For professionals in the highly competitive real estate industry, that first phone call with a prospective home buyer or seller is extremely important. It’s your only chance to make a positive first impression, and often your only opportunity to establish rapport. This is particularly crucial because buying or selling a home is a process that customers take very seriously, and they want an advisor that they can trust.
An Answering Service Helps Real Estate Companies Answer Every Call
Every successful real estate professional knows that the number one rule is to always answer the phone. The quicker a lead is responded to, the more likely they are to convert. However, we understand that it’s not always possible to answer your phone. During business hours you’re busy hosting open houses, marketing your listings, and meeting with clients, and in non-business hours you need time to relax and spend time with your family.
An answering service is an extension of your real estate team that can answer phone calls, schedule appointments, share information about listings, pass on leads and respond to general questions about your company. It allows your clients and prospects to speak to a live person when they call, regardless of the hour, and provides piece of mind for real estate professionals knowing that all of your incoming phone calls are being handled.
Here are some of the reasons you want to make sure that first phone call (and every call after that) gets answered every time:
You only get one chance to make a first impression
Many customer/realtor relationships begin over the phone, and this is your only chance to make a solid first impression. If you’re on the other line, or busy dealing with something else, all that the caller will see is that their call was not answered.
If you and your team are unable to answer every phone call that comes in, it’s beneficial to have an answering service that can. Your prospects will see that you really are interested in working with them, and appreciate the prompt and professional customer service.
Real estate customers value piece of mind
Buying or selling a home is one of biggest decisions a person will make, and the process can be very stressful and emotional. People want an agent that they can trust, and have a 24/7 connection to. Answering that initial phone call gives real estate professionals a chance to establish this connection and build that trust.
Many real estate calls come in after hours, and customers hate to wait
Thanks to the internet, people can shop for homes at all hours of the day, and they often do it in their spare time at night and on weekends. This means that real estate professionals receive many after-hours calls from prospects who have questions or would like to schedule a tour.
Regardless of the hour, these callers want to speak with someone immediately. An answering service for real estate professionals makes sure that all incoming calls get answered, and can help sort out the callers based on criteria you provide, passing only the most important calls to you.
