Special offer
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098 (PMI. Destin)

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Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I LOVE text & email.  It is when I have to speak to people on the phone that the relationship goes south!    Too many people in love with the sound of their own voices!

Jun 13, 2016 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

It's up to the client; I ask. If they do not specify preference:

  1. Most keep in touch, questions, concerns, strategy meetings, updates on problem resolutions, etc. Phone.
  2. Weekly Listing Updates & regular Escrow updates: e-mail
  3. Quick questions & coordinating: text

When you demonstrate that you took the time to call, it shows your client you value them (has little to do with loving the sound of my own voice). However; I always ask my clients what they prefer. Some clients would never answer their phone; text is their main method to communicate with me.

Jun 13, 2016 10:34 PM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

Most seem to be more receptive to text or email as a primary means of communication, but every once in awhile there is someone who only wants to talk on the phone. I prefer to have a trail of text to follow.

Jun 13, 2016 10:24 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Phone, email and a very rare and short text further into the ralationship.

Thos who want to remain anonymous texters really need to work with someone else, I dont have time to waste on these people.

Did you see Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers 's question about some texter, I would have never went past the second text with that person before picking up the phone and talking.

Jun 14, 2016 06:05 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

My preferences are:

1.  Face to face

2.  Phone

3.  Email

4.  Text

5.  Smoke signals

Though, I will defer to the wishes of my customer.

Jun 14, 2016 04:57 AM
Rainmaker
30,283
Jody Bruns, CDLP
Jody Bruns, LLC - Aurora, CO
Niche Marketing Expert in Real Estate & Mortgage

Phone call for initial consultation

Email for updates and needs

Phone call for "Your Loan is Approved and CTC!" and any issues that come up because I'd rather have the opportunity to speak directly to the client and explain what the issue is with the opportunity to resolve it quickly rather than letting them get worked up. 

A bottle of good wine at the closing table! LOL

Jun 14, 2016 12:50 AM
Rainer
69,794
Shawn and Angela Miller
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Amabassador Real Estate - Lincoln, NE
Lincoln and Omaha, NE REALTORS®

Our client loyalty and relationship buidling starts when we meet in person.  The younger generation can build relationships easier via text and email, but lacks loyalty building.  However, aside from that, we like to utilize email and text unless it is something that need to be explained via a phone call or is too long to type out.

Jun 14, 2016 12:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Sure, what the hell I've learned to go with the flow. Is it 'my' way to communicate by text - no but it doesn't matter what I think.

If fact, I just did a deal with an agent that insisted that he talked to me by phone & I know he is younger than me. I told him flat out - no way. Email me & that's it. Then he tells me I never answer my phone - only when you're calling dude about the same things over & over again.  Get an alzheimers check.

Jun 13, 2016 11:37 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

In the beginning, I ask: what is your preferred method of communication?

Jun 13, 2016 11:18 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Lots of phone calls ... then email ... text is my least favorite ... and texting is mostly due to other agents texting me ... not clients. 

Jun 13, 2016 11:05 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Text has taken over as a natural event with phone call if necessary. Amazing

Jun 13, 2016 11:04 PM
Rainer
428,933
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

I leave this "mostly" up to the person that I am working with.  However, when it comes to "important" conversations, I believe a phone conversation followed by an email is a much better way.  People that I am close to don't always interpret my texts the way that I intended and this becomes a slippery slope with customers.  Oh, and about that voice texting........LOL

Jun 13, 2016 10:37 PM
Rainmaker
382,160
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

It really depends on the Client! Some only want text and email, some phone calls. I like to start with a face to face and phone call, but as time goes on texting seems to be the most proficient.   Almost all younger people simply text and that is fine with me.  

Jun 13, 2016 10:30 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

It really depends upon the person & what is being communicated.  I prefer first point of contact (when not in person) to be via the phone.  Text and email have a place but there are times when it's imperative to speak directly so that tone, inflections, & content can be immediately understood.  I do ask new contacts what their preferred method is. 

Jun 13, 2016 10:28 PM
Rainmaker
2,241,053
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Rarely is it one trumps another and using a combination of all available technology works best. The best communication is when the buyer or seller don't have restrictions of 9-5 M-F and the connection is any time of day or night, no matter where their location or weather. Stock your websites with videos, lots of information so they can help themselves. Not have to chase, wait, gets bits and pieces of what they want. Put everything online so they don't have to hunt your down. Hands crossed non verbal communication does not help the back and forth, no. Be warm, friendly, helpful in your texts, phone conversations, email and video online presentations. All of them.

 

 

Jun 13, 2016 10:19 PM
Rainer
29,244
Kevin Morris
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty - Danville, PA
Real Estate agent serving danville and surrounding

Good question Peter.  I think that there are realtors who aren't interested in a relationship. if they were then they would treat the people that they work with a bit differently. 

Jun 13, 2016 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

All firms of communication is expressive in some fashion. As long as you are able to get your point across it should not matter. The issue is miscommunication is our biggest enemy when we do not read, or listen to what others are saying.

Jun 13, 2016 10:07 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

All - text becoming more common (now that I can save them for the communication log).

 

and

 

yes

Jun 13, 2016 09:49 PM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

I try to go with the client's preference, but I advise them not to leave me a voice mail.  I tend to overlook voice mails, sometimes for days.  If I don't pick up when they call, I tell them, send a text or email.

Jun 13, 2016 09:11 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

All of the above... it depends on the clients.. but for 99% of clients it's a combination of all those methods of communication depending on what needs communicating and when.

Jun 13, 2016 08:49 PM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

All of the above, depending on the info being communicated.   There is a purpose for them all. 

I am not a fan of ALL non-verbal communication.

Jun 13, 2016 08:44 PM
Rainmaker
533,993
Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

i hate to say it, but i have embraced texting.  i really like having a written record of all communications

Jun 17, 2016 12:24 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

What ever form of communication the client prefers is what we try to do.  However t here are always times we just pick up  the phone. 

 

 

Jun 16, 2016 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I use texts the most. Also emails. My preferred method though is an old F2F and  a phone conversation. 

Jun 15, 2016 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

I've closed a few deals with nothing but communication through Facebook messenger.  I do what my clients are comfortable with.  

Jun 15, 2016 07:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Our communication with our clients consists of phone, email, text and in person.

Jun 14, 2016 03:00 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

My clients love to text and it doesn't matter what age they are. I still will call because some things shouldn't be sent by text or email.

Jun 14, 2016 02:46 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

100% set by what the client prefers.  I'm flexible.

Jun 14, 2016 02:42 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

For me it depends on what needs to be done.

Text: Short, tactical communications.  Ex: Did you receive my email?  Can someone show the house at 6?

Email: Documents, things that need explanation but won't draw questions, price changes/official listing requests.

Voice: When a topic needs that "back and forth" discussion.  When a "personal touch" is needed.

 

Now with that all said, I always ask the client how they like to communicate.  Some hate texts and only want voice or email.  Others want texts because they can get them in a meeting.  Some are voice only.

 

I think a relationship can be built regardless of the method of communication.

Jun 14, 2016 01:10 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

I like the phone.  Honestly I ask my client and we communicate which way works for them.  If I have a question that can be easily answered I will text or email.  

Jun 14, 2016 01:01 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Phone whenever possible, then E-Mail...seldom a text.    I have little to no problems with mis-information passing between us.

Jun 14, 2016 09:13 AM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It depends on the other party, the nature of the communication, where we are in the process and their preferences. I have developed some terrific relationships with buyers and sellers before we ever met and before they wanted to share a phone number, sometimes over many months. Like my blogging, they got to know me pretty well, what I know, and how I work from extensive emailing

Jun 14, 2016 08:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Depends on the client. If I can generalize, I find that older people prefer phone calls, younger people prefer texts, and people my age prefer emails.

Jun 14, 2016 07:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Email first, then phone and then text.  Of course, it's client preference as well.  Non-verbal . . . why I'm doing that now!  So naturally, I do think I can build any relationship that way.  Pen pals, letters, newspapers . . . nothing spoken at all, but read still communicates thoughts and ideas.

Jun 14, 2016 07:10 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I would argue that this type of communication is only verbal with no non-verbal, which is what makes it so tough to develop a deeper relationship.  You can't hear a tone of voice, inflection, etc.  

Jun 14, 2016 04:51 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Email for longer communications, text for quicker, short ones. 

Jun 14, 2016 03:35 AM
Rainer
5,734
Kathy Knight
Lannon Stone Realty - Oconomowoc, WI
Serves SE Wi, Waukesha-Jefferson-Dodge-Walworth Co

Texting is great when you have no time to talk but need to answer a question quickly for a customer!  I will talk and email too but it depends on the circumstance.  

Jun 14, 2016 02:45 AM
Rainer
32,857
Leanne Carpenter
RE/MAX Realty Professionals - Mobile, AL

communication should be both verbal and non verbal because verbal you discuss important things and nonverbal should be used for signing documents or letting them know updates. With the world evovling to nonverbal you still need to talk to your clients at least every now and then

Jun 14, 2016 02:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

mine was always by phone.... and I followed up with an email so there would be a paper trail.... always....

Jun 14, 2016 01:58 AM
Rainer
556,031
Joan Valverde
HomeSmart - Colorado Springs, CO
GRI,CDPE,CNE,MRP,SRES Colo Sprgs, Blk Forest, Monu

I find it really does depend on each client.  Whichever they like to do.  I do like to speak with my folks to really get their pulse on how they feel.  Real life communication tells you the truth, and they can hear that I care too!  Of course email is great to keep a trail of what is going on. 

Jun 14, 2016 01:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,291,481
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Depends on the client (and their preferences).  Depends on the topic or need for communication too.  Some info or questions translate into quick communications, like texting, better than others, Peter Mohylsky.  I think we've reached that point where most people are so familiar and comfortable with these mode of communication that relationships begin and are built upon them ...

Gene

Jun 14, 2016 01:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

It all depends upon the preferred communication method preferred by our clients.

Jun 14, 2016 01:17 AM
Rainmaker
440,656
Shirley Coomer
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living - Phoenix, AZ
Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az

I always ask what their preference for communicating is when we first meet.  Some people cant get calls during the work day (or work in an area of limited phone access).  There does need to be verbal contact  for items of importance, but texting or emails for other follow-up items may also work.

Jun 14, 2016 01:16 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Over 80% of the WORK is done via texting.

100% of the relationship is build via voice. Only when relationship exists does the texting option become acceptable. And voice could simply be, "Do you prefer texting?" Oh, how I hate emojis.

Unfortunately, the client who prefers the telephone call is often lonely. That creates another issue.

Jun 14, 2016 12:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Absolutely.

You get leads from eMail why you can not get it closed same way.

Many referred agents I only talk to them a couple times and meet them after closing.

The younger generation may be sitting next to you but will not engage in any dialog he is out texting you 5 feet away.

Jun 14, 2016 12:30 AM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

In scheduling appointments for my listings text is best as well as most quick updates. I find that my clients also,prefer this method. Those that prefer to talk, and talk, and talk often have nothing to say and they like to take a long time to do that. Email is also right there with texting. I like the documentation as well.

Jun 14, 2016 12:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I have several out of state investors is based on emails and texts. Yes, it can be done.

Jun 14, 2016 12:14 AM
Rainer
56,684
LeAnn Sink - Realtor Knoxville, TN
United Real Estate Solutions - Knoxville, TN
#ThinkSink when you need an agent.

My personal choice is email and then text, but I always let the client take the lead. I will always ask how they prefer to communicate and most always they say email. Then when I mention text, their eyes light up and they get super excited like they didn't expect to hear that from me. I just say, "cool!"  

  Sometimes, it is necessary to call so I don't neglect the power of a quick phonecall to save time, energy and sometimes frustration.

Jun 13, 2016 11:44 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I communicate in the way the client wants me to do.

Jun 13, 2016 11:36 PM
Rainer
225,526
Bob Betel
Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc. - Sweetwater, TN
President, Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc

Mostly by phone, as it is faster. But some like to text or email, so I go with the flow. I find that my best relationships are because of verbal communication.

Jun 13, 2016 11:36 PM
Rainer
358,136
Blatt + Cutino
Coldwell Banker Realty - Monterey, CA
Broker-Associate 831/206-8070*Call today*

I take the clients lead. Our initial meeting is face to face and I ask their preference of course. Talking to a client is important to maintain the relationship. Text/emails great during the escrow..

Jun 13, 2016 11:33 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Peter Mohylsky Whatever method the client prefers. Non verbal communication may be the only way you can communicate with them.

Jun 13, 2016 11:32 PM
Rainer
22,242
Sherrie Stone
Xpress Property Resource, Inc - Tampa, FL
Real Estate Redefined

Depends on client.  The larger percentage seem to prefer text and emails these days. Text and emails are great for time management.  However,  I prefer calls to ensure my perception of the text or email was their actual question, concern, etc.  Emails and texts can be perceived very differently on my end and the clients end. 

Jun 13, 2016 11:21 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Prefer the phone or persoanl meeting! Some people preffer text or email and you have to honor the preference!

Jun 13, 2016 10:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

For updates, it is email, for important things, phone

Jun 13, 2016 10:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

It depends on the client.

Jun 13, 2016 09:49 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

A combination usually works the best. Finding out how the client likes to communicate is beneficial..it's all about the clients need.

Jun 13, 2016 09:47 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Phone, personal contacts and email. Email can be very effective in maintaining contacts.

Jun 13, 2016 09:32 PM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

A combo is ideal.  I don't think non-verbal by itself works very well, but it's find and often helpful after you've met and/or spoken on the phone.

Jun 13, 2016 09:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I have no preference, it's the customer's choice although I do think that consistency matters. Relationships can be built however they're usually strongest when the foundation is made face to face.

Jun 13, 2016 09:06 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I start with email usually, unless the customer contacts me directly - which happens quite a bit

Jun 13, 2016 09:02 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

It sure is not our favorite way to communciate..we let the client choose but try to sprinkle in some old fashioned conversation.

Jun 13, 2016 08:53 PM