Effective communication is a vital part of the relationship between a real estate agent and a client. Conversations may include confidential information, crucial deadlines and honest discussions about finances.
In recent years, options for communication have exploded. Digital forms of communication now dominate modern culture. Real estate professionals and their clients no longer need to rely on phone calls and face-to-face meetings to conduct business. Emails, texts, FaceTime and various social media platforms are now at their fingertips.
While having multiple forms of communication available can be useful, it can also overwhelm the client and the real estate agent. Several suggestions for clearing up communication confusion can be found here. Read on for a sampling of communication tips focused on enhancing the relationship between the real estate agent and the client.
Phone Etiquette
Although communication is evolving, telephone conversations remain a primary way for real estate professionals and their clients to stay in touch. When calling their real estate agent, a client should leave a concise message if the agent doesn’t answer. A client should also avoid calling the agent multiple times. An attentive real estate agent will return the call when they are in a position to direct their full attention toward their client’s concerns. This etiquette rule also applies to texts, emails, and social media messages.
Respect of Time
Real estate agents are focused on their clients and want to be available to them as much as possible. However, it is important to recognize that agents need to manage their time. Other clients, work-related responsibilities, family responsibilities, and personal needs are also a part of an agent’s life. Phone calls, texts, emails or social media messages sent by a client in the late evening or during holidays may not receive a response until the next day.
Discuss Communication Needs Initially
Discussing an effective communication strategy before hiring a real estate agent can eliminate potential misunderstandings. It is important for the agent and client to decide on a communication method that they are mutually comfortable with and will respond to promptly. It is also critical for both parties to agree upon a form of communication that will work best for confidential conversations or the transfer of private information.