The ability to effectively communicate is one of the most important skills a professional can have in any industry. In real estate, agents have to deal with clients, colleagues, as well as the general public. If an agent is unable to speak or write well, he won't win over his target audience. He will miss out on deals and he will lose money.
One of the most common complaints that people have about real estate agents is that they don't reply to their emails and phone calls in a timely manner. If you don't respond to a client's questions or concerns, you make her feel like her business is not important to you. Don't ever let your client feel ignored, or like their questions are inconsequential. Always try to reply to a client in a reasonable time period, say 24 to 48 hours.
In order to stay on top of all your clients' inquiries, it's a good idea to schedule a time each day that is dedicated solely to replying to emails and phone calls. Clients will appreciate having their concerns dealt with in short order, and they will see you as a well-organized and attentive agent.
When replying in writing, read your response out loud to make sure that your points are clear and the sentences flow together well. Always spell check your work, even if it's just a short email. Glaring mistakes suggest that you don't care enough to get it right. Clients will view this as unprofessional and lazy, so either proofread your work yourself, or have someone else take a look at it before you send it. It only takes a moment, and it will help to present a polished appearance to your customers.
If you primarily work with sellers, proactively get in touch with your clients on a weekly basis. You want to give them an update of what efforts you've been making to sell their home. Note any newspaper ads, internet listings, or other marketing tactics you're using to advertise their property. The seller will want details about any upcoming open houses, and will appreciate any feedback that prospective buyers have provided in regards to the property.
By keeping your client in the loop, you are not only presenting yourself as a first-class professional, but your communication skills will also make the selling process much easier on the client. Selling a home is stressful business, and until a purchase contract has been signed, the seller sits on pins and needles. By keeping your client informed of all your efforts, you can help her feel in control and empowered.
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