When you think of hiring a realtor, what is one thing you can think of that is essential to a great agent?
I bet a few buzzwords may come to mind like ‘negotiation skills’ or ‘advocating on a client’s behalf’. But what is at the very root of what your agent does for you, both directly and behind the scenes? Communication.
“Buying and selling real estate is one of the 3rd most stressful incidents in someone’s life. While real estate professionals deal with the flow of a transaction on a daily basis, the client probably only does this once or twice in their lives! Fluid and regular communication makes you feel seen, and allows you to really understand that you are not alone,” says Stephanie.
The most important thing to consider when hiring an agent is to find someone who is an effective communicator.
Your Style is Our Style
First and foremost, your agent should be responding to you within a reasonable time frame.
A good agent will set expectations with you on what their communication style is. A great agent will set expectations for their response time policy, and learn what your preferred communication style is.
At The Welter Group, we have a one hour response time–even if you text us a question or call us and it goes to voicemail, we will get back to you to let you know we received your communication and when you can expect to hear from us. During your personalized consultation, we make sure to ask about your preferred method of communication, so we are meeting you where you are comfortable.
According to Stephanie, “There are some skills you cannot teach! While many agents may be competent and aware of industry standards, if they cannot effectively communicate with their clients, it is not helpful! Communication and charisma cannot be taught, nor can the ability to educate and empower a client. Smooth and efficient communication is paramount in moving smoothly through a complicated transaction! Understanding when to call, when to text, and when to email is critical to reduce client stress and improve comprehension.”
We understand that communication with different people will always be an ever-evolving practice, so we are constantly listening and updating our systems in order to streamline the process.
Allison notes, “Each client reveals new ways to amplify our service–it’s my favorite part about helping people, because I get the pleasure of self-reflecting and implementing new methods that ultimately increase how well I help you! It’s an amazing challenge that I always welcome.”
Working Well with Others
Real estate is basically a long chain of professionals–lenders, agents, underwriters, attorneys, title agents, and clients. When one link in the chain is defective, the whole system shuts down.
One especially good communicator can save an entire deal by knowing when to include a defective communicator’s assistant or office, or when to pick up the phone.
The frequency that we encounter agents that are poor communicators is disheartening.
As Buyer Specialist for The Welter Group, Allison Boshell frequently attempts to communicate with seller’s agents that do not reciprocate or respond altogether. “This really shocks me because they are not doing their due diligence for their seller when buyer’s agents are bringing willing, able, and ready buyers who are seeking more information or attempting to purchase the house the agent has been hired to market and list for their seller.”
Responding to agents representing potential buyers should be a listing agent’s number one priority. End of story.
So sellers, making sure you hire a listing agent that prioritizes communication is key! Marketing, listing, negotiating, advocating and communicating with buyers are the pillars of priority for a great listing agent.
In addition to Allison and Stephanie, Theresa Messer, our Client Care Coordinator, is always copied on as the master communicator of The Welter Group. She experiences communication from all sides of the transaction as she compiles each step in weekly emails to our clients. She makes sure everyone has the documents and information they need, when they need it, but it’s not always smooth sailing on the backend when an agent falls behind or isn’t responsive.
“The most common communication issue is not being included on all emails during a transaction. Sometimes that could be time sensitive information. I am here as a support for Allison and Stephanie to keep the details in line and the knowledge of where or what is happening during a transaction. It makes our team work cohesively and professionally for all of our clients.”
Theresa brings an extra level of service, combing through the nitty gritty details which allows our team to provide an elite experience and give all of our attention to you as a buyer, seller, or investor.
Our Teamwork Makes Your Dream Work
Honest, fluid, and prompt communication is 90% of the journey to get you to the closing table, and we have the systems and support to guide you from A to Z.
If Stephanie and Allison can’t respond right away, Theresa is here! She communicates with you and keeps you on track for closing, while answering and researching all of your questions. Minimizing your stress and taking anything off your plate that we can is our number one priority–from booking the inspection, to calling our trusted network of professionals to find you the best service, we communicate with you and for you.
Theresa says it most beautifully, “Timing is everything in real estate. We are the voice of the client whether buyer or seller and responding in a timely manner is important to keep trust and most importantly, respect.”
You are hiring someone to act and speak in your best interest. Make sure you have someone that you not only trust, but that you trust to speak highly of you, speak the truth, speak effectively, and speak in time.
Your agent is your voice. Make sure you pick a good one.
