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Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers, Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty (Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area)

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Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

For me it's not always about answering, but more about getting back to the person in a resonable amount of time. Say a call back or email/text within an hour instead of 2 days.

Oct 29, 2015 03:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
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 completely agree. We are with clients, in training, eating lunch, performing tasks that require focus, etc. I do love the guy that answers in the men's room...wow! I make sure to flush during his call 

I think, what rational people would say, is that some specific people have earned a reputation for never answering-ever, while most others answer when they can and certainly would return the call if callers wouldn't "just hang up without leaving a message".  They are just as bad. I do not call back missed calls.

Or the won't answer, but will text you back immediately folks.

I'm old fashioned I guess; I answer when I can, return calls to messages-not missed calls and I do have after hours and days I'm off, so no, I won't answer 24/7. I won't during a client meeting ever and in most cases I won't "click over". Doing so would communicate "sorry, this may be more important than you are." Yikes!

 

Oct 28, 2015 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
175,614
Spirit Messingham
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
Third Generation Full-Time Realtor® 520 471-6900

That is easy.   Always answer your phone if you are available.  I never tell a person to hold on, let me answer this other call.  That is rude and not professional, when it beeps, the other person can hear it too.  But not rushing off, you just earned a bit more of their respect.  Call the other one back when done, simple.

Oct 29, 2015 06:12 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Tony and Suzanne,

It is easy to send a text saying, I am on call, wlll call you when I am finished!  We do it, and people appreciate it.  A

Oct 29, 2015 12:31 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Just like those people who say they are available 365/24/7 --- I certainly hope not!

Oct 29, 2015 12:03 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I totally agree and speak to only one person at a time.. Leave a message and I'll call you right back as soon as I'm done with the first call. It's only polite.

Oct 28, 2015 11:50 PM
Rainmaker
4,333,772
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

That's one of the benefits of being a Husband and wife team...We can do 2 things at once ~

Oct 28, 2015 11:46 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I answer my phone when I can. I DO NOT take calls when I am driving or when I am with clients... PERIOD.  I am not a computer. I am a human being.

Oct 29, 2015 09:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I WISH I could pick up every call and have it be an opportunity to provide assistance to a client or potential client. However, thanks to telemarketers, I often have to wait for a voicemail to determine if the call is legitimate. If I know the caller, and am on the other line, I will text them to stand by for my return call. If I do not know the number, I will wait for them to leave a message. If they do not, I will assume they do not wish me to return their call. I realize that this shrinks my pool of millennials . . . LOL
My outgoing message also informs that callers can text me.
When you're good, you're busy! I don't expect people to just pick up, and as long as they return my call or drop me a line during that business day, I am good.
My peeve is when agents NEVER return calls or respond to emails that you know they got because you track them!

Oct 29, 2015 03:49 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

There always seems to be another call coming one while I'm on the phone already!  :-)

Oct 29, 2015 02:59 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tony and Suzanne Marriott usually when I am on a call with someone, I text them (most smart phone has this ability) that I'm on another call.

And yes, you are right - I am not hung up on taking all the calls.

Oct 29, 2015 02:04 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I try to answer but it isn't always possible - 

Oct 29, 2015 12:03 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

we always answer the phone, if we are not on another call.... however, if we are on another call, we will return the call immediately....

Oct 28, 2015 11:43 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

there are apps avail on cell or land line to roll over to an assistant. or a colleague . that ensures a intelligent human answering. :)

Oct 28, 2015 11:41 PM
Rainer
69,134
Christine Gerbehy
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox and Roach Northfield - Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Making waves, one home at a time...

You're human, lol!  You can only take one at a time.  BUT, I have a coworker that LITERALLY is texting somebody else as she's on the phone with you!  It's incrediby disrespectful (imho), and I would NEVER...

Nov 01, 2015 01:37 AM
Rainmaker
516,437
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

I usually let the person leave a voicemail, unless it is a call I have been urgently waiting for.  You can always ask the person your on the line with politely to hold on, then answer the other call and either handle the situation, or call the 2nd caller right back. You could also tell caller 1 you have been waiting on this call and can you call them back.  My phone now has the option to where I can send the person a message while I'm on the 1st call to notify the 2nd caller I'm on the phone and will call them back shortly.

Oct 31, 2015 08:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

People are not courteous as before. When someone dialed a wrong number they do not say sorry I call the wrong number. They chose to hang up. Rude manner.

 

Sam

Oct 30, 2015 11:34 PM
Rainer
68,845
Sandra Graves
Keller Williams Realty - Folsom, CA
Realtor

I can multitask most of the time, but when it comes to talking on the phone, I can only focus on one call at a time. I also don't answer the phone when driving. I'm not the type of person who gets worked up every time the phone rings. I will get to it as soon as I can.

Oct 30, 2015 03:04 PM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I pretty much manage it. Every so often I send a text, but generally when my phone starts ringing, it will ring about 8 times before going to voice mail. That buys a few seconds. If I've been talking to a client for 10 minutes when this happens, I'm generally pretty well wrapped up, and then I do wrap it up and take the next call. I might ask: are we finished? I have another call coming in. I'm a master at answering my phone primarily because I dislike voice mail.

Oct 30, 2015 02:21 AM
Rainmaker
440,656
Shirley Coomer
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living - Phoenix, AZ
Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az

I think most people are looking for their call to be answered immediately but a close second is a timely call back or a text you will call shortly.  I don't answer the phone when I am with clients. I think it is rude and sends a message that they are not important. Nothing is worse than someone trying to juggle 2 calls at once.  Have you ever been in a store talking to the clerk and they answer an incoming call?  How irritating. 

Oct 30, 2015 12:52 AM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

It's more about the return call like others have mentioned. I constantly receive compliments from new clients appreciating my quick response.

I know I have called some Realtors about their properties and have not received a call back.

Oct 29, 2015 10:27 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Which do you think would be better for your business:

  1. Always answering your phone.
  2. Never answering your phone

Walk towards the one that makes the most sense.

Oct 29, 2015 09:40 PM
Rainer
446,414
Raul Rodriguez
Covenant Partners Realty - San Antonio, TX
Looking out for the client's interest and not my p

Answer, don't answer, but do respond to messages. That's the least one can do.

Oct 29, 2015 09:20 PM
Rainmaker
786,080
Claude Labbe
RLAH / @properties - Washington, DC
Realty for Your Busy Life

If I can take the call, I will.  If I'm driving (depending on conditions), it may go to voicemail.  If I am on the call, I do hope the calling party can hear the distinctive ring that alerts them that I'm on another call.

If they leave a message, they get a call back.  Some people will simply be calling to give me intel and will alert me that they don't need a return call, they know I got it.

If someone calls from a # I don't recognize and they don't leave a message, it's most likely I'm not returning that call. 

Oct 29, 2015 01:44 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

Realtor on demand!   Check out his Craigs list ad.... just refer to this guy when you  know you are  going to be with your family  on vacation or sleeping.  

 

 



Oct 29, 2015 01:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,577,943
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I can send a text while I'm talking. I have a saved message which says I'm on a call and will call them back when I'm done. 

Oct 29, 2015 09:41 AM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

True, one cannot always answer the phone but there should be systems in place to take care of emergencies. I have often called agents there are situations that are pertinent to their livelihood or the property. 4 or more hours to return a call is ridiculous!

Oct 29, 2015 09:37 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

The autoresponders work beautifully in these situations. If it is a new prospect and they are not willing to wait a few minutes and be respectful of my time and other's time, then they are probably not someone I would want to work with anyway. Let them dial on.

Oct 29, 2015 08:32 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

Eh.  

Oct 29, 2015 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

My clients are important.  So, if I am on the phone with a real live client, and I miss a property call, so be it.  I have a life.  Sometimes I play with my grandkids, go to a movie or visit with friends. Unless I know it's a current client calling, I do not answer.   And I don't take the phone to the bathroom. 

Oct 29, 2015 06:48 AM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I dont even try to answer it all of the time, that is why I have a voice mail system.

Oct 29, 2015 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
32,051
Amelia Robinette
NoVa House and Home - Frankly Realty - Falls Church, VA
Education, Innovation, Service

Has anyone else experienced the kid effect? I swear that my daughter has always had some sixth sense about when I'm on the phone - even now that she's an adult!

She could be happily playing, sleeping, or otherwise entertaining herself for hours, but as soon as I answered or made a phone call - she appeared. Mom, Mom , Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom. Even now it seems that during important phone calls is when I get urgent texts from her.

Always make me chuckle when clients or friends call and immediately their kids become needy.

Oct 29, 2015 06:06 AM
Rainer
183,407
Judith Sinnard
SMARTePLANS; Houston, Texas - Houston, TX
The SMARTePLAN Lady

It's kind of a curious circumstance .. in  many ways "realtors" are perceived to be available 24/7 at the drop of a hat, largely due to their own marketing. But this is uncommon among other industries. (ie do you call your child's teacher, or your doctor/dentist, or even your landscaper or contractor at any hour of the day expecting them to respond immediately?)  And soooo many try to meet that expectation (which I find unrealtistic) but by their very efforts they perpetuate and reinforce the expectation... rinse /wash / repeat.

Oct 29, 2015 06:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

The invention of the answering machine was created because . . . 

 

Oct 29, 2015 05:56 AM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

If I miss the call, and I often do, I don't fret about it. I just ask myself, was it "really" an opportunity, or just a phone call?!

 

If they just dial another agent, then their loss. They don't get the benefit of working with a Realtor who is a professional, and who will do the right thing when it comes to working with them.

They most likely just got another "salesman" who just happens to have his/her real estate license. 

Oct 29, 2015 05:43 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

True, one can't always answer your phone.  Though, when dealing with an Internet lead, typically if they don't get a human, they will not leave a message and just call the next agent until they get an answer and your opportunity will be lost.

Oct 29, 2015 04:55 AM