Sometimes.  I expect people's attention when I'm with them and try to extend the same courtesy, BUT there are instances where something is urgent.

For example, I promise that even if I can't attend a closing because of geography, I will be available during the closing in case my clients, their agent, or anyone else has questions while they're at the table.

I would be foolish to not schedule anything for that hour (if there were no questions/phone calls I'd have just wasted an hour) so if I have an appointment, I make the person I'm meeting with aware of the situation, and give them a heads up that if a call comes in from a specific person, I'll have to take it.

I think as long as you're considerate and give people a heads up, it doesn't come off as rude at all.

For all other non-urgent calls though, they can leave a voicemail.

the answer to that question for my team members is "no"....we do one at a time....that's what voice mail is for....

I am with Barbara Todaro .  Every client deserves your full attention, unless a member of the family is ill or dying.  A

Generally speaking no, I don't. If however I am in negotations, waiting for a contract, or it's a doctor I need to speak with, then I answer and excuse myself.

I agree with John's comment. Most of the time, my attention is focused on who I'm with, but there are occasions when I'm expecting an important call. I often let the people I'm with know this up front, and everyone seems OK with it and understands. 

simple one.  No.  One exception, it's a marketing call.  Your family doesn't deserve to be shortended either.  Simply, call the client back.  Otherwise, people will believe you don't value them or their time and it's all about you.

Sometimes. When I'm expecting a very important call or my wife calls I know I should answer. 

Typically not. But if I'm in the middle of negotiations on a property, I will tell clients up-front that I am watching for any calls that may come in.

If I'm in the middle of the conversation or showing, I would not answer. I would send a short text or call back very soon.

Gita Bantwal it depends whose call it is. Sometimes I do excuse the clients I am with - if it is really urgent and sometimes I text them that I will be in touch with you soon.

If I am with a client, they are my world for whatever time I have with them!

Depends on who is calling and where I am with clients.  Both my husband and daughter work in dangerous jobs so if it's them I answer.  If it's NOT an emergency then I let them know I will call them back.  And if I am on a dealine with an offer from a current negotiation I excuse myself and take the call if a party to that offer calls.  Mostly I give my clients 100%, but there are always exceptions.

I do not answer my phone when I am with clients.  They have my undivided attention.

Normally, no.  I set the phone to silent mode.  I use MrNumber to block spam calls.  If there is a special situation, I would give a heads up that I may be receiving an important call.

 I do not answer my phone when with clients unless I need to be available for something so urgent it cannot wait for a return phone call later.  If there is something pending that I may need to attend to, I let the client know in advance. 

My policy is to give the buyer/seller I'm with my full attention -- it's the respectful thing to do.  Generally speaking, when I'm with a buyer/seller, I answer my phone only if...

• I have reason to believe it's urgent.
• The caller is returning my call to give me showing instructions (on a property I'm trying to show the buyer).
• The buyer/seller and I are both expecting the call (usually a reply call).

Only after they sign the purchase offer

Most people are fine with you calling them back later so you can find a break in the action to respond. 

Sometimes, sometimes not.  It depends on what I am doing.  Never in a listing appointment 

Taking a call when you are with a client seems disrespectful. There's always the option to return the call promptly. We are not a fast food operation.

SOmetimes.  If I am expecting a call, i may even warn the clients it may come during our time together. 

No, with the occasional exception.  If I have let that client know ahead of time that I need to answer a call that requires my immediate attention.  And then I would try to arrange for the "emergency" to be addressed by text.  Otherwise it's rude.

Rarely. If I am actively engaged with clients I won't answer unless I know there is something urgent that I can't delay.

Very rarely.

Gita, I do not.  I will call back at the very first opportunity that I can.

Only if its my wife. She is an RN and can't be called back and only calls if its urgent.

Like Debbie Laity , if I am expecting an important call then I'll tell my clients beforehand that I'm going to have to answer that call when it comes.  If I'm not expecting any calls that can't wait, I turn my phone off while I'm with my clients.

I rarely answer my phone or text while with a client - there must be a very good reason, and if I do, I explain it to the client and get it over with as quickly as possible. As a rule, I put the sound on silent when with a client. I like to show them that part of the good service I provide is my complete attention to them while I am with them!

Usually when i am with clients no, i give the client i am with my full attention. If i am waiting for an important call though, some times i may excuse myself to take it in my private. 

I do not. I do get back to the caller as soon as I'm free of the current appointment. 

Hi Gita -- it depends.  If I am expecting a call that is related to the clients I am with at the time(such as lender, other agent)then yes.   If there is a critical(and rare) situation and I have explained to my clients upfront, then yes.   Otherwise, it would be NO --- I would let the call go to voicemail and return it as soon as possible depending on the message left.