I just don't get it. Why is it that I e-mail listing agents to make showing appointments or to inquire about their listing and they don't get back to me for two++ days? (The average response time is 2 days with some agents NEVER responding!?) I just think - Can you imagine how much business they are missing out on by not using or checking their e-mail?
Here are my thoughts on e-mail:
- First, and most important, CHECK YOUR MAIL at least 2x daily, morning and evening. I am always connected via laptop and PDA. Both devices alert me to new e-mail as soon as it comes in. Realtors that are not checking at least twice daily are doing themselves and their clients a huge disservice.
Respond upon opening even if all you have to say at the moment is something like, "thank you for your e-mail I will be in touch shortly"...anything to let the sender know you have received the message and you are on top of things. Then flag and respond later with more detailed information.
Upon responding - please use spell check. It is so easy and it makes you (and all of us as a whole) look well versed and intelligent. Full sentences are always nice, too.
If I am responding to a potential buyer I always add in some links. This looks professional and shows area knowledge. If the buyer has children I may link to school information. If they have told me being on the water is important, I will link to beach or boating information. Of course, this works for sellers, too.
Use a conservative signature. Please, nothing big and gaudy. It takes away from what you are actually saying. The signature should be consistent and simple. Ever see the signature that has three web sites, links to every designation, and a picture of the family dog? What did you think? The worst I have seen included LARGE, antique looking hibiscus flowers...Did I mention they were large and numerous? Our clients want the facts - they usually don't want to see flowers or your dog.
Use Outlook (or a similar mail program) to organize and save your mail in folders.
Save all mail from every client or lead and back your data up frequently...you never know when you'll need to retrieve it.
E-mail is a huge part of my business. For both my buyers and sellers it is my preferred method of communication and I find people like that. They want the information but they want it in the least intrusive way possible.
