Admin

LETS TALK ABOUT GOOD MANNERS

By
Real Estate Agent with Alain Pinel Realtors

In this day of modern technology let's talk about proper etiquette at the following places:

Client meetings- when meeting with a client turn off the phone not unless you're out on counter on there transaction and you need answers while they're with you- but if you're in the car, showing property -never answer your phone let them know that you return all calls but for now all my attention is with you.

Office meetings-turn off the phone and leave your PDA in your office focus all your attention on who is speaking at your meeting. If you have your PDA with you it is rude to keep checking your e-mails

E-Mail- stop sending out e-mails that have nothing to do with real estate like chain letter, prayers-etc. so please don't abuse this communication tool. Also, when sending an e-mail watch your tone so be very careful how you write your e-mails. Use spell check and be brief and to the point.

Lunch- so many of my colleague's when I'm having lunch with them take calls during lunch -I know sometime you are waiting for a certain call but excuse yourself and go outside nothing is more irritating then hearing people talk on there phones in a restaurant.

Comments(8)

Show All Comments Sort:
Michael Shankman
Award Realty - Las Vegas, NV
Selling Las Vegas 702-498-3383

good post- but I disagree with you. I always answer my phone even if I am with a client..i answer it for a few seconds- take the name and number and the I call them back. I tell my clients upfront that i always answer my phone. I ask them would you like to speak to me for a few seconds or get voicemail..they always agree with me...

Aug 12, 2008 03:15 AM
Tony Favata
First Class Properties - Milford, DE

I really think it all depends on the client. Some of the clients you come in contact with are going to be more understanding, and wont mind if you take the time to take a quick name and number and what they are looking for phone call. Others may not like you answering at all. I think the key to this is to make sure you know your clients before you do either.

As for the meetings and the lunch topic, I have to agree!

Aug 12, 2008 03:19 AM
Richard Mielke
RE/MAX Results - Gettysburg, PA
REALTOR, Gettysburg Pennsylvania Real Estate

I agree with Michael about taking calls with a client, get the name and number, state you are with a client and will return the call promptly. This is good when on a listing appointment. Ask your prospective listing clients if they would want a call from a buyer calling about their home to go unanswered and end up in voice mail or have you answer it live?

Aug 12, 2008 03:25 AM
Jennifer A. Martin
Dallas, TX
Executive Assistant

UGH!  I totally agree with all of this!  What happened to manners? At least excuse yourself if the phone call HAS to be taken.  (i.e VIP client of kids) Great post!

Aug 12, 2008 03:37 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

The cell phone thing... people are down right rude, especially with a wireless earpiece and you dont even know they are on the phone... I always walk to a 'private' area to talk on my phone, never in a waiting room... Never at a table in a restaurant....   Answer, say excuse me, and walk outside or to the foyer where there is some privacy...PLEASE!!! 

Aug 12, 2008 03:40 AM
Danny Thornton
R & D Art - Knoxville, TN
WordPress Guru

Antoinette, I agree in general with this. With that said, Michael has a point. I want my clients to know that they are important. I worked for one company that actually did not have voice mail for this very reason. At night it kicked on, but during hours that you were logged in, it would not allow your phone to take a voice mail.

Aug 12, 2008 04:09 AM
Rita Sinclair
Alain Pinel Realtors - Hillsborough, CA
Your Scottish Realtor

I hope you were not making a dig at me Antoinette (we have lunch every so often guys) I love your points, I believe when with a client, you can choose your moments to answer or not.  If I am in the middle of a face to face conversation I would never answer it unless, I was waiting on the answer to an offer I had presented.  Great blog.

Aug 12, 2008 11:37 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Good manners set the professionals apart from the wannabees.     Good post!

Aug 13, 2008 04:37 AM