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answering the phone: since when did it become an option?

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker United, Realtors

I find myself wondering today why I seem to be the only one that answers my phone. Isn't that like 75% of our job: talking on the phone? I spend more time talking on the blue tooth or cell than I do actually face to face it seems many times.  So, why is it that every agent I call refuses to answer their phone? In fairness, noone can ever answer their phone everytime. I accept that. I am guilty of it as well. However, doesn't common courtesy require that you call someone back?  I remember a couple I was working with that I took to show a home.  They loved it on paper, and in person it was okay too.  Great! I smell a deal. 

So, we drove about thirty miles to find it, walked around, and could not get in  to look at it because the combo lock had the wrong code in the MLS. Oops.  Hey, I can roll with it.  No biggie. I'll call the agent. No aswer. Okay, let's look around some more. I'll call again.  No answer.  After about 10 veryyyy long minutes. I got a call back. Yeah! The agent had no clue why the code was wrong, but would call me right back with the right one.  Another ten minutes, and some nervous, frustrated clients, and still no call back.  I call back and never get another call back.  Was I wrong to be upset? I did not show it in front of the clients, but we ended up driving elsewhere and making another offer.  Low and behold that agent answered their phone. 

I guess I just wanted to remind us all, that you have to return calls. You simply have to. No telling who, or what you are missing out on.

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Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes

Yes I find this to be challenging more and more in todays market and I suspect a lot of it has to do with the fact that most agents cant make it as full time realtors and now have other jobs. Hey Chris are you familiar with the reserver in tyler? If so shoot me an email my mom has land out there that she wants to sell.

Jun 30, 2008 09:38 AM
Joshua & Kathy Schmidt
ERA Henley Real Estate - Cabot, AR

Chris,

     I couldn't agree more.  It seems to be a growing trend around here that agents just aren't answering their phone calls.  Nor are they calling me back when I leave a message.  I just don't understand this logic.  Like you said, is talking on the phone not a big part of this business?  I know things were done differently in the past, and I know that every Realtor can't answer their phone every time, but come on, at least call me back within 30 min. to an hour at the most.  Ugh!  Hopefully this trend ends soon and people figure out that phone calls usually mean business.

Jun 30, 2008 09:41 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

you are right..nobody answers their phone..i always answer my phone from 6:30 am till 8 pm..these agents are losing business by only returning calls during certain hours..that is ridiculous...

Jun 30, 2008 09:42 AM
#3
Michael Shankman
Award Realty - Las Vegas, NV
Selling Las Vegas 702-498-3383

you are right..nobody answers their phone..i always answer my phone from 6:30 am till 8 pm..these agents are losing business by only returning calls during certain hours..that is ridiculous

Jun 30, 2008 09:44 AM