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Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Sometimes.  I expect people's attention when I'm with them and try to extend the same courtesy, BUT there are instances where something is urgent.

For example, I promise that even if I can't attend a closing because of geography, I will be available during the closing in case my clients, their agent, or anyone else has questions while they're at the table.

I would be foolish to not schedule anything for that hour (if there were no questions/phone calls I'd have just wasted an hour) so if I have an appointment, I make the person I'm meeting with aware of the situation, and give them a heads up that if a call comes in from a specific person, I'll have to take it.

I think as long as you're considerate and give people a heads up, it doesn't come off as rude at all.

 

For all other non-urgent calls though, they can leave a voicemail.

Mar 25, 2015 07:57 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

the answer to that question for my team members is "no"....we do one at a time....that's what voice mail is for....

Mar 25, 2015 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

I am with Barbara Todaro .  Every client deserves your full attention, unless a member of the family is ill or dying.  A

Mar 25, 2015 07:59 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

Generally speaking no, I don't. If however I am in negotations, waiting for a contract, or it's a doctor I need to speak with, then I answer and excuse myself.

Mar 25, 2015 07:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I agree with John's comment. Most of the time, my attention is focused on who I'm with, but there are occasions when I'm expecting an important call. I often let the people I'm with know this up front, and everyone seems OK with it and understands. 

Mar 25, 2015 09:26 AM
Rainer
115,342
Margaret Kapranos
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services - Novato, CA
San Francisco Bay Area REALTOR. 415-608-5070

simple one.  No.  One exception, it's a marketing call.  Your family doesn't deserve to be shortended either.  Simply, call the client back.  Otherwise, people will believe you don't value them or their time and it's all about you.

Mar 25, 2015 07:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Sometimes. When I'm expecting a very important call or my wife calls I know I should answer. 

Mar 25, 2015 10:46 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Typically not. But if I'm in the middle of negotiations on a property, I will tell clients up-front that I am watching for any calls that may come in.

Mar 25, 2015 08:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

If I'm in the middle of the conversation or showing, I would not answer. I would send a short text or call back very soon.

Mar 25, 2015 05:01 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Gita Bantwal it depends whose call it is. Sometimes I do excuse the clients I am with - if it is really urgent and sometimes I text them that I will be in touch with you soon.

Mar 25, 2015 02:51 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

If I am with a client, they are my world for whatever time I have with them!

Mar 25, 2015 02:43 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

Depends on who is calling and where I am with clients.  Both my husband and daughter work in dangerous jobs so if it's them I answer.  If it's NOT an emergency then I let them know I will call them back.  And if I am on a dealine with an offer from a current negotiation I excuse myself and take the call if a party to that offer calls.  Mostly I give my clients 100%, but there are always exceptions.

Mar 25, 2015 02:07 PM
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

I do not answer my phone when I am with clients.  They have my undivided attention.

Mar 25, 2015 02:04 PM
Rainmaker
539,468
Jerry Lucas
ABC Legal Docs LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Notary Training, Consulting. Colorado Springs, CO

Normally, no.  I set the phone to silent mode.  I use MrNumber to block spam calls.  If there is a special situation, I would give a heads up that I may be receiving an important call.

Mar 25, 2015 12:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

 I do not answer my phone when with clients unless I need to be available for something so urgent it cannot wait for a return phone call later.  If there is something pending that I may need to attend to, I let the client know in advance. 

Mar 25, 2015 11:52 AM
Rainer
509,531
S. Leanne Paynter ☼ Broward County, FL
United Realty Group, Inc. - Davie, FL
Davie, Plantation, Cooper City & Weston Specialist

My policy is to give the buyer/seller I'm with my full attention -- it's the respectful thing to do.  Generally speaking, when I'm with a buyer/seller, I answer my phone only if...

  • I have reason to believe it's urgent.
  • The caller is returning my call to give me showing instructions (on a property I'm trying to show the buyer).
  • The buyer/seller and I are both expecting the call (usually a reply call).
Mar 25, 2015 11:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Only after they sign the purchase offer

Mar 25, 2015 11:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Most people are fine with you calling them back later so you can find a break in the action to respond. 

Mar 25, 2015 11:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,139,819
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Sometimes, sometimes not.  It depends on what I am doing.  Never in a listing appointment 

Mar 25, 2015 11:01 AM
Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

Taking a call when you are with a client seems disrespectful. There's always the option to return the call promptly. We are not a fast food operation.

Mar 25, 2015 10:52 AM
Ambassador
1,683,960
Florida Tolbert Team Keller Williams Advantage
Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona - Orlando, FL
Keller Williams Land Luxury Division Specialist

SOmetimes.  If I am expecting a call, i may even warn the clients it may come during our time together. 

Mar 25, 2015 10:50 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

No, with the occasional exception.  If I have let that client know ahead of time that I need to answer a call that requires my immediate attention.  And then I would try to arrange for the "emergency" to be addressed by text.  Otherwise it's rude.

Mar 25, 2015 10:40 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Rarely. If I am actively engaged with clients I won't answer unless I know there is something urgent that I can't delay.

Mar 25, 2015 10:25 AM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Very rarely.

Jan 08, 2020 11:01 PM
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

Mostly no.

Jul 09, 2018 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
938,537
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Gita, I do not.  I will call back at the very first opportunity that I can.

Mar 29, 2015 07:49 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Kathleen, Good idea.

Mar 26, 2015 01:02 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Jeanne, I agree tehre are exceptions.

Mar 26, 2015 01:01 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Kevin, Good idea.

Mar 26, 2015 01:01 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Eric, Everyone who has commented here has the same policy. I am surprised though that most people I meet are exactly the opposite. Whether you are at the bank or store they take the phone call and let us wait .

Mar 26, 2015 01:00 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Russ, Great suggestion.

Mar 26, 2015 12:59 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Joe, I agree.

Mar 26, 2015 12:58 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Sandy, Thanks for reading.

Mar 26, 2015 12:58 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Leanne, Thanks for the great tips. 

Mar 26, 2015 12:58 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Susan, that is a good policy.

Mar 26, 2015 12:57 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Jerry, I have not heard of Mr Number. I will check it out.

Mar 26, 2015 12:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Larry, Good policy. 

Mar 26, 2015 12:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Tammy, I agree there are exceptions. 

Mar 26, 2015 12:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Paul, You are a good agent.

Mar 26, 2015 12:55 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Praful, Good policy.

Mar 26, 2015 12:55 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Inna, I like the idea of sending a short text.

Mar 26, 2015 12:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Nina, that is a good idea.

Mar 26, 2015 12:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

John, There can be exceptions.

Mar 26, 2015 12:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Margaret, I agree. We should make our clienst know they are important to us.

Mar 26, 2015 12:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Debbie, I like the idea of informaing the clients upfront if you are expecting an important call.

Mar 26, 2015 12:52 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Cindy, I agree there can be exceptions.

Mar 26, 2015 12:52 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Ron and Alexandra, That is a good policy.

Mar 26, 2015 12:51 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Barbara, That is good advice.

Mar 26, 2015 12:51 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

John, Thank you. I like the fact that you area available by phone if you can't attend the closing.

Mar 26, 2015 12:50 AM
Rainmaker
750,057
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

Only if its my wife. She is an RN and can't be called back and only calls if its urgent.

Mar 25, 2015 12:08 PM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

Like Debbie Laity , if I am expecting an important call then I'll tell my clients beforehand that I'm going to have to answer that call when it comes.  If I'm not expecting any calls that can't wait, I turn my phone off while I'm with my clients.

Mar 25, 2015 11:16 AM
Rainer
9,764
Leslie Luciani
Agoura Hills, CA

I rarely answer my phone or text while with a client - there must be a very good reason, and if I do, I explain it to the client and get it over with as quickly as possible. As a rule, I put the sound on silent when with a client. I like to show them that part of the good service I provide is my complete attention to them while I am with them!

Mar 25, 2015 09:16 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Usually when i am with clients no, i give the client i am with my full attention. If i am waiting for an important call though, some times i may excuse myself to take it in my private. 

Mar 25, 2015 09:08 AM
Rainer
216,475
Bob Publicover
Publicover Realty Group, inc - Stuart, FL
Thinking outside the box

I do not. I do get back to the caller as soon as I'm free of the current appointment. 

Mar 25, 2015 08:31 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Gita -- it depends.  If I am expecting a call that is related to the clients I am with at the time(such as lender, other agent)then yes.   If there is a critical(and rare) situation and I have explained to my clients upfront, then yes.   Otherwise, it would be NO --- I would let the call go to voicemail and return it as soon as possible depending on the message left.  

Mar 25, 2015 08:19 AM