Special offer
Hannah Williams,  Expertise  NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376 (HomeStarr Realty)

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1,452,769
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

An agent I used to work with in another office loved to "brag" that his mailbox was always full.  He mistakenly believed that people thought he was soooo busy and successful he couldn't get to it - wrong!  He really doesn't have a business to speak of now as people realized he was lazy and not interested in working for his clients.

Jul 12, 2016 01:21 PM
Rainmaker
713,282
Sharon Kowitz
CRS-SRES-ABR-GRI-E-Pro-CREN ~ COMPASS RE - Cary, NC
Cary, NC Relocation Specialist ~ Buying or Selling

That just seems unethical to me. How are you doing your due diligence to your client if no one can get a hold of you? It makes no sense to me!

Jul 12, 2016 01:27 PM
Ambassador
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Yes. Normally they come via email and I reply. I also usually text or call. And so I also expect a confirmation when I have sent an offer

Jul 12, 2016 01:18 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

no you arent. it happens alllllll the time, a lot of the time. makes me sick. that is why (and im serious) when i list with someone, MY NUMBER is on the listing also as the developer. yes my number is on the listing as well. OR..they do not get the listing. I cannot tell you how much that has helped me

Jul 12, 2016 01:16 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I wonder the same thing, how do they STAY in business? Do they treat their clients that way and how can they get by doing that? Don't they want to sell their listings? One thing is for sure, the word will spread amongst agents and they get a bad rep as an agent you want to avoid.

Jul 12, 2016 12:32 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,592
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

You don't do business this way and won't be in business long if you do!

Jul 12, 2016 12:30 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I have had it happen and it stinks Hannah. Luckily most of the Realtors around my area I know and if I ever did not get a response I would look up their broker and call them.

Jul 12, 2016 12:30 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

My cell phone is my life line for agents TO reach me. My job is to sell homes and i cant do that if they cant reach me

Jul 12, 2016 10:55 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Hi Hannah, having a full mailbox is a mystery to me. If I am in a deal and need to contact them and their mail box is constantly full I call the broker to get the info for me. 

I work for my transaction NOT the other agent and I don't care if it ruffles their feathers.

Jul 12, 2016 10:20 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,407
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Yes. There will never be a shortage of bad agents.

Jul 12, 2016 10:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,634
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I respond to offers received, I return calls during my posted work hours.

I warn my buyers & sellers when an agent is a communication-red flag.

Jul 12, 2016 09:54 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Our mls will provide that agent's office and cell phone number, fax number and email address. I would try to respond alternatively if there was an issue with the cell phone not taking message. I would also text the cell phone. If nothing happened, I'd be "sending a message" to that agent via their broker in charge. That way, they'd be getting more than one message, if you get my drift.

Jul 12, 2016 08:58 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I'm always asking myself the same question Hannah Williams ... when I get a call, email, or text from an agent (or client for that matter) I make it a priority to get back to them in a timely fashion.  I can't tell you the many agents out there that I have NEVER gotten a phone call back ... I've had to baby-sit the deal all the way through to the closing and honestly?  I wish we could deduct our time from their commission check so they can see how undeserving they are of receive a full commission for Not Doing Their Job!

Jul 12, 2016 03:19 PM
Rainmaker
856,021
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Frustrating at best.  I know from the get go I will need watch every detail closer because most likely they will not be.  Mark

Jul 12, 2016 02:52 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I don't get this, either. Thank goodness I don't run across this very often in my market. 

Jul 12, 2016 02:04 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Hannah,

They will not be in business for long...A

Jul 12, 2016 01:03 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

There are all kinds of business models.  The one you mention is one of the most frustrating and I am sure we all have encountered at one or another. They are rare but annoying and I'm sorry you are experiencing this, Hannah.

Jul 13, 2016 01:25 AM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

This is so frustrating, and they are usually hard to track down through a transaction. I confirm with an agent when I receive an offer, and ask for the same when I send one.

Jul 12, 2016 11:24 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Oh Hannah Williams you are missing nothing - I wrote a blog post about this issue a few weeks back.

My question is why do sellers list with these types of agents - they do nothing at all.

It's amazes me daily

Jul 12, 2016 10:58 PM
Rainmaker
4,333,714
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

Just happened with us. Wanted to present an offer, and the Secretary said she cannot give out the listing agents cell. Tried leaving voicemail on office phone and mailbox was FULL! When I called back I was told to keep trying...Grrr!

Jul 12, 2016 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

If voice mail is full, i'll sent text and email, and in some cases I'll express mail docs to their office which usually is noticed by the broker.

Jul 12, 2016 08:43 PM
Rainmaker
608,881
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Hi Hannah Williams

I respond to all offers as listing agent. I thank them and their client for offer, and tell them I will present offer to seller and get back ASAP. I will let them know if seller accepted another offer. I expect the same professional courtesy as a buyer's agent. If I don't get a response from agent, after I submitted offer. First I give the benefit of doubt ( God forbid something terrible happened) then I will go to my broker. She will either advise me or she will contact their broker.

Threatening to contact the seller if they don't respond usually gets their attention an apology and response.

Jul 12, 2016 03:08 PM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

I get it and it happens a lot.  What happened to common business etiquette?  My question is how to their buyers and seller reach them?  

Jul 12, 2016 02:24 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I have had a similar situation once or twice and asked myself the same question.

Jul 12, 2016 01:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I respond as soon as possible, often with just "Received will review and get back to you."

 

The agent type you speak of does not get my business and is often trying to pull some shenanigans.

Jul 13, 2016 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I've never experienced that....but if I had when I was actively working, I'd show up in person at the office of that agent and speak with the broker/owner/manager.....someone needs to shake the B'Jesus out of that agent.... I can feel the tension building within me, just thinking about it!!!

Jul 12, 2016 11:32 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,153
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

This is a strange mindset where one is not contactable in a contact sport

Jul 12, 2016 10:59 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,381
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

If you are not available you are not a full time agent and are doing a disservice to your customer! 

Jul 12, 2016 10:32 PM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Seems ridiculous to me.

If an agent doesn't provide their number, or if the mailbox is full, I call the broker.

Jul 12, 2016 09:39 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

It would be common courtesy, but we all know dozens of agents who fit this description.

Jul 12, 2016 09:22 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

You are not missing anything Hannah Williams, but they are 'missing' more than I can write - mainly a possible sale as #1!  They are doing their clients a huge injustice and giving realtors that do their job properly a bad rap, and encouraging FSBOs.  Yes, I absolutely respond when we get offers, asap.  The other agent knows the offer was received (I do then review the offer to be sure it is complete and signed, dated, etc.) and is being presented to our client.  That is beyond frustrating!! 

Jul 12, 2016 03:33 PM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

I get back to all agents making offers; even if theirs was not accepted.  Likewise, I keep in touch (at least try to, for the same reason you noted) with listing agents where I forwarded offers.  Amazing that some state they are too busy to get back to everyone.  Really?  Are we talking 5 offers max?  I can feel your pain. 

Jul 12, 2016 01:54 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

When voicemail is full, you can always text.  But email alone without some other type of follow up - phone or text - is just not a realiable form of communication - is no longer viable.  I get about 500 listing spam emails a day, and it's easy for an offer or some other important to get lost in the junk.

Jul 12, 2016 01:33 PM
Rainmaker
805,799
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

I have to say I have never encountered that. But if I did, I would call the office and ask to have them paged if possible, if I had their cell I would text them and/or send them off an email.

Jul 12, 2016 01:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

TEXT.... Often I just go to his office look for him or broker.

We used to go to agents house handed an offer,

Jul 12, 2016 01:00 PM
Rainmaker
466,695
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Hannah Williams,

I am currently dealing with one, I have sent an email, called twice, sent a text and no response. Maybe they have full time second jobs and real estate is not a priority.

Jul 13, 2016 11:31 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Hannah Williams -we will always have a few 'bad apples'....!

Jul 13, 2016 03:44 PM
Ambassador
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Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I call their broker if I can't reach them in a reasonable amount of time (24 hours max)

Jul 13, 2016 03:30 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

No, I think they are the one's that are missing something.

Jul 13, 2016 12:44 PM
Ambassador
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Yes. I always do.  I wish I could get the same professional courtesy in return.

Jul 13, 2016 12:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I don't think you're missing anything Hannah. When these associates do get around to calling back I am happy to respond with we've purchased elsewhere, however, I appreciate that you took the time to respond, goodbye!

Jul 13, 2016 04:49 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

That's just wrong and a bad, frustrating practice.

Jul 13, 2016 04:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

No, I can't believe that some folks do business like this.

Jul 13, 2016 03:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

They must be part-timers? We always acknowledge offers and confirm receipt of our offers when sent out to listing agents.

Jul 13, 2016 02:39 AM
Rainer
56,940
Ari Taylor
Century 21 North Shore - Peabody, MA
Realtor with Century 21 North Shore!

I am always amazed when agents don't get back to you, or have full mailboxes. I had a client interested in a million + dollar property, I wanted the sale and I *thought* the list agent would too! over a week (he was also broker/owner with 1 aditional agent) Phone calls-mailbox full, text-no response, e-mails nothing-call to his one agent - "I don't know what to tell you" REALLY 10 days after my initial contact I accidentily sent him a text meant for my husband- that just said "Awesome" then immedietly let him know that was not meant for him-He responded right away, but never followed up when I attempted to make an appointment.

 

It's really the hardest part of the job, wanting to do a great job for your client and the other agent just wants the commission! I always awesome those agents aren't on activerain!

Jul 13, 2016 02:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I make every effort to return each phone call.

Jul 12, 2016 11:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Hannah Williams You can't do business this way! Not only is it the courteous thing to do it is also a good business practice.

Jul 12, 2016 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Many agents just don't care. 

Jul 12, 2016 11:29 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Yes, I respond!

   Agents who don't respond to phone calls and emails should have their license revoked.

Jul 12, 2016 11:26 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Hmmm,

Sometimes it is not the agent.

The title company I use most often had a 'disconnected number' yesterday.

My mail box was reported full when Sprint was monkeying around with the cell towers.

My email was held hostage for 18 hours last week by Time Warner for issues that were not disclosed.

When you live in a business that is reliant on so many middle-ware providers, you need to be cautious before blaming the end user.

Now, when I encounter a AGENT whose SOP is as described, I make them part of my listing presentation.

There is a COST in hiring someone else and it could sound like this "Voicemail Full."

When you called me, I answered.

Jul 12, 2016 11:18 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Automatically respond with "Email Auto Responder"...

Jul 12, 2016 09:59 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I am not having these issues.

Jul 12, 2016 09:54 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I wonder if ther is a way to make the mail box appear to be full if you want to avoid receiving messages. . I am sure they use it.

Jul 12, 2016 09:34 PM