Answer Your Phone!

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

Yesterday I was in the office when my cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but it showed a name I thought I recognized.

Just like Hannah Williams, I had a real estate instructor, when I first started, tell us: “always answer your phone and smile, as it can be heard on the other end.” When I answered the caller stuttered and said “you answered your phone! You sound just like the enthusiast agent I remember. This is Amanda Lee, a blast from the past! You sold our home in Canyon Creek 14 years ago, and we moved to Fairfax Virginia.” 

As it turns out her mom still lives in Austin, in another community, in a single-story home. She is almost 85 and needs to move in with them as soon as they can arrange it. I met with them before they headed back to Virginia so I could see the house and give them some advice on what needs to be done. 

It was so good to see them again! They lived on my street in Canyon Creek and took my advice to update the appliances etc. to ready their home for sale. It sold in 3 days for top dollar and their two little girls took my flier and wrote on it “Miss Dorie sold our home in 3 days” and passed it out to neighbors!

           

The best advertisement ever!!!

 

Posted by

Austin TX Canyon Creek Real Estate Agent

(512) 750-6899
CALL OR TEXT

EMAIL ME

My ActiveRain Blog

ReloAustin.com
Austin Real Estate Website

CanyonCreekNews.com
Canyon Creek Neighborhood

I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

Comments (31)

George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie I don't know which is more impressive, a past client contacting you after 14 years, or that you kept that flyer for so long and knew where to find it.  ☺️

Jan 28, 2023 02:55 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I must say before the Internet I answered all my phone calls either on my cell or at the office. Now, unfortunately I have to screen my calls because every call is a vendor or a sales person or Nigerian prince. I do tell my customers to leave a message and I’ll get back to them within 15 minutes. This has improved my business due to the fact Robo callers don’t leave a message Dorie Dillard Austin TX 

Jan 28, 2023 03:22 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker ,

It is a simple concept yet so many agents don't do it and miss so many golden opportunities!

Jan 28, 2023 03:57 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hannah Williams ,

I thought of the post I read from you and my client called on the same day. I couldn't help but think of how you said you answer the phone with a smile and I learned the same thing from an instructor.

Jan 28, 2023 03:59 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I don't smile either with spammers. I pay to have Spammer show up on my screan but it doesn't always work Jeff Dowler, CRS 

Jan 28, 2023 04:00 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

I get lots of "Spam Potential" calls on my phone every day Dorie Dillard Austin TX 

Jeff

Jan 28, 2023 08:05 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Myrl Jeffcoat ..it baffles me no end why agents don't feel its necessary to pick up their phones and answer when someone calls!

Jan 28, 2023 04:03 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Thank you for the feature Myrl Jeffcoat . Most appreciated!

Jan 28, 2023 04:04 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

It is amazing isn't it Kathy Streib how so many agents miss golden opportunities by not answering their phones.

Jan 28, 2023 04:05 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I had to chuckle at your comment George Souto . I was thrilled they called me after 14 years but I keep on-line files from past clients dating back to 2007 (wish I had them back to 1991). I keep the flier, survey, floorplan etc. so its easy to pull up. Since I've listed so many homes multiple times I like to have access to the file ASAP!

Jan 28, 2023 04:09 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good for you Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS ,

You are right Robo callers do not leave messages! 

Jan 28, 2023 04:10 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Dorie, unfortunately with all the robo calls many people stop answering their phones. I live in a market where most people keep their phone numbers wherever they come from hence it behooves me to answer it whenever I can. Funny- part is when Diane and I argue if the phone rings I pick it up and smile.... used to drive her nuts.... not anymore:))Endre

Jan 28, 2023 10:01 PM
Brian England
Arizona Focus Realty - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Such a nice story!  Answering our phones is a very simple way to gain a lot of business in real estate!

Jan 29, 2023 04:26 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Great story Dorie. Last week I received a call from a potential client on a Sunday. She said "I can't believe you answered the call as you're the 4th agent I tried to reach".  I said...YOU SHOULD HAVE CALLED US FIRST!

Jan 29, 2023 05:11 AM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Answering the phone is such a simple concept isn't it? Congratulations on being able to be there for your past client and their mom!

Jan 29, 2023 05:21 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. ,

I understand with all the Robo calls many do not answer their phones. paying for a service has helped in screening these calls but we are in the real estate business and answering the phone is an integral part of us staying connected with past, current and future clients.

Jan 29, 2023 08:49 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Thank you Brian England !

Jan 29, 2023 08:49 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 ,

The public calling us for real estate needs does get put off by agents not answering phone calls. Good for you..you snagged another client.

Jan 29, 2023 08:50 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

It is a simple concept Kat Palmiotti but so many agents just don't grasp it!

Jan 29, 2023 08:51 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

it's amazing to me that some agents might not answer given our business ... what a nice surprise to answer and have repeat clients on the other end!

Feb 01, 2023 11:48 AM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Answering the phone is called practicing real estate.  I called a client from my website last week and showed them homes because they could not get anyone to answer the phone to see a home. 

Feb 03, 2023 06:10 AM