This is a message to all the real estate agents out there. Timeliness represents professionalism. I bring this up today because I am still getting calls from emails I sent over a month ago to agents asking about assistance finding a property in Greensboro. From an investor prospective, first impressions are everything. If it takes you a week (God forbid a month?!) to get back to me with a simple request, why would I work with you?
When I look to buy an apartment complex, I know what I want and I always want to close quickly. An agent should be an ally in this process, not a stumbling block. Perhaps some agents out there think that the perception of busyness shows perspective buyers that they are hard workers. While that may be the case with some buyers, many buyers (especially me) are turned off by this. Additionally, since agents typically work hardest for buyers in their first month, what are buyers to expect after the second or the fifth month?
I’d like to think that I am easy to work with (my wife might disagree, but luckily I am the writer here). I do all of my financials, have good credit and easy access to financing, and know exactly what I want in terms of property. An agent could make an easy commission by simply spending half of a weekend showing me properties. Since I am sure many buyers try to portray this, I can understand why agents might be caution. But, is that an excuse for not being professional and simply following up the next day?
I will very soon be employed as an investment banker. I cannot imagine what kind of business I would be doing if I waited a week or more to call my leads back. Bottom line, a simple three minute phone call can get you off on the right foot. In this business reputation means a lot, and being elusive will send your reputation in the tank very quickly. Even the most outlandish request deserves the courtesy of a three minute phone call.
