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Rainer
66,409
Kartik Subramaniam
Adhi Schools, LLC - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Market Analysis--Educational Content, Adhi Schools

I think the common sense route here is go case-by-case with your clients/contacts. If you know the person well enough and they use them with you, go for it. We work in a people business. If emojis will aid communication (as Annie Adjchavanich mentioned, emojis/smileys can definitely clarify tone) with someone, go for it. 

I think we've talked here before about putting a period on the end of short texts and the risk of accidentally implying a more terse or negative tone than we would like. Similar concept here. Text etiquette is something that varies based upon the parties involved. Find the tone your client likes and go with it. 

Aug 10, 2016 03:46 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I read the article and thought it was a bit over the top. I rarely use emojis and only if the other party has initiated them. 

Aug 09, 2016 11:55 PM
Rainer
58,611
Annie Adjchavanich
Secret HQ, Inc - Los Angeles, CA
CRE LA, Orange Co, SFV, South Bay, Inland Empire

Mostly :) if the client and I are texting and I want them to understand my tone.

Aug 09, 2016 11:57 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I saw the article but haven't read it yet.  

I rarely  use emojis...rarely....not never.  

Aug 09, 2016 11:54 PM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

No I don't. I don't think emojis belong in business correspondence - neither texts nor emails.

 

Aug 09, 2016 11:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I do with LO's but that's it. I've got the CAR emoji's downloaded but not really used them except for champagne bottle.

I think depending on your buyer/seller it might be ok.

Aug 10, 2016 01:32 AM
Ambassador
3,169,502
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Sometimes I do.  Not early in the process, but after I've gotten to know them a bit.

Aug 10, 2016 12:51 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I don't use them; however, I will check out the referenced article.

Aug 10, 2016 12:10 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I don't do that nonsense

Aug 11, 2016 02:41 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,387
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Not into using emojis!

Aug 10, 2016 11:08 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

No never!  

See...

Aug 10, 2016 04:35 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

No.

Nor did I read the article.

Aug 10, 2016 02:29 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

No. And rarely with friends, there is also a whole PC factor with them which includes skin color...We are supposed to be color blind!  A

Aug 10, 2016 12:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,711,988
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

I did read the article, I wonder what age group they are referring to. I don't use emojis in business.

Aug 10, 2016 12:32 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Jeff... I actually did just read that article earlier this morning. I don't especially use emojis in business communications, unless I know a client exceedingly well and they use them with me. And if I do, it's more likely I'll use them in texts, not emails.

Aug 10, 2016 12:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Crazy emoji fever.  Help me get rid of Z... Wall street love it.

Blocked Z local number wanting to ans call on my leads.  The leads are often my listing....

Aug 10, 2016 12:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jeff Dowler I do not use emojis in business communications.

Aug 09, 2016 11:59 PM
Rainmaker
138,826
Kelly Turbeville
Keller Williams - Lake Forest, CA
Turning Real Estate Dreams into Reality

ok I guess I am the exception.   I use emoji's in a fun way.. or maybe to ease the tension if in a difficult negotiation.   It does depend on the client tho.

Aug 11, 2016 08:52 AM
Rainer
232,019
Jessie Cochran
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Panama City Realty Group

Nope, I don't use those things, in fact I've stopped buying Pepsi because of it. It's nonsense IMO

Aug 11, 2016 03:04 AM
Rainmaker
466,695
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Jeff,

My customers do send me some, I simply just use the " :) " on text.

Aug 11, 2016 02:13 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Never, it is not professional or business like

Aug 10, 2016 11:40 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

Normally I do not use them, unless we have become good friends before-hand.

Aug 10, 2016 11:26 PM
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 do not use them at this time. I write everything out while communicating with clients.

Aug 10, 2016 11:03 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

rarely

Aug 10, 2016 10:44 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Sometimes.  It depends upon my relationship with the client & can help to set a tone. 

Aug 10, 2016 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,925
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

No.

Aug 10, 2016 09:50 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

no

Aug 10, 2016 09:40 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

sometimes for fun!

Aug 10, 2016 04:13 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Jeff Dowler - I still am old fashioned - and so far adopted LOL only....

Though in some answers I use '' and ''.

Aug 10, 2016 02:18 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

No, I have never used them.

Aug 10, 2016 01:58 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I didn't read the artical...at least not yet. I do use them, but not very often. 

Aug 10, 2016 01:04 PM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I don't think I have ever texted a client, but if I did a smiley would not likely be a part of the text.

Aug 10, 2016 12:28 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

No.  Once in a while I'll include one in a text or email to a friend.

Aug 10, 2016 11:36 AM
Rainer
56,940
Ari Taylor
Century 21 North Shore - Peabody, MA
Realtor with Century 21 North Shore!

Depends on the relationship I have with the client! 

And sometimes if I feel like what I am saying could come across as me having a negative tone, I add a smiley so they know it is not my intention-

I tend to write short statments and be very blunt and I don't want to offend anyone!

Aug 10, 2016 11:31 AM
Rainmaker
644,025
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

Never say never. I do in texts, depending on the relationship with the client or vendor, or co-op agent.

Aug 10, 2016 10:16 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Not for professional communications.

Aug 10, 2016 10:01 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

No and I think they should stay in the realm of friends, not in business.

Aug 10, 2016 09:38 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

No, I don't as they are often unprofessional, and more importantly sometimes misunderstood, esp those w/ older phones, etc.

Aug 10, 2016 09:23 AM
Ambassador
3,043,162
Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

I use emojis in texts, on social media and in business email depending on the relationship with the lead, buyer, client., etc. 

Aug 10, 2016 08:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Haven't got on that bandwagon. it's just not me.

Aug 10, 2016 08:34 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,603
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hardly ever..interesting article.

Aug 10, 2016 06:52 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,605
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

friends do I do not

Aug 10, 2016 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
2,810,149
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Jeff - Rarely, and never if the relationship is a professional one.

Aug 10, 2016 06:01 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,725
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

NEVER!

Aug 10, 2016 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

no, and I rarely use them here on AR or on facebook..... 

Aug 10, 2016 04:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Only in texts, instagram or facebook. 

Also, I try to mirror my client communication, if they do not use emojis, I do not use them too. 

Aug 10, 2016 04:29 AM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

I very rarely use them in business communications.

Aug 10, 2016 04:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I think they're trying to push their emoji package.  I don't use emojis unless the client does first and then only sparingly and only the basic happy face.

Aug 10, 2016 04:13 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

We can add that to the dumb-ass Dumphy commercials ... No. I do not use emojis with clients.

Aug 10, 2016 03:26 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,163
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Me no use this!...reminds me of child blocks with letters on it. Useful for learning the ABC's but at some point, we outgrow playing with blocks...

Aug 10, 2016 02:33 AM
Rainer
60,021
Coal Infantino
Coldwell Banker - York, PA
Realtor specializing in south central PA

No, but I dont really use them even with close friends and family.  

Aug 10, 2016 01:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Not usually.

Aug 10, 2016 12:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

No, never. Business is business and no time for this stuff.

Aug 10, 2016 12:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

No.

Aug 09, 2016 11:59 PM