TEXT v.s. E-MAIL

COLUMBUS, OH

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AMIT BHANDARI

Buzzer

167

What is your preferred method of communication? And why?

I'd like to get some insights from both sides -- from a sales persons side, and from a regular person who's looking to purchase something...

(Apologies if this has been asked before!)

General Chit-Chat

CONDO CHRIS

Buzzer

2 BEST REPLY

This conversation reminds me of the custom email vs hotmail account debate I got roped into the other day.

The bottom line for me is that I use whatever means of communication my clients prefer. Period.

If they want to email - I email. If they want to text - I text. If they want to use passenger pigeons - Then I grab one of my champion racing homers out of the coop on my roof and tie a note to his leg...

I could care less as long as I get the deal done.

MATTHEW SLUTSKY

Senior Buzzer

2299

171

I hate business texts. You can only view it on your phone, and can not save it to folders like you can with emails.

Emails over texts for business.

DAVID ALLISON

Buzzer

Both. Texts for urgent "pay attention to me now" messages. Emails for longer more formal communication. Must be careful not to over-use texts or they end up being in the same category of urgency as email.

JOSIE STERN

Buzzer

109

I prefer email because I like to have a record of the discussion. When dealing with clients I use text only if it's a matter not related to business.

NICHOLAS GAVEY

Buzzer

I agree with Matt and Josie you can't keep track and organize text messages the way you can with email and there is no way to mark texts as follow up or urgent.

I have a number of clients and other agents who will send me texts and within a few hours they've been buried behind other texts and get forgotten.

I think texting it okay if it's a friendly reminder about your appt tonight or letting them know you are stuck in traffic but for anything else I think email is much better.

AMIT BHANDARI

Buzzer

167

What about for the initial follow-up? Say they sign-up for something on your website and to respond, you call (and possibly leave a VM), and supplement with an email and/or a text? In other words, it's to initiate a conversation, and not a means to keep conversation. What's people's opinion?

JOSIE STERN

Buzzer

109

I don't see a problem with texting them for the first time to confirm that they contacted you or to confirm the first meeting. After that, though, I would have everything in writing for the record. We live in a very ligitious world and having absolutely everything in writing comes in very handy. Also edit and edit again every piece of writing to make sure that your statements comply with REBBA (Real Estate and Business Brokers Act) which governs realtor conduct and our license.

MATTHEW SLUTSKY

Senior Buzzer

2299

171

@Condo Chris Exactly! Do you actually ask the clients: Which method of communication do you prefer?

I have been asked that question, and really appreciate it.

CONDO CHRIS

Buzzer

Actually I do. I LOOSLEY try to keep texting for friends and email for biz so I don't have to answer chimes on my phone every 10 seconds, but I always ask clients how they want to communicate.. I have actually done deals entirely through text with people from out of town that I didn't meet until we signed the papers..

SEFORA CATANA

Buzzer

I work Like Condo Chris, What ever means the clients want I'll communicate with them. I have even communicated with them formally through Facebook Message boards without having them as a friend a form of emailing. Also regarding not being able to save or urgent texts I can agree with that, that is why I Siri a reminder about meeting or what to do.

JAMIE KINCH

Buzzer

142

EASY QUESTION! Whatever is easiest for everyone. Email, text, phone calls (GASP!), et cetera.

I've never asked someone explicitly what they prefer, but I find with everyone that they have a method of contact that they respond fastest to.... that is the one I use.

--------

....For everyone who's talking about how to file text messages and store important ones. I have the solution, I personally do it this way. Not great, but better than nothing.

1) Get Evernote
2) Create folders for the different text/iMessages you'd want to save
3) screen capture your text message conversations (press power button + home button at the same time)
4) upload pictures.
5) Evernote will find the text in your pictures, making your saved messages searchable.

On top of that you can create any tag you see fit..... Evernote really is an awesome tool. Highly recommend!

TIM MULLOWNEY

Buzzer

I prefer emails for business. Texts are informal and should be reserved for family and friends. I would definitely appreciate it if someone asked me which method I preferred.

STEPHEN MARLOW

Buzzer

e-mail is always better because there is a record of all the convo.

SEFORA CATANA

Buzzer

Actually Either Or works for me. Being with Telus Business I have a record of all my Business text via their online services. I think if having a record is important to anyone this service is pretty awesome. So Email or Text....mm I would say both.