Real estate agents-how long should it take for them to get back to you?

Question

I have started learning about real estate investing and I've been searching for properties online. I called an agent (that works at one of the top real estate companies) and left a message for her with a with a question about a property. That was 2 days ago and she hasn't called back. I feel this is unprofessional. Does she care to sell the place? Or are agents just really busy? It's making me want to deal with another agent instead of her.

Also, I called a mortgage banker at Chase and he never called me back either.

I don't understand why people don't call back. Is this common?

Answer 1

Wow, neither one of them called you back huh? While they should've called you back within a few hours, they are very busy. I'm in the Real Estate business, however I do call my clients back within a few hours.

Two days is a long time, you should call her office ask to speak to a manager, and ask if this generally takes this long, or if anybody cares to sell that property, but you should go else where, because if this is now, and she/he does not care about returning an important phone call, then you'll likely have some trouble closing your transaction. It makes me really angry when someone doesn't return my phone call in a timely manner, it gives the message "I don't care, or you are not important" . These are the phone calls anyone in this business returns immediately, because it means business.

You should ask management if this is the way they usually handle business. As for the mortgage agent contact someone else too, and when they call you back say: Someone else had the decency/ courtesy to call me back because you weren't.

(A good agent/realtor calls back within minutes)

Answer 2

there's 2 types of Real estate agents in my experience. the ones that work for their money and the ones that don't. The workers go out and sell houses and list houses, these agents make a lot more $. the lazy ones, just work to get listings, they sit back and let the workers find people to sell the houses to. they don't make as much $ but they do get 3% for doing nothing.

An agent should be calling you back within about 3 hours if they're really worth anything. a day at the longest. ESPECIALLY if you're a buyer. You're the one that's paying their salary, they better answer up, or you'll find someone else who will. there's a lot of hungry agents out there, and especially if you're being an investor you want one that will take care of you, because they will make money only if the property moves...

Answer 3

I am realtor and I agree with what others have said that this guy should take it in stride. You shouldn't need to be overly concerned about his feelings. At the same time, he's a neighbor and you don't want to feel uncomfortable around him after this. If you haven't signed anything, you're not obligated to use him, but it is important to let him know. One reason is that if you ended up buying a house that he had shown you at some point, regardless of who initially found it, and even in the absence of a written agreement, he might still be entitled to a commission if he could show that he was a "procuring cause". Typically, it's the seller that pays real estate commissions. So, it's not money out of your pocket, but it could put you in an awkward position at closing with both the realtor and the seller. So, clarify your position with the realtor asap. Telling him that you still intend to list your home with him (if you really mean it) should smooth things over quite a bit. While he won't be happy about losing your business on the purchasing side, ultimately he'll appreciate that you value his time enough to not allow him to continue to do searches for you when you have decided that you no longer want him to represent you. Believe me, he's not going to want to lose your listing too. Be aware that when a builder offers you a 5 percent discount, they are offering you a lower price in exchange for you giving up the right to be independently represented in the transaction. Their agent will represent them as well as you. That agent's first allegiance will always be to the builder--not to you. Sometimes that works out just fine. Sometimes it can cost you more than the 5 percent you thought you were going to save. Be sure to look into the reputation of any builder before you sign anything with them. Pay special attention to their track record of performing warranty work in a timely manner.

Answer 4

I would think a lot depends on your message, and how serious you sounded. If your messages to the agent or broker indicated you were not too serious about buying something, they may have put you on the back burner in order to take care of serious clients. And if all you've done is make 2 phone calls in 2 days, I wouldn't blame them.

If you're serious about investing in real estate, you'd be out there knocking on doors, going to open houses, reading the classifieds and talking to people listing FSBO. You can't expect the world to beat a path to your door just because you made 2 phone calls.

Oh, and before you go charging into this market, go search for 2 words: "Market bubble".

Answer 5

I am a real estate agent in California and I make it a point to call everyone back the same day.

Answer 6

Unfortunately many people who work at top real estate agencies are not top real estate agents. Also, the agent may not check her e-mail regularly (shame on them - 78% of home buyers are searching for a home on the Internet). If the message was left on her VM, shame on her!

You do NOT want to call the listing agent to show you a house. They are working for the seller and not for you as the buyer. My recommendation is to work with an agent you fell comfortable with to find a house for you as a BUYERS AGENT. They will negotiate for your best int erst and make sure your rights are protected.

GO FOR IT!

Answer 7

YOu'd be shocked how many agents dont even return phone calls....I've called on a gazillion ads from magazines and had about a 20% ratio of those that actually called back.
DO NOT use an agent that doesn't return calls promptly.

Answer 8

A good agent should get back to you wtihin the day. I would recommend using a few different agents. They get different leads and sometimes can get you in on a deal early.

Answer 9

I will preface my answer by telling you that I am a licensed Realtor® in the state of Arizona.

I can’t see any reason for your agent not to call you back. Especially, with cell phones. In my practice of dealing with clients, I direct ALL of my calls to my cell phone which stays with me all of the time. If there is a reason that I can’t answer the phone I get back to that call ASAP. Why wouldn’t I? That’s money on the phone.

Feel free to drop me a line at the email address below if you have any more questions

Answer 10

a good agent will get back with you within the hour. a good mortgage banker will call you back same day or early the next day. what state are you in? i might could recommend someone . www.danroemer.com [e-mail]