Cleveland Real Estate And More

Great post, Dan & Amy!! I added that question to my client meetings awhile ago and it's VERY helpful!! We all have to remember though that the preferred method isn't always the best method at times... For example, I have many clients who prefer to email but there are times when it's necessary to pick up the phone & have a verbal exchange. That way I can be more confident that the intended tone was used, necessary information effectively received, etc.

That's a question I ALWAYS ask - Critical - So many people have a preferred means of communicating and if you're on board with that - you're going to be more successful.  

Yes, so important!!! Our office just had this topic discussed in a meeting. Some people want to be called about everything. Some just prefer an email with details so that they have everything in writing. Everyone is different and if you think you are doing a great job communicating and yet you are communicating in a way that they do not like, all the effort is lost. Thanks for bringing up a great subject!

You are right Dan and Amy. Asking for their preferred method of communication saves a lot of time for the real estate agent. This way you are not contacting them 100 times the wrong way. Example via email when they only check their emails once a month. Thanks for sharing your post.

Dan, We run into that regularly.  Some folks rarely check email, others need the phone call, and some are VERY text oriented (and they're not just 20 years olds that way).  Knowing what works for each of them keeps us out of trouble for "not communicating".

Good morning Dan and Amy. This is a very important thing and I am sad to say, it never occurred to me. I always get their email address etc, but never thought to ask this question. Suggested.

Good point Dan & Amy.  If my mother was your client you better stop over at the house as she is hard of hearing.  My neice will only communicate via texting.  So on and so on.  Keep the line of communication open by finding out how the client prefers to communicate with you.  I also ask, 'how late is late?'  My mother does not want visitors or callers after 9 pm, but a buyer waiting for seller response is sleepless until they hear back from you.

Love the graphic with this post.

Dan and Amy, This makes great sense to me, since it all about what our clients prefer. I have to remember to ask that question more often, since I know that communication is key to a good relationship.

Suggested too!

You are right.  that is an important question.  We all know how important communication is, but we have to remember to use the right type of communication.

Dan - this is soooo true.  And, I actually mentioned it last night on a comment I left on someone's post.  You need to adapt to their preferred method of communication.

Best to find out up front...........I prefer to be contacted by e-mail.  It's much easier for me to respond much quicker than to returning a phone call or leaving a message.  Great post!

Excellent tip Dan and Amy. I usually just kind of go with the flow and learn how they want to communicate with all 3 of the examples you mentioned. Great idea to ask upfront though. Congrats on the feature! Well done!

Very good post Dan and Amy. Thank you for placing emphasis on the communciation style not reflecting that of the agent, but that it's more important to reflect the style of the client.

I have spent the past few years training my clients to text and email.

When I first started in the business four years ago, I had a client who preferred texting. I didn't have texting at the time. He was shocked. It got it shortly thereafter.

 

Dan and Amy, way to really hit it out of the park....what a creative blog, I really enjoyed it, have a great day – Jon

Excellent point, here in Manhattan New York, everyone is always at work or meetings and want to be discreet on the phone, so texting and email is usually the best method. We always ask our clients and ensure we are speaking their language in communication method!

I am designing my own website and last night I was working on my capture page and I was contemplating if I should put in this field. Do you think it is a good idea to give them an option prior to getting the listing or buyer??

Dan and Amy - Very spot on with this post. In this technological age we live in we must all agree where we will meet in communications. It can get pretty scary fast if you don't.

Thanks for pointing that out!  I added it to my client questionnaire just now.

Good morning Dan and Amy.  I always get my clients  email address and cell number along with any other form of communication device, such as Facebook, My Space or Tweeter. Just as you mentioned. It might not be the way we communicate in our everyday life's but its the way our clients communicate. Great post.

God Bless

Dan & Amy:  I think we all get the email and phone.  For me, I have had a huge increase in texting. Many are on the go, they wan't to be informed, they may not get email on their phones, and they want to get notified immediately.  Have to be careful with an audit trail, though. Great advice.

Hey, Dan,  Great reminder !  So many of us forget that the customer may, or may not, be comfortable with our preferred method of staying in touch !  Just met another clcient who has no email !

Such a great reminder! Sometimes we are amazed at the answer, so it is always a good idea to ask this question. Some people simply don't like or want to talk on the phone, while others prefer it.

Great post and something I need to conciously add to my repertoire! Also, this shows a deeper level of interest on the Realtor's part to want to communicate effectively.

Great conversations. I have been using Xobni which integrates well in my Outlook and Gmail.  What happens is that when I recieve an email from my client(s), Xobni will scour the web and find all their social links like facebook, twitter, linkedin.  This will immediately see how social they are.  This gives me a headstart before I ask them.  Have a great day!

One of my clients wanted everything in writing, but since we have worked together now for awhile, we often have long phone calls. But I always follow them up with what we discussed, just for the record.

this has been in my buyer's agency agreement since 2003 and is very effective for knowing how to communicate with clients. I have found that if we do it their way instead of our preferred way, things go a lot more smoothly. Plus, you have to make sure you're not unintentionally causing harm to your client as in the case of many government workers who cannot receive email or calls at work.

I've seen far too many agents lately who hide behind email and texting so it's good to know what works best for your client.

Nice post!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read and comment. I promise to respond to everyone as soon as I get a chance.

Thanks for the post, a seemingly simple question that is often overlooked.  I must admit I am guilty.  If a client surrenders an email address I work on the assumption that is there preferred method.  When in fact, that is not the case.

Great Tip, I started asking that question a little over a year ago.  I'm making less phone calls and sending a lot more email.  Easier for me, and better for the environment.

With the younger generation it is almost always texting.  They may start out with conversations but soon they are texting.   I do agree that sometimes we have to have that actual conversation as it is important right now but texting seems to be the new wave.  Although a lot of the younger ones do read their emails all day.  Have to say I don't but ........................

Great post to remind us.

Faye--we don't all love text messaging! I for one am not a fan, but I guess it get's the job done! :) Another great question I love to ask is "WHO IS YOUR AGENT?" Especially in an open house. It always catches people of guard and forces them to give a straight answer.

Great advice Dan and Amy!  I always ask this question.  Likewise, I always tell my clients the easiest and quickest way to get a response from me.  

Agreed. Very important question. I ask that question in our first meeting, so I will know how to connect with them next. I also ask for times that are good to call. I have some clients who are elderly and will only talk on the phone until 6:30 pm, etc...

Great post and I hope we can work together sometime!

Great Post.  Some of my clients are old school.  Telephone not even cell phone.  Some are new school - text messages with abbreviations I don't understand.  Some who should be old school floor me with text messages and sayd IDK...Like I have to ask my son what it means. 

Such an important question to ask - and then to honor the preferences of that client.  Funny how trends have changed, too, so that I am encountering people who really don't want email, just text messages.  And many who never check phone voice messages, so trying to leave important, time sensitive info that way is a recipe for disaster! 

So true.  Some of us forget it's about the client.  I like to email.  I can do it any time of day but some of my clients have email but never check it.  What good is that!

Dan and Amy - This can make such a big difference.  I had a client who chose not to work with someone else because that person wanted to insist on email.

Dan & Amy, This is a great tip.  Sometimes we get so busy, it's easy to forget.  Thanks for the reminder.

Agreed! Some people love texting, others hate it. Some prefer email or cell or land lines. Always ask.

Brenda - Agreed, some situations dictate using one means to communicate over another.

Marcia - It certainly does make a difference and I think clients appreciate it.

Diane -  I learned the hard way about 10 years ago. I thought I was doing a great job communicating but in the end, the client didn't appreciate my calls/messages. Unfortunately, I didn't learn until she filled out our survey after the transaction closed. 

Web Tech - Thank you for reading and we appreciate your comments.

Bliz - It makes life so much easier when you and the client are on the same page about how to communicate with each other.

Sheila - Hopefully you will start using it and it will be helpful. Hope all is well in Central Jersey, that is where Amy grew up.

Mary - You bring up a great point, how early/late can I call you? I think I'll add this to my list. it's also good to let clients know my limitations as I'm usually done communicating at about 10PM, unless we're negotiating of course.

Jerry - Thanks so much, Jerry. I think once you get in the habit of asking this question, you will find it very helpful.

Gary - Thank you for reading and commenting. Using the right type for the right situation makes sense as well.

Debbie - I think it is all part of the service we try to provide. Funny thing is that no other professional has ever asked me this question.

Roger -  Nice to hear from you. Do you ever text?

Mike - Thanks, Mike. You should try asking up front and I think you'll find it to be helpful.

Charita -  I think they appreciate us adapting to them, because that's what service it all about, right?

Intero - Email and texting is so much more efficient. A few years ago I didn't text much, but have found it to be my preferred method at this point.

Tammie -  About 3-4 years ago, I had a client who started texting me all the time and I didn't even know how to check my phone for text messages. My wife clued me in and then I started texting the guy.

One thing I forgot to mention is that I also ask this question of the other agent when I'm working on a transaction.

I will respond to everyone else tomorrow.

Hi Dan and Amy,
Thanks for sharing.
This is a well deserved feature!
Sometimes we get caught up with deadlines that we forget the little things that could make or break a sale.
Asking our clients preferred method of communication shows we care and want to serve them.
Thanks again for sharing!

When you client tells you their preferred method of communication, you had better be ready to respond in the venue. Can you imagine if you client said that she is an avid texter and you are not comfortable with texting?

Hi Dan and Amy - Using the preferred communication method(s) of the client helps to maintain proper communications since the client may not check other communication methods frequently.

I love it when I ask that of my clients and they tell me they like to text.  It's so easy when it's a busy day to get just quick updates to and from.

Yes, and asking them how frequently they would like to be updated is also a great idea. And I like to let them know that they can contact me anytime between the hours of "blank & blank", and that they are never bugging me.

A also tried your colorizer page at Sherwin Williams, what an incredible resource! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Dan and Amy. This is such a good point. It's important to remember also to know the method of communication your contracters prefer otherwise you and your client won't receive prompt service.

Good post and to the point.  All parties to a particular transaction should be asked this question.  Thank you for the post.

I always respond the same way I was contacted unless I get an email or text asking for a call.

I have an elderly client now who doesn't use a computer or cell phone, so it's the good old fashioned way.  But actually, I'm finding that personal visits work for her the best!

Although that might work with an agent with relatively few listings, when you are maintaining 30 to 40 at one time, it is really impractical, if not impossible.  First off, trading phone calls with at least half of your clients who were not available when you called becomes endless phone tag.  Those are time eaters.  Add to that, when you get on the phone with a client, it's rarely a short talk.  It can last 10 minutes easily.  Multiply 10 minutes by 30 clients, and you're talking about 5 to 6 hours.  And those doesn't include the time you spend trading calls.

 

It would be impossible for m to maintain my portfolio in any other manner than email.  I update my clients every single week and at the end of every email, I remind them I would be happy to discuss the report with them personally by phone OR email.  I have a rule of thumb.  If a client is going to ask me to work differently than I do for my other clients, i will just graciously pass on the listing.  There are plenty of fish in the sea.  I have to set the rules, and I can't make exceptions.  Just a different way of working I guess.

Great post and great reminder - the client's preferred method of contact.  After all, we do work for the client.

Great post and great point!! I also find that along with what is the best way to communicate, the next question is what is the best time to contact you. Some clients have jobs where they can text or email me all day at their leisure but others have certain times they can chat and that is just as important to know. I always ask this as well because I would hate to be texting, calling or emailing at times when it is not appropriate for them..

Congrats Dan & Amy for feature blog!  It is a very good point in this modern world to communicate the way the client likes to communicate.  We have never had so many choices in this modern world! 

  Remeber the good old face to face and the handshake! I think things were a little esasier than today!

 

  Thanks So much! Have a great day!  Carefree Marilyn

 

 

Dan and Amy this is a fantastic subject. My preferred way is email becuase i can update every client in mere minutes and from my office, home or car. The best point in your blog is it is not about me, it is about them... if you are an agent who strives to provide great service, needs to know how your client wants to be serviecd.

It is all about knowing the customer. Use whatever works. Like many thing in business today you have to go with the flow.

Dan/Amy, you made a great point here.  It is what the client feels comfortable with.  The majority of our European clients prefer Skype over e-mail - and as much as I would have liked to correspond by e-mail, there is something to be said about face to face that actually brings better results. 

Dan & Amy, good topic.  Tom, great reply.  You are getting at my issue; what is the most efficient way for me to communicate with clients.  Different methods of communication suit different purposes.  Texting is great for quick yes/no contacts.  Plus, I learned to touch type in high school, I can hit 60wpm on a good day.  Thumbing on a smartphone does not come easily to my middle aged digits.  Lengthy discussions where you need a paper trail are better suited to email or phone conversation with pencil & pad in hand.

Ask the qeustion, but be prepared to explain that the best customer service comes from clear communication using the right tool for the purpose at hand.

I prefer to take control of communication by saying:

"I find that email is a great way to communicate because it gives us both a paper trail, for future reference, and we both can send and receive communication at our own convenience.  IS THAT OKAY WITH YOU?"  I've never had anyone object.  That being said, I do call clients about every two weeks if we haven't talked during that time.

Hello Dan and Amy... this adds to one of the ways to improve my service. Thanks for sharing

Common sense but not commonly practice.  I use Slydial to go straight to voice mail to save time.

You're right about that. Especially these days where there are so many more methods of communication than there used to be - email, texting, Facebook, etc.

Great blog. I would also add that if telephone is their preferred way I always tell them. "If I don't answer please leave me a message!" I try to drive this point home early on by not answering my phone when I'm with them.

GOOD MORNING DAN!  I find it to be a fun thing that we are both featured on the same front page!  And I love this question - I once had a client say to me, "I have a phone - but don't expect that I will call you back - it's easier if you just email me."  With so many different ways of communicating to make it convenient for us all - makes it all the more reason for us to ask other which way is best!

Customer Service means making your clients/customers feel good about you and what you are doing for them...and that especially means communicating with them in a way that is comfortable to THEM, and not the easiest fopr me...

Good post... pleasure to meet you...

I think that is a great question and ask it all the time.

Great points.  And, as Dane Walker mentions, frequency of communications is important as well. Some people want to be informed of every little change and some people don't want to be bothered too often.  To my mind, ideal frequency for sellers is once per week and as necessary based on activity.  My buyers like the automated feed of new listings and most want every new listing by email as soon as it comes out but some may prefer a daily summary or just a list before weekend viewings.  As a Realtor, you need to balance your customer's desires with what is necessary and reasonable to balance your time.

Also, as Hella mentioned, it is always advisable to follow up verbal communication with email or some other form of documentation so you have a record of what was communicated and when.  If it comes to it, email, text messages and other electronic communications are admissible in court in my area - I imagine it is true in most places now.

It is  a great question and thank you for reminding me because I'm starting to stray from asking it.  Email will always be my favorite.  In many situations, a paper trail can be important.  Just a week ago I reminded a Client of a concern already voiced earlier in the transaction.  He said "I could have sworn you said jus the opposite a while back."  In 5 minutes, I located the email with the earlier statement of concern which was exactly the same as the current statement of concern  and sent it to him. 

Congratulations on the feature, Dan and Amy. This is a question I'm going to ask from now on. I prefer e-mail because it is less intrusive and provides a record of exactly what was said. But I've also found that the tone of e-mails can be misinterpreted based on many things. So a phone call sometimes works better, depending on the client and situation. Asking the client which method they prefer but also letting the client know the best way to reach you seems the best way to go.

exactly....never assume because you live on a computer that everyone else does !

I always inform my future clients that the most effective and efficient means of communication is via cell, email and fax, so which one of these works best for them? Since almost all my future clients and clients are business owners, they should all have an email address and fax, however, if not I'll refer them to another Realtor.

oooh, thanks for the reminder.  I had started doing this but have lapsed.

 

Great post!  That's my first question!  

 

On another note, your "subscribe to my blog" button is disabled...

I agree, this is one of the most important questions to ask.  I also like to find out how early and how late.  I know with email it does not matter, but with phone it does.

Amen. I work with seniors in Sun City Shadow Hills and while most are comfortable with email, there are a few who really prefer the phone. Thus far, no texters.

Such a simple question, but one that can determine the course to a transaction. Great post.

That is so correct and I have that habit even of my family these days.

This is a good question to ask, I usually just go with what MY preferred form is (email). But I know there are some out there that don't like email and prefer phone, or even text.  I don't ask this question right now, but I will start -Kasey

Great post and great idea!  Too often I communicate the way that works best for me. I guess it's time to change my thinking.  Thanks for sharing!

Dan and Amy, thank you, this is so important, but I think a lot of times we forget that people are different, we get too comfortable in our own ways. I have found that many of my customers like to text, which is excellent, they can ask a quick question whenever it pops up and I usually give them an answer within just a few minutes.

Let me tell you... That was the hardest question I ever had to learn to ask.

 

I used to email and call 100% of my clients... ONLY... Then customer communications changed and I did not comply. This lead to lots of problems. I HATE HATE and in case you missed it HATE texting. I think it is an awful form of communications. But  now have an unlimited texting plan so I can communicate the way these client like.

Lesson learned

I always ask this...usually at the end of our conversation.

 

Frequency is also important, some need very little communication and once a week is fine and others seem to need daily contact for every question imaginable.  Texting is fine for short answer items, but sometimes a phone call can solve in a minute or two the same question(s) that take multiple texts spread over many minutes.  Balance between all methods is required.  I usually followup with an email to summarize the conversation and have a better records.

Ask and you shall receive, as the saying goes.   The more questions you ask the better.  This way you'll know.

 

Patricia Aulson/ Seacoast NH & ME

Great reminder to always make our transactions all about THEM!  Congratulations on the feature.

Here is another spin on it.

I let folks know that I have short-term memory problems.  So my preferred medim of communication is email, so that I have a paper trail to remind me who said what, and when.

NEXT, I ask them what is their preferred medium of communication.

If they say "phone", I let them know I will call them, then follow up with an email stating what I heard them say, so that they can be sure I heard them loud and clear.

Erick

Great point.

I prefer my clients to text me... In this case I can respond to them right away.

Thanks and have a great day.

Thank you Dan and Amy for this post. I agree that we need to ask this question but we also need to make sure our communications have the effect we want them to have. Sometimes talking to someone is the only way to save a transaction. Communicating through text and email can come off as very cold and threatening to some. No matter if they are the ones suggesting it.

I do this myself.  Got in the habit after a very young married couple bought a house from me.  I rarely talked to them, but we sent text messages a lot!   We have a lot of retired folks in my area too.  Some prefer just the phone but some prefer email or text.  I love the text method!

 

Agreed! Some of my clients prefer email, some only text, and some call me 15 times every day. It always all about the client and what the client wants, not what you prefer to do.

Great question it should be asked early in the process..

 

 

 

I could not have worded that better myself and this exact topic came up in our office this week. Clients definitely have communication preferences and assuming what they are can lead to inefficient exchanges of information not to mention frustration...and sometimes a complete breakdown in communication. Thanks for beating me to this blog - it was definitely on my radar!

Great post, I really like to use email. It gives me a source to reference back to if I ever question a comment or question my client had. Thanks for sharing.

Good questions to ask and I'll include it in my listing presentation.

This is so simple, yet I have not bothered to ask. Well, may be once or twice I have, but it is in deed a crucial question since we now face such a variety of age brackets purchasing homes. Thank you!

Definitely depends on the client.  It also depends on the agent and how busy (or not busy) they are...

Jon - Thanks so much for the kind words.

Morgan - Sounds like you are on the ball!

Rosalie - I'd say discuss it at the listing/meeting.

Lisa and Robert - Thank you for reading and hope all is well in NJ.

Rebecca - Glad you found it to be helpful.

Mike - Nice to see that you take it one step further by getting FB and Twitter info. I may have to try that.

Barbara -We've seen an increase in texting and I happen to enjoy it personally. I started texting back and forth to Amy whenever I have a question and need something, not when we're in the same room though:)

Bill - We don't get many folks who don't have email. They tend to be a challenge to communicate with at times.

Chris - Everyone is different, so it's worth asking.

Sibley - It's good in many ways. I hope you start using it.

William - I've never used Xobni but it sounds great and worth looking into. Thank you for sharing.

Hella - Record keeping is very important regardless of how we communicate. Some sort of written communication in the file is always good to have.

Reba - Sound lik you've been ahead of the game for a long time.

Kris - I guess we never know their preference without asking. I guess we could assume young folks like to text, but you never know.

Virginia - Sounds like you are becoming more efficient as a result.

Faye - Every situation calls for different kinds of communication. Lots of things can be texted or email but I think serious conversation should be dealt with either in person or on the phone.

Stephanie - Another great quetion.

Lisa - Great idea. Telling them about OUR preferred method is smart as well.

Karen - Nice seeing another local here. Good point about discussing times and I need to do this more consistently. We would certainly love to work with you.

Bonnie - It all keeps you on your toes and shows our need to be open to change.

Agree and find that a lot of my clients prefer to text message and will readily answer to text messages as opposed to often not answering their phone because they are at work or other reasons.

Have you noticed there is an "age bracket" that prefers texting over emails or phone calls?

Nancy - That's key. Asking is great but honoring their request is critical.

Nancy - I like text/email but if someone prefers to call, we'll do what makes them happy.

Christine - Proves we must be flexible. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Elyse - You're welcome

Erica - Best to ask and not assume.

Wandanna - It's all about service and will lead to happy clients and referrals.

John - Great point. Those that don't text better start learning.

Marc - Agreed. Some folks do a little of everything but prefer one means of communication over another. some simply won't do certain things and that's why we need to know.

Randy - Texting is great!

Dan - Great question! Setting expectations on your availability is very smart. Glad you find the colorization tool helpful as well.

Vivian - Great thoughts as well. Asking contractors AND the other agent you are working with as well is smart and will help the transaction move smoother.

Lawrence - You're welcome

Alan - Sounds like a good practice

Melissa - We should always do what works best for our clients.

Tom - There's no right or wrong way to run a business, whatever works for you. All those little calls do add up.

Karen - Yes we do!

Shelly - Great point. It's good to get in the habit of asking the best times, even days to contact them.

Marilyn - The days of face to face meetings and handshakes aren't completely done, but more rare.

Scott - It's all about service and making our clients happy.

Bill - So true.

Ellie - That's fascinating that you work with so many clients who prefer to Skype.

David - Very well thought out comments. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Great blog! I also want to add that it's also something we have to respect with other agents as well. I usually ask that agents text me their showing requests & it is interesting to notice how few people take notice & still call. If I am busy & can't answer my phone that sometimes leads to an annoying game of phone tag!

It is on the checklist....along with vacations, any family gatherings we need to know about in advance, etc.

Great post; and thank you for sharing.

Good advice.

Good point.  I tend to use all the methods of communicating with everyone, but you are so right.  Knowing the preferred method would be very helpful.  I will make sure to ask that question from now on.

I think that is a good idea.  Some prefer the phone and others like e-mail.  Some like to text.

All too true! Can't take it for granted that young people want e-mails or that 55+ don't want text messaging!

Margaret - Taking control vs. giving options....very interesting. Glad it works for you.

Maria - You're welcome.

Son - Seems like a lot of folks are addressing it with their clients in some manner.

Patric - It will be interesting if anything new comes up in the next 5-10 years.

Andrew - Very good point. I always make a point to shut off my phone during our first meeting.

Gab - It was very cool seeing us next to each other. Hope all is well.

Focus - Nice meeting you as well.

Laura - Glad you ask this and thank you so much for reading and commenting.

Peter - Dan and Hella brought up some great points that I will be adding. It's also good to follow up important email if you haven't heard back just in case they go into bulk or trash.

Beverly - A paper trail is very important which is why email works well.

Ann - Email is great but you're right in that it can come across much different than a phone conversation. Face to face also allows for a lot of non-verbal communication, which is often helpful.

Sally - Thank you for reading and commenting.

Kimo - No email, no fax = no Kimo

Greg - Glad the reminder is helpful.

Dagny - Thank you so much for bringing this up. Don't know how that happened but I think I fixed it.

Linda - Great thing to ask. I will add this to my list of questions.

Joy - I would imagine seniors don't love texting. My parents tell me that it's hard on their eyes and they prefer emailing or the phone.

Patrick - Simple yet important.

Charles - Me too. I did get my parents to start emailing and Skyping and our communication has gotten much better.

John and Kasey - Try it and your clients will appreciate it.

Cookie - change is good.

Erna - Our clients are all different. We have notes in our files telling us who likes what.

Richard - So, let me get this straight, you hate texting:)

Tom - Glad to hear it.

Steven - Well said, very good points. Thank you for adding to the discussion.

Patricia - Questions are good as long as we listen.

Cara - It's always about them.

Erick - That's an interesting spin and seems to work for you.

Tatyana - Texting is easy and quick. Enjoy your day as well.

Michael - Good point. I find us going against our clients "preferred" means of communication if we think the situation warrants it.

Pride - Seems like the young folks love texting.

Jayson - 15x a day---teach them to text:)

George - Thank you so much for commenting.

Charlie - Maybe you can write something similar with a different take. The comments alone should provide some good ideas. Let me know if you end up writing something.

Janine - I agree about email being good for a paper trail. We often ask our clients to follow up a conversation with an email just to have certain things in writing.

Denise - Glad to hear you will start using it.

Michael - You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the post.

Taft - Yes, everyone has to determine how to operate their business. High volume listers simply may not have a lot of time to be on the phone with all their clients.

Derrick - Good point. Some folks cannot take calls as work but can text.

Anne - In our experience, younger = text, older = phone and face to face, but there are always exceptions. We had a younger client tell us he likes to sit down and talk face to face, so that's how we communicated with him a lot.

Monique - Awesome point. We started asking other agents and it is very helpful.

Don - Great. Congrats on your recent feature as well.

Maggie - You are very welcome.

Jim - TY ( that's my text lingo )

 

Dan & Amy, that is excellent! Most of the time we simply assume a text or cell call...not necessarily their choice.  At my company, this question does come up on our listing agreement for sellers but it's not generally asked otherwise. Good post and congratulations on your feature.

Yes this is so important is how we are communicating and how often should be agreed upon from the beginning.  I have some clients who do not email and still uses faxes.  Nice blog.

How about "I we find the perfect home, and I'm not saying we will, but if we do, will you be ready to but the home today? (sort of Floyd Wickman Style)

We added that a while ago as well and I especially love the answers of text or email...since it is quick and efficient.

Phone calls and face to face is necessary in a relationship too....but for showing requests, my favorite is digital.  Joy

Great question to ask, however, the conversation should always be followed by an email "... as we discussed earlier on the phone..." this will avoid the "you never said... you never told me... that is not what you said... it was not clearly stated, etc."

Great reminder, love the point that we need to ask them how they would like to receive communication.  I realize now that I normally inform the client how I communicate.  Will use this for sure going forward.

Ellen - I bet your clients will appreciate that you ask them.

Gene - Since they all communicate differently, we might as well taylor our communication to what makes sense for them.

Vickie - We can assume but it's always best to ask.

Ruby - Thank you so much for your comments.

Tamara - Once in a while we get clients who don't use email/fax and it does become a little challenging.

Tony - That's a great question to ask, one that we use as well.

Joy and Jeff - We get a lot of agents that call and ask us to call them back with feedback. Personally, I don't see the need to spend 5-10 minutes on the phone discussing a home my buyers don't want to buy but we'll gladly give feedback via email.

Maria -Following up with something in writing is always a good idea.

Sandy - I hope it helps.

Good question to ask right away instead of the trial and error method. Although, in this litigious society having in writing important points that have been discussed can be invaluable. Disclose, disclose, disclose.

 

Dan and Amy, It can make a big difference on how they perceive the job you do for them!

Good point Dan & Amy. I always ask the same question. i Love it when they like email - so much easier to keep them informed. Lately I've been running in to a number of clients who prefer the telephone. Some who don't have internet access, or don't use a cell phone. You'd think in this day and age that would not be the case. But they are still there! Gotta ask!

Great reminder! I will add it to my questionnaire as well.    I find that sometimes the method of communication I use is also dictated by what I'm discussing with my clients and how they tend to handle things. I recently had a client who preferred phone calls, but his attorney and I found that he had convenient memory loss and would often say,"but you never told me..."   With him, I found it was best to reinforce everything in writing!

 

 

Yes very important,  I have clents that don't even have emial and others that only respond to text.

Isaac - Backing up important conversations in writing seems to be a popular thought here.

DeeDee - So true, happy clients lead to referrals and repeat business.

John - I do find it challenging working with people who don't use the internet, especially buyers. It's been a while though since we had this type of client.

Rebecca - Makes sense that you need to adapt depending on the situation. It's never bad to over-communicate though.

Michael -  It makes our job interesting though, doesn't it?

I've actually had people tell me their preferences before I asked, which prompted me to add that question to my tool box. Great point!

So very true. Most people my age would prefer text messages as do I.bo

That is something I have not been asking but probably will after reading your post.  Thanks!

Blake - Glad to hear you are using it.

Sean - We like texting as well.

Lucien - Hope you start using it.

You are so right Dan & Amy.  ".... this isn't YOUR preferred method, it's about what YOUR CLIENTS want" ......  it's all about active listening isn't it. So often, so many try to assert their "correct" way of communicating. We need to get over ourselves ot "connect" with our clients.

 

Thannks for this.

Ranji - You're very welcome. Thank you for reading.

as much as I don't wantto admit it, you're right!  I often want to communicate via text and email but know at the end of the day it is what the client wants.  But when communicating with agents, that's a different story! 

 

 

The answer to this question is in how they initially communicate with me.  I do still ask!