In case you’ve been in the real estate profession for some time now, you may know well that Realtors always have their hands full. From managing client meetings and preparing listings to negotiating deals and handling paperwork, real estate professionals have a lot on their plate in their day-to-day lives.
So, if you sometimes fall behind or miss a few tasks, it’s totally understandable, as long as you complete them on time. However, tossing rules and etiquette out the window just because you’re swamped with work isn’t at all acceptable. You need to stick to the best practices and professional standards at all times to stand out as a top realtor in your real estate brokerage and the Mississauga housing market.
Here are some essential rules and etiquette every Realtor should follow to enhance their reputation and client relationships –
- Show Up When You Say You Will
Most Realtors have been late or missed an appointment with a client at least once in their career. This may have happened because your schedule was genuinely packed or you might have just forgotten about the client’s appointment.
Usually, when this happens, you may try your best to explain to the client your reason for being late. However, whatever you do, doubts might inevitably creep into the client’s mind about your professionalism. They might question your reliability and even consider working with another Realtor.
So, if you don’t want this to happen, always double-check your calendar before booking any appointments with your real estate clients. This simple step can save you from potential scheduling conflicts and help you stay on top of your commitments.
Another helpful tip to keep up with your appointments is to ask for help from your real estate brokerage team. Ask the brokerage’s administrative team to remind you of upcoming meetings and appointments.
Also, if for any reason, you realize you can’t make it to an appointment on time, communicate with the real estate client as soon as possible. Real estate clients appreciate honesty and timely updates and it shows that you respect their time.
- Keep Your Client’s Information to Yourself
You wouldn’t want someone blabbing about your personal details like your family secrets or your income as a Realtor to anyone and everyone right? Of course not! Well, your real estate clients feel the same way.
When you accidentally or intentionally share your client’s private details with home sellers, listing agents, or anyone else, your clients will feel uncomfortable, exposed, and betrayed. Hence, as a Realtor, never do that on your conscience.
To maintain your client’s trust and keep their private details private, keep all their information strictly confidential. Only share those details with your real estate brokerage team in Mississauga that are absolutely essential. For everything else, keep it to yourself. Additionally, make sure your brokerage has secure systems in place where all client data and information is stored safely.
- Dress Professionally at All Times
As a Realtor, you have the flexibility to work during unconventional hours. However, this doesn’t mean you do not need to behave as a normal professional and let your appearance slide. You must maintain a professional appearance at all times, no matter when and where you’re meeting your real estate clients. After all, your appearance is a direct reflection of how you handle your real estate business. If you appear dishevelled or casual, your real estate client might question your level of commitment and professionalism.
In case you’re unsure of what is a professional look for a Realtor, seek advice from the seniors at your real estate brokerage. They have been in the real estate field longer and can offer helpful tips on how to dress appropriately for different occasions.
- Give Clients’ Full Attention When They Are Speaking
Imagine you’re sharing some exciting news or something really important with a friend or colleague. But instead of giving you their full attention, they keep checking their phone or looking away. Or even worse, they start sharing their own stories, completely ignoring what you’re saying.
How would that make you feel? Probably a bit frustrated, right? Well, this is exactly how the clients of your real estate brokerage in Mississauga feel when you don’t listen to them when they’re talking.
Real estate clients expect that you can understand their needs and concerns and are genuinely interested in helping them. However, if they sense that you’re not paying them full attention, they might think they’re not your priority and they might decide to work with another Realtor who makes them feel more valued.
To avoid this, make sure to practice the basic etiquette of “paying attention and listening” when interacting with clients. During the conversation, make eye contact and nod along to show that you’re actively listening to their home-buying or selling needs and concerns. Also, consider switching off your phone or putting it on silent during a meeting with a home-buyer or seller.
- Go the Extra Mile Even with Past Clients
Professionals of a real estate brokerage usually think that their job with a client is done once the deal is closed. But that’s far from being true. Even after closing a deal for a real estate client, you should continue to show appreciation and provide ongoing value.
You can send a personalized thank-you note or small gift and even a simple check-in call to see how they’re settling in. You can also share with them home maintenance tips or monthly updates about the Mississauga housing market. By doing these little extra things, you not only demonstrate that you are a dedicated Realtor but also increase the chances of earning referrals and repeat business.
- Leave the Property as You Found It
Whether you’re hosting an open house on a client’s property or showing a buying client their next potential dream house, you need to handle the property in question responsibly. First off, make sure never to barge into a seller’s property without proper notice. You or your real estate brokerage team in Mississauga should always schedule an appointment with the seller or the listing agent beforehand.
During the visit, don’t touch or move personal items on the seller’s property without permission. This includes furniture, decorations, and even small items like books or personal photos. In case you need to adjust something for a better view or make the space look its best, always ask the home seller first.
As you walk through the property, you must also remind your clients to handle the space with care. They should avoid touching or leaning on walls and surfaces unnecessarily.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to ensure the property is tidy after clients leave. You must throw behind coffee cups, wrappers, or other trash if you find them lying around the property.
Manners Matter, Especially for Real Estate Professionals
As a Realtor, your and your real estate brokerage team’s behaviour can make a huge difference in your client’s home-buying or selling experience. Good manners help you to build trust with clients, create a positive impression, and even set you apart from other Realtors. In contrast, being late, not being attentive, or showing disrespect can leave a bad taste in the minds of your clients and hurt your reputation.
So, Realtors, make sure to make manners a priority in every real estate transaction. A little politeness goes a long way in making real estate clients feel appreciated and respected.
