Over and Over I Need To Be Reminded

I periodically have to stop and remind myself of the importance of communication when dealing with clients. 90% of the problems between clients and agents could be resolved with good communication.

One important reason people want to use agents for RE transactions is so they don't have to worry. If someone has a full time job and they are selling or buying a home, they want an agent to handle situations, forestall problems AND to communicate this on a regular basis. It gives clients confidence when you give a detailed report of what is going on and what is being done. Email is good for this but phone calls help even more. 

Even if a house is not selling, a listing agent can save a listing by giving honest information on a regular basis -- not making excuses but letting the seller know what is going on and letting them know you are creatively thinking about the home and how to sell it. Clients want and need reassurance, plus it strengthens the relationship and when tough subjects need to be addressed it's easier to address them rather than avoid them.

Also clients love information, statistics, trends, numbers showing you are on the top of what's happening. Gaining the confidence of a client puts you in a partnership relationship where you are both working together toward a goal.

Another thing is clients need to relieve frustration when the stress of a real estate transaction mounts -- being the sounding board is helpful, it keeps stress from becoming anxiety or anger.

And, it's simple. You just report what you're doing, and inform. If I had to pick a complaint that comes up most often when someone is expressing displeasure with a previous agent, lack of communication is number one.

Comments

[Vance Shutes]

Mike,

Oh so true! Effective communication can prevent most problems in our business. Our clients expect effective communication from us. I'd rather have a client say "Enough!" because I'm giving them too much information than to have them walk away from me because I've been lacking in communication.

[M. Farmer]

Yes, if I err, it will be on the side of excess.

Thanks.