to do is remember the issues you encountered when you were buying a house before you were an agent.

1. Find out your customers spending limit and don't deviate from it.  As a customer, I hated it when an agent would try to push me into a house that I could not afford.  If my limit was 225,000 and they showed me a 235,000 property, then I could negotiate, but not a 400,000 house.  I would instantly drop the agent and find someone else.

2.  Listen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By listening to your customers needs and wants you can find the ideal house for them.  Never interrupt and be courteous.  Nobody likes a big know-it-all that doesn't let you get a word in edge-wise.

3. Be personable.  You want a realtor to treat you as a person not as $$$$$.  By sincerely caring about the client, it helps your reputation considerably and gets you the referrals you need.

4.  Be honest!!!!! Be there when you say you will be there and don't promise anything you cannot deliver.

By doing these things, you will find that you will have a greater success in a time when many people are struggling.

Zen Ziejewski
Keller Williams Realty - Laguna Niguel, CA
Laguna Niguel Real Estate
I agree that you have to have great customer service skills and honesty. If a customer wants to know info, give it to them. If something is happening with their deal, let them know right away. You will have more repeat busines and referrals if you can be up front with the client.
Dec 12, 2007 06:38 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS

They will respect you more for that. I also believe that it will help with the image of Real Estate agents.

Dec 12, 2007 06:40 AM
Lindsey Hasford
Edina Realty - Elk River, MN
Bringing you home...
Hmm. I think honesty above all else. You could bend over backwards for a person, but if you aren't honest they won't see everything you have done.
Dec 12, 2007 07:01 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS

Lindsey,  Very true.  I have found that honesty is the most important thing in anything you do.

Dec 12, 2007 07:02 AM
Sue Paige
ERA Today Realty, Windham, ME 04062 - Windham, ME

I agree with all  you have to say. I wonder why sometimes we have to remind people these obvious ways of dealing and working with others.

sue from maine

Dec 30, 2007 09:49 AM
Latonia Parks
Top Bragg Realty, Fayetteville NC, Home of the 82d ABN DIV - Fayetteville, NC
Certified Military Relocation Expert
You are all right. Having a genuine concern for their desires will go farther than anything else.  It doesn't matter how much money they are spending.  They deserve the same fair and honest treatment.
Dec 30, 2007 10:50 AM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS
Unfortunately many people care about the bottom line more than putting people into a home that is in the best interest of the buyer. If you treat them right, they will refer you to everyone they know. Hence, more sales.
Jan 03, 2008 03:04 PM
Matthew Zgonc
Aksland Real Estate - Modesto, CA
Realtor, CFS, CVS
Especially with referrals. Plus you can sleep well at night.
Jan 04, 2008 02:36 PM
Joe Gardella
AMERICA'S BEST Home Loan - Modesto, CA

This way of doing business makes the business flourish. Now you have a great referral source all you have to do is ask!

Jun 11, 2008 05:41 AM