I am sure there are several reasons why many of us don't pick up the phone every single time. I know many of the folks who are regulars in these forums would say that there are no excuses, etc., but here I will give you a few reason not excuses, but actual reasons why we don't pick up the phone every single time, the reasons that I would mention here are based on my experience.
1. I hear from many AM and bank executives that they don't answer the phone nor return phone calls, if anyone wants to reach them, they can do it by email.
2. All my listings have several picture and virtual tours on MLS and other websites. But I get phone calls from agents who want me to email them pictures to send to their buyers before they show the house.
3. Agent calls my office to ask me if he/she would be wasting his/her time submitting an offer for $75,000 on a $280,000 listing.
4. An agent calls my office and wants me to call my client and get a verbal acceptance for $14,000 on a $35,000 listing. Again he doesn't want to waste time writing an offer.
5. An agent calls me to see if the seller is flexible on the price or if I can go lower on the price.
6. An agent calls to know what are the conditions of the property before taking the buyers in, and they also want to know if the neighborhood is safe.
7. A neighbor call to see if someone will be moving into the house, because they don't like to live near an empty house.
8. For multiple offers agents always call to ask how many offers and if other offers are higher or better than theirs, and sometimes begging me to accept their offers because their clients are the best clients in the world and they really need to buy this house.
9. A potential tenant calls me asking me if the house with the "For Sale" sign is for rent, or to find out how much is the rent.
10.A lead generation company who wants me to pay them $5,000 up front to get 12 fair market seller leads in one year, and then 20% of the commission at settlement.
Replies
We all have those funny calls at times, but I think it's just (a small) part of our business. I've had buyers ask me to call to ask certain questions that I know will make me sound like I'm crazy, but if my client wishes me to ask I try. 99% of the time when I call it's usually because I'm at the property with my buyers, and I can't get into to a property that does not have the appropriate lockbox. SO, it would be nice if SOMEONE (it need NOT be YOU, the broker) answered the dang phone instead of getting your answering machine. I few years back I called an "REO" agent with a 'stupid' question BECAUSE my buyer wanted to me call right there and then, and he was extremely rude right then and there! I'm sure I'm not the only one who experienced this. I don't see many listings from him now, which is good because I would AVOID showing them whenever possible. No matter how dumb a question seems, I'll take a minute or two to answer it in the same manner as I would like it answered if I was asksing it. Bottom line for me is I want EVERY agent I deal with to LOVE showing my listings, and working with me...and I do my best to make sure BUYERS REQUEST viewing my listings too...here's a example of a VACANT investor's listing I STAGED(this word just makes me smile BIG) :) http://www.postlets.com/res/4332472
As a former Asset Manager and now, as a consultant, I can tell you that not answering your phone could surely cost you a listing.
However, here is my advice to help solve this problem (special thanks to an AZ client for sharing this with me)
This client carries a 'Bat Phone'. They have a cell phone where the number is only given out on their resume, or entered into the outsourcer, bank, Equator, Res.net, or other property management systems. That's it, nowhere else. This way they know that if this phone rings, it's strictly business.
The same could also be applied to emails.
Tony
Tony so you are saying that you get a private cell phone for your asset managers only email as well that you only give out to them is this correct? I have my asset managers numbers in my cell phone so i know if it is them that is calling me but either way I will answer or return the call shortly without a doubt. Very rarely do you talk to an asset manger on the phone they email you to ask questions this keeps a record of the conversation. I have talked to them when something was needed such as the pool that was making noises like a jetted tub and I need permission to get it taken care of asap it followed up with an email saying move forward.
Laura,
That is what I am saying.
It's good to have their numbers in your phone, if you already know them, but what about those that you have not worked with that could be calling you to list a property? If it's an area code you don't know or an 'unknown' caller then are you less likely to answer? If it comes to your 'Bat Phone' then no doubt you will answer each time.
:)
It is a great idea Tony, I also know some agents who have 800 number just for asset managers, they have two sets of business cards one for everybody and one set just for asset managers.
Tony are you going to REO EXPO? I would like to talk to you for a few minutes.
I am not going this year, though I wish I could because it's a great conference. It's too costly for me right now.
I can give you a call later if you like.
welcome to the club Marcy ;)
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