Realtors Don't Bite - Okay, okay, like the next guy (or gal) I don't like to be hounded by salespeople. So, I can understand a person's hesitancy to share their phone number with me on the first e-mail contact. But at a certain point, if you want the benefit of my YEARS of real estate experience (and we all know there's no better teacher than experience), you're going to have talk with me on the phone or in person.
Most of my clients are repeat or referral and I feel SOOOO lucky to be able to say this. It makes everything so much easier when the client already knows me, or their good friend or cousin or uncle Bob knows me, so we have a starting point. They call me on the phone. We make an appointment to meet at my office, or the local coffee shop so they can get more comfortable with me, ask me questions, determine if I really know my market . . . or maybe just to make sure I don't have two heads . . . whatever the motivation, we usually get comfortable with each other quickly. This is important because they are going to spend some time with me and they are going to need to trust me.
But lately more and more people are making their first contact with me through an internet search. This is wonderful. There are so many internet tools out there now and I try to give the internet researcher accesss to good tools. But the email dance can be frustrating.
I had an internet contact today and, while the person typed in their phone number (I assume it's a real number - it didn't read 888-888-8888.), but following the number was a message DO NOT CALL MY NUMBER - JUST SEND THE INFORMATION I AM ASKING FOR - I WILL CALL YOU IF I DECIDE TO USE YOU.
Well, in my book they are already "Using Me" So, I sent them the information that they requested with a message that I would love to talk with them in person and really explain the information in depth. I told them I wouldn't call them; I wouldn't hound them. In truth, I'm pretty busy with the clients that talk with me in person and on the phone and, anyway, it's just not my style.
While there may be some Realtors that bite, I'm just not one of them.
Very cute blog - not only the doggie pic.......but love your 'hat' phone..:-) I don't send info anymore to people who use that approach....They won't know me from the stats I provide - and anyone can provide the numbers.....so I'm hoping these messaged me because they read my website profile or blog - and if they liked me enough to message me - I would hope that I would have the courtesy of a phone conversation as well...:-)
From what I've seen of internet buyers and sellers, most are at the beginning of their search process and usually want general information. They are different to work with at the begining, and many will eventually make contact. Some just want information and nothing more. It just depends whether you're willing to be patient.
I will say that my repeat and referral clients, of which I'm lucky enough to have as most of my business, come in much more ready to listent to my advice.
I agree, I know the emailers might end of eventually calling, I don't have the time to waste with them now. I will email them once and if they want to talk to me... we will do it by phone. I don't bite either.
Robin - I manage my wife's web sites and I have to agree most Internet customers do not want to be hounded and many do give false information for that very reason. Your guy sounds like he has already made his decision as to whether or not he is going to use your services or abuse your services.
Great post, keep them coming it is great and informative reading.
Liz - Thanks! I'm a beach girl so spend a lot of time in a straw hat.
You are probably right about not spending time on people who approach you in this way. What's the likelihood they would ever become a client anyway? And, if they did . . . hmmmm . . . I like to LIKE my clients and in this case we wouldn't have gotten off on the right foot.
Christine - You are so right . . . I wish patience was one of my virtues!!! I'm more of a "let's get going" type.
I am one not to bother someone, if they dont want to be bothered I wont
Yes i don't hound them either. The consumer will chose who they wish to work with.
Thanks
Tom Davis
DE Realtor
Judy - Yes, I'm with you. Thanks for the comment.
Jim - I understand that volume is the key with the internet. And patience!
Hey..that looked like me this morning.....I love it.....don't call me I'll call you......but you know what, when I am on the Internet...I do the same thing with other services...so when I see that on my site...I get a chuckle....
sounded like somone was just wanted to steal your information. I wouldn't have called either
I believe in being professional persistant. If you are sensitive to the feedback you get you can adjust your approach. I have received requests like the one you've described. I no longer send them anything if they use that approach.
Barrie - I will remember the "abuse" versus the "use." Sounds like you are the expert in this! Thanks for the comment.
Greg - Thanks so much for reading and for the kind words!
Bart - Yes, who has time to "bother" someone? I'm not doing this real estate thing just for the grins and giggles (Although, I do get plenty of those!)
Tom - I agree - thanks for your comment.
Konnie- Hmmm . . . I don't do a lot of inquiries via internet, but if I did, I would expect to get a response and it probably wouldn't occur to me to say "don't call" - especially if I plugged my number in.
Dave - Well, like most Realtors, I give plenty away for free.
Joe - I'm with you. If it starts off like this, I can't imagine it's going to be much fun. Real estate is stressful enough when everything is going well . . . I always want to interject some fun! Thanks for your comment.
Todd - Interesting approach. I ususally call right away if I have a number, but if I'm specifically asked not to call I honestly wouldn't feel right doing so. There's also that "Do Not Call List" to contend with.
I also agree with your approach
Steven - Thanks for your comment Steven. I always want to treat my clients, and potential clients, as I would want to be treated. Makes for good real estate transactions and long term relationships.