Real Estate Forums

San Diego Real Estate · 01-20-2006, 05:50 AM

Growing a successful business starts with the decision to be the absolute best originator you can be. According to Carl Sewell and Paul B. Brown, authors of "Customers for Life," being the best revolves around turning one-time buyers into lifelong customers. Here's how:

There is no such thing as after hours. Once committed to good service, you must provide it around the clock. Let people know you are available to them when they need you, whether it's evenings or the weekends. Don't worry about people taking advantage of your time. As a rule, they'll only call if they really need help.

Being nice to people is just 20% of providing good customer service. Of much more importance is designing systems that let you do the job right the first time, such as a well-maintained database and a commitment to educating yourself about the latest mortgage products. All the smiles in the world aren't going to help you if you cannot deliver what the customer wants.

Don't let your customers feel forgotten. Communicate with your customers regularly. Experts say when you increase your mailings to potential clients from just eight to 12 a year you boost your chance of success by 200%. Finally, a memorable thank-you, such as a card or gift, keeps you on your customers' minds.

Portland Real Estate · 01-20-2006, 12:29 PM

Thanks for the great post, Al. Personally, I draw certain limits with some clients as far as hours are concerned.

Las Vegas Real Estate · 01-21-2006, 05:26 PM

Yes, I agree in some ways with you as well. On one end, when you work for yourself, there are really no "set hours". It is not like a nine-five in the sense that you get up, go to work, and then you are done. You really have to put in the extra effort

Real Estate Roy · 01-23-2006, 10:23 AM

I am available as you say, however I believe that clients get used to calling on a whim and usually after hours with no real consideration for our time.
Around here we are called "Pop Tart" Realtors.

San Diego Homes & Condos · 01-24-2006, 03:20 PM

It is important to always be available so your clients don't get antsy and call another Realtor or even worse start looking at other agents' websites. If they have questions they want answers right away.

REMAX LV · 01-24-2006, 03:27 PM

Very good points about being available for your clients, I think most people have respect as to our lives and whats reasonable and whats not, but as in any job there are idiots who do not know the difference,I think as a realtor you can be taken advantage of, especially if you are inexperienced.

Las Vegas Homes · 01-27-2006, 05:42 PM

I think that is part of the job description to be available most of the time. being and independent contractor, we get to chose what times and schedules in which we would "like" to have, but being a god Realtor means going the extra mile as well. I am not saying that you are obligated to show a home at 8:00pm on a Sunday, but those who do, typically do better than the latter!