We all want to be on the forefront of tech innovation. For real estate professionals, technology that can assist with marketing, checking inventory and communicating with clients could close more deals. But high-tech gadgets are somewhat tantalizing, often to the point where you can’t keep away. When you’ve got everything (literally) at the touch of a fingertip, how can you focus on the task in front of you?
To keep good rapport with your clients, strategize your tech usage — or risk losing the arrangement.
Less is more, especially in front of new clients.
Honestly, is carrying your iPad, iPhone and ultrathin laptop at the same time really necessary? The purpose of each of those devices is to replace the other for a specific scenario.
Your smartphone should be with you for calls and texts, your iPad to take listing photos or scan the MLS, and your laptop for keeping contracts and documents readily available. Carrying all three at once just makes you appear disorganized. While it’s a great way to make your business look in demand, it could also act as a red flag to someone who wants your undivided attention.
Even if you feel the need to carry all your gear for professional purposes, it’s simply unnecessary with today’s multidevice platforms. If you store all of your info in the cloud, you can access essential materials on nearly every single device. Eliminate the redundant technology and keep things simple when you’re on the go.
Focus on your meeting, not your phone.
Clients should feel like you care about them and their housing needs. If they see your plate is too full, they’ll feel like a side task rather than a priority.
Think about it – you’re essentially helping them make one of the largest purchases of their life. Why shouldn’t you be present both physically and mentally in this huge milestone? If you won’t, another attentive agent will.
Unless it’s a slow day, you’re probably going to receive unexpected ad inquiries and emails. Be respectful of your client and keep your phone on silent mode. Custom vibrations designate phone calls and messages based on their level of importance, in case you need to step out.
And whatever you do, erase the rock ‘n’ roll ringtone. If you’re lucky enough to have a highly diverse client base, at least a few aren’t going to like your taste in music.
Use their preferred method of communication.
Less than a year ago, one Reddit user expressed annoyance with an agent unwilling to stray from his or her communication habits.
“I get an email address for a real estate or rental agent off of their website, I send them an email, and they email me back asking for my phone number. Even when I express my desire to deal with them via email, they want to call me,” is posted on the thread titled “Why do real estate agents always want to talk to me on the phone?”
If you scroll down and read the responses, there’s a lot of speculation on the agent’s intentions, potential age and lack of commitment. Not every response is necessarily bad, but why doesn’t the agent just respond to the poster via email if that’s clearly the desired method?
Even though many prefer written communication, don’t text without asking since it’s not a free service. Download Viber, WhatsApp and other free messaging mediums in advance so you’re ready to communicate efficiently without costing them money.
Should you go purging all of your devices right now? Don’t be silly. Yes, you should buy an Apple Watch if it helps you keep track of appointments, stay up to date on listing status and remain accessible.
But technology is a proven distraction, and sometimes we struggle to shake our tech habits.