The last time I knew, real estate was a profession that relied on communication. Over the past year, I have seen this take a turn for the worse and has deteriorated. What I want to know, is it just me, or is this the trend of how things have become?
Realtors are busy, especially now with the tax credit(s) coming to an end. At least this is the way it is here in Cromwell CT. There are more buyers looking then there was a year ago.. at least in this area. But should a Realtor forgo communication with other Realtors and forgo professionalism?
I call to get feedback after showings.. I know this is NOT the preference method any longer due to generated email responses. But truly, have you looked at those forms.. they are generic and really don't get down to the details. I service my clients and try to get the details they are looking for and doing this requires speaking with the buyers Realtor. You can't tell a tone in a email and you can't question a response when just a box is checked off. If you send an email to a Realtor with a question about there feedback, it takes hours/days for a reply,if you get one at all. Who has time for this? When a quick call takes little time, and it is done with. As of late, I am not getting return calls. I've learned to accept this, but I don't like it.
Now what really gets me is when a Realtor calls to schedule a showing for one of my listings. Most time I need to confirm with with my client and then call the agent back. In the past week, ready for this... I have scheduled 6 showings for one of my listings, and when I have called the agent back letting them know it is confirmed, but they will need to call me for showing instructions and the combination to the lockbox... I DO NOT GET A CALL BACK. I've called each of these Realtors 3 times, and not one return call.
I've adapted this practice because as of late there are times that cell phone calls are not received. To make sure the buyers agent has all the information, I feel speaking with them instead of leaving a message is the way to go, and doesn't leave any loose ends.
Only once, has one of the Realtors shown up expecting to get in, but never returned the call to know if it was a combination or electronic lockbox. They didn't care what the showing instuctions were. Non of the others ever showed up.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO PROFESSIONALISM AND COMMUNICATION? Is this something of the past... or just a trend of the times?
Advice for Buyers and Sellers... interview your Realtor to make sure you are getting the service you deserve.
FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AGENT
Info about the author:
Valerie Osterhoudt is a Cromwell Connecticut Residential Realtor who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Middlesex County of CT, which includes Cromwell, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Middletown, Wethersfield, Newington, as well as all other surrounding areas. Please visit me at www.Cromwellrealestate.com for all your relocation and/or local needs.
For real estate.. all you need to know, is VALERIEO
If you're thinking about buying a home in Cromwell CT area, there are plenty of great buys in today's market. There is no better time than now to take advantage of these homes while interest rates remain at an all time low. For more information on Cromwell CT real estate's homes and/or condos please visit Johnson Real Estate to access the newest listings.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - 860.883.8889 cell - valerierealtor@sbcglobal.net
Copyright ©2010 - By Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR - All rights reserved...... *** PROFESSIONALISM... IS IT A LOST ART???? ***
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Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR
(Accredited Buyers Representative)
Is a Full Time Realtor® with with Johnson Real Estate, in Cromwell, CT who specializes in Homes and Condos For Sale in the Middlesex and Hartford Counties in CT.
Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR ~Johnson Real Estate, Inc.
cell: 860.883.8889
email: Valerie Osterhoudt, ABR
website: www.CTrealtorMLS.com
