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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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

and

yes

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.  

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

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

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.

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.

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.  

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

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.  

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

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

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. 

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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..

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

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. 

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

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

It depends on the client.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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