Some Realtors JUST don't get it!

I have always heard from "Them" (you know those "experts" - not sure what makes them experts - but they are); that most dissatisfied home buyers and sellers say their #1 complaint from their Realtor was lack of communication.

Well three times in the past month; I have been told this; once from a buyer and twice from sellers. They all "fired" their previous agent because of poor communication. It completely mystifies me how someone can say their agent would not return calls or email promptly. One of my buyers said it would take a week to get a return call from his agent. Some new sellers said it was "difficult" to get a response. What is "difficult" about answering a phone or email?

I just do not understand in this day and age of (almost) instant communication; how agents cannot communicate with their clients. I carry a blackberry basically 24/7. I can fire off an email answer in minutes. If I am with a client, I will most likely not answer my phone; but I will return calls the same business day. (Calls after 7pm will be returned by noon the next day; unless of course we are in the middle of a negotiation - then I seldom sleep!).

However last week I had a first hand experience with the agent who can't communicate - at least not to MY expectations.

My expectation: You return my call in a couple of hours / at least in 1/2 of a day.... you know during the business day. I start work between 8 and 9am everyday....

I call you at 6pm and tell you an offer is on my fax machine to you. Please present it to your out of town client and let me know what they say. You say "I will, right away". I see 'right away' as 6:15pm - at least by 8pm! (It IS your ONLY Listing... how busy can you be?!)

11am the next day... I leave a message "What did your sellers say?" No answer....

4pm; I call you again (since you have not called me back) and ask "How is coming along?" You say; you are waiting to hear back from your seller.

7pm I leave a message.

NEXT DAY... (now my Buyers have not slept for TWO nights and I am ready to slap someone!)

I call you at 10am and leave a message.

Another message at 4pm.

9:15pm you call me and leave a message; "Well I guess you are busy, I tried to call, but you didn't answer. My seller is sending the signed offer back - all set."

...When I get in from walking my dog at 9:20pm.. I am annoyed....

If I was their client - I would have fired them! You can't even return a phone call until after 9pm? I don't get it! I set the expectation in the beginning with new clients. They know how to reach me and if they have to leave a message; when to expect an answer.

Buyers and Sellers.... If your agent is not communicating with you - you deserve better!!!

Call James for all your Real Estate needs and questions; servicing Virginia, Maryland and the Greater Washington DC area.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 100
Washington DC 20016
202-351-5800 Main Office
Licensed in DC,MD,VA