Special offer
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS, South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker! (Fathom Realty Washington LLC)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Setting expectations from the start can help and not working with people who don't match your work style is another

May 24, 2019 07:26 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I can't remember the last time I worked with a client who demanded instant gratification. I set expectations up-front with my clients on how I work and they respect my boundaries because they understand them and why I have them. Someone who refuses to respect my boundaries and time would not be a client for long. That being said, unexpected things do come up and I try to accommodate as best as I can (especially favorite clients).

May 25, 2019 05:00 AM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I do the same thing, Paul. You know, I do try to accommodate as often as possible but, if I can't fit them into the calendar, they are always good with waiting. 

I will say this, if they are in a popular price range, I will drop everything and take them to see something so they don't miss it.

May 24, 2019 10:03 PM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I have my time block set, some times are non negotiable, and a few blanks are left open for those unanticipated things that come up.  When someone needs something that my assistant cant handle they get scheduled during one of my available slots.

May 24, 2019 07:40 PM
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

Well? Do you feel lucky?

May 24, 2019 07:36 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,595
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I always kept my agenda very loose Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS .  I rarely boxed myself in time wise. The most time I would ever ever block off for any one client was half a morning or a half of an afternoon. That would leave me plenty of flex time.

May 24, 2019 07:22 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not - have not run into that in 16+ years. I just d\on't take on more business than I can manage. I am very responsive to my clients. Sometimes more so than even they expect. 

May 25, 2019 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I do what makes sense. If I am not available, I make other arrangements. If that is not suitable...well you can't please everyone.

Yet...I strive to deliver to my clients.

May 24, 2019 07:13 PM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I can't imagine not having my day set out before me, well in advance.  I don't take last minute appointments and neither do my Sellers who demand at least 24 hours notice of any showing.  For example, last weekend was a holiday for Victoria Day.  It is the first long weekend fn the Summer and people are busy in their gardens or opening up their cottage or out on the water boating, etc.   I have a guy from your part of the world demanding to be shown thru several of my listings, all high end for this area.  I explained to him that they were not accepting showings over the weekend but would be happy to during the next several days after.  He went ballistic stating his time was money,  lol.  When I stopped laughing, I explained that he was in Canada now and that my clients valued their time over his money and that we obviously were not a good fit.  (He called 3 days later requesting an appointment!)

May 25, 2019 10:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,197,072
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

adjust if I can but not a big fan of oiling a squeaky wheel.

May 25, 2019 09:12 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

There is truth in the saying "the squeeky wheel gets the grease."

May 25, 2019 07:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I find that if people are not good at waiting at least a couple of days, they are not very good clients in the end. The ones that demand instant appts, etc suck as clients. They are like energy vampires & have a low success rate.

May 25, 2019 05:29 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,387
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

I always had flex time built into my schedule, but never let any one client dominate to many slots!

May 25, 2019 05:12 AM
Rainmaker
901,535
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

Yes, I set the expectation up front when we first meet. I schedule gaps (aka appointment time) in my calendar because people will need to look at homes at the last minute. Homes here can go quickly. If I have someone who has to buy vs. lookey loos I will make time for them. If I cannot and it is a perfect home, I'll get a showing agent to assist me. It's not a fool proof schedule but, helps tremendously.

May 25, 2019 05:12 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Michael Jacobs has the answer Paul.

May 25, 2019 03:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I used to, now I don't!

May 25, 2019 05:43 AM
Rainmaker
2,241,022
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

You can lay the ground work for what your day ahead is going to look like. But shifting gears when a change of plans is needed takes thinking on your feet and asking questions.

The demanding customers... are they qualified, cash burning a hole in their pocket to buy today? Of have to sell a home first that is not even on the market, has no buyer hooked in, etc? Like an ER, it is triage with the eenie meenie miney moe on who you work with.. who you can help at any given moment Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS !

May 25, 2019 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

In our market, if the client is a buyer, I'm glad they want instant gratification because the next instant the property will be gone. So, I either help them during the same day or find someone on the team (or in the office) that can. 

Seller's not quite as urgent but again, someone that wants to meet and act fast is the kind of client I want more of. Bring'm on, I'll figure out a way to service them.

May 25, 2019 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

If you want to grow your business then you have to conform to the client base. If you are in an area where most clients expect fast responses then that is how you respond. If you have a business already built up to your satisfaction then you can do whatever you want.

May 25, 2019 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
805,799
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

I try to accommodate the best I can, but if I have others scheduled I tell them that I will fit them in. 

May 25, 2019 05:03 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

YES and it drives me crazy. They dont want me to answer my phone when i am with them, but they want the phone answered when i am with anyone else. They dont value my time

May 25, 2019 01:19 PM
Rainmaker
911,328
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I remain as flexible as possible, but I can only be in one place at a time.

May 25, 2019 09:06 AM
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 set boundaries and expectations one day one. I rarely run into to someone with amnesia, so moving forward, we each know what we've agreed to.

May 25, 2019 07:02 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,163
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

When on a mission I invite communications thus satisfying the need for all

May 25, 2019 06:25 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Depends on the situation.  If it is a listing or buyers rep appointment, I can adjust my schedule.  

May 25, 2019 05:33 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Yes, I've had those type of clients.  I just move along and if I'm really busy with other clients I let them know that I can't get back or respond to them until xx time.

May 25, 2019 05:47 PM
Rainer
117,135
Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

If you think about it, biuying or selling a house is the biggest thing people do. SUper stressful and high pressure for an individual who may only do this once or twice in their life.

If they see a house online that they fall in love with and want to see, you better believe I will do my best to show it to them.

Of course, once under contract, I set expectations on time frames, etc

May 25, 2019 10:01 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,057
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

If you want their business, you may need to meet their needs.

May 25, 2019 09:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

yes.  

May 25, 2019 08:11 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Paul,

I agree with Michael Jacobs .

May 25, 2019 08:03 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I do whatever is needed to keep them happy.

But that will be completely in compliance with the welcome message.

Gratification will come at 1 and 6 PM, if they leave a clear message stating exactly what they need.

Sometimes the voice message is a great filter. "Please call me back" is NOT a clear and concise message but IS an attempt to jerk the chain.

May 25, 2019 05:21 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

I would pass.

May 26, 2019 08:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Agree with Michael. 

May 26, 2019 05:17 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,605
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Paul,  I figure I only had clients like that.

 

May 26, 2019 07:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

I try to accommodate within reason BUT I do let them know this is a business and certain things should not be expected.

May 26, 2019 04:10 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,482
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I do have a client like this right now.   THEY want instant gratification, but never answers the phone or reads email timely.

Jun 11, 2019 12:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Yes, it is the reality of our time. Everyone wants the answer fast. 

May 26, 2019 11:57 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Most people understand that I'm one person.  I never want my schedule to compromise their progress to the goal line though and will bring in back up as needed OR alter my agenda if it really shouldn't wait.   "Drop this second and run" though will NOT happen. 

May 26, 2019 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

we have our limit....and when we reach it, it's not pretty, but we able to finish the deal....

May 26, 2019 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

In my experience, the "instant" ones were not the "real" buyers, so I learned to let them go to find their instant gratification elsewhere (or waste someone else's time...). Serious buyers with whom you have a relationship should respect your time and schedules.

May 26, 2019 04:53 AM