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Chris Mamone, Senior Loan Officer (Keller Mortgage)

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Rainer
66,199
Chris Webb
Nova Home Loans - Tucson, AZ
Tucson's Social Media Expert

In 5 or 10 years the question will be "how do you feel about tweeting, FB messengering, or Periscoping contacts, clients or leads?"

I am all for it - if people are using it as a communication device, use what the people are on.  

Aug 03, 2015 05:51 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

I do feel texting is unprofessional if you are trying to develop a relationship with a potential client.  If it must be in writing, do it in an email.  Some people have limited text use, etc., and you wil probably be sending long note.  Send in email, if you prefer not to call directly .

Aug 03, 2015 05:18 AM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

I dont like it at all.  I give everyone my personal cell # so they have access to me 24/7....but that's also the same access my friends and family have.  Business texts get lost in the pile of personal texts that I also don't check regularly. 

 

If someone needs to text, it's something fast, or it's a client that I also consider a friend, I don't have an issue with it, but definitely not my preference - too much can get lost in translation.

Aug 03, 2015 05:04 AM
Rainer
6,570
Josh Gardner
Weichert Realtors - Porter Properties - Auburn, AL
Real estate agent serving Auburn and Opelika

I don't text anyone for business unless they text me first or we know each other well enough to communicate that casually. Even if they text me first, I try to stick to email or phone calls.

Aug 03, 2015 04:21 AM
Rainmaker
784,786
The Woodland Team of Texas
The Woodland Companies - Austin, TX
Land Specialists

Not a fan.

Oct 16, 2018 01:48 AM
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763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Chris,  I have a philosophy that most don't agree with or feel is correct.  My belief is that texting and emailing clients will reach the type of client that is comfortable with online communication.  This type of client will fit well with our new era of real estate and allow for smoother, quicker and easier transactions.  Esignatures and setting up appointment will go smoother and communication will be to the point.  Time is too valuable to do thing old school.  See why most won't agree with me?

Aug 03, 2015 04:35 PM
Rainmaker
256,975
Melanie Cameron
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage - Wilmington, NC
The Cameron Team

Prospects - Our conversion rate has gone up since implementing texts, because many people don't want to "talk" over the phone.

Leads and Clients - Once contact is made, we ask them how they prefer to be contacted. We live in a city heavy in the medical community and many prefer texts during their shifts. If it pertains to an offer, we call, because something of that importance definitely deserves a conversation over the phone or in person.

Aug 03, 2015 05:40 AM
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274,059
Curtis Evans
Cabin Realty LLC/ USA, Licensed in Louisiana - Golden Meadow, LA

Never text someone you don't know .

Aug 03, 2015 05:28 AM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I dont like it, but many insist on it.

Apr 06, 2018 10:15 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

In 2017 texting is often the preferred communication method.

Nov 05, 2017 09:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I have no problem with either platform.

Aug 21, 2016 12:13 AM
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2,710
John Evans
Remax Elite - Franklin, NC
Real estate agent serving the Franklin and Otto

I prefer to speak with them in person, but if that fails texting is a useful tool.  I feel that people are more likely to see and respond to a text compared to an email.

Aug 04, 2015 11:03 PM
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3,465
Scott Folb
Scott Folb, M.A. Real Estate Broker - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Southern California Real Estate Broker

It's not unheard of that communication gets "distorted easily or misinterpreted" even on the telephone.  I meet and follow the needs of the client's preferences.  Those that are facile and comfortable with electronic communications receive that type of communication. Others receive the manner of communication they're comfortable with.  It's not an uncommon observation these preferences are largely generational.

Aug 04, 2015 06:55 PM
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3,480
Jeffrey Thomas Lawrence
Florida Bayside Realty, LLC - Sarasota, FL

An absolutely valuable tool if used correctly. I can be anywhere and stay on top of things. I also believe it to be critical in being highly responsive to online lead generation as well.

Aug 04, 2015 10:37 AM
Rainer
2,210
Helene Moore
Simply Vegas - Henderson, NV
Real estate agent serving Las Vegas and Henderson

Great Question.

I would not text perspective leads a personal phone call will allow  your professionalism to shine .

Thank You

Helene M Moore

Simply Vegas

Aug 04, 2015 10:21 AM
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2,560
Jireh Rodriguez
Elite Realty Group of Jacksonville - Jacksonville, FL
Specializing in Real Estate Purchase, Sale, Photog

As we live in such a streamline society I beileve that it is very crucial  to respond to a new lead or prospective client proptley as stats show that people will most likely choose a vendor/realtor that responds the soonest.

 

Aug 04, 2015 08:22 AM
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Larry Lang
westpenn - Watts, PA
With a reputation for quality since 1921.

With a reputation for quality since 1921, West Penn Oil., Inc is one of the country's leading independent contract packagers of Quality Lubricants, Oil Treatment, Engine Oils, Radiator Additives, Transmission Fluids, Industrial Oils, and Fuel Additives.

 

 

West Penn Oil Co., Inc.

Aug 04, 2015 07:48 AM
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41,630
Morris Real Estate Marketing Group
Morris Real Estate Marketing Group - Toronto, ON
Marketing for realtors made easy!

I would say texting prospects or leads is definitely not the best way to communicate. You will be surprised how well people respond to a phone call.

It may sound old-fashioned but people like to speak to a real person on the phone. Build a relationship and establish some level of trust before communicating with them over text, which seems very impersonal. 

Once the relationship is established, a quick text once in a while to a clent is ok, as long as you are professional and keep it short.

Aug 04, 2015 07:24 AM
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Joseph Hardin
Innova Mtg - Camas, WA
Residential and Commercial Mtg Specialist

Text is a great way to reach people without using up a lot of time

Aug 04, 2015 06:44 AM
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Tony Grech
Luxury Mortgage Corp. - Southfield, MI
Helping folks purchase and refinance since 2001!

Texting is a widely used form of communication these days. Although I prefer to actually speak to my customers, I feel that this is acceptable IF you have a working relationship with the customer. I might send out a text if I'm having trouble reaching a lead, but don't really feel comfortable texting cold call leads if I don't absolutely NEED to

Aug 04, 2015 06:09 AM
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2,390
Jonathan Guzman
Metro Premier Homes - Dumfries, VA
Real estate agent serving first time home buyers.

I personally think it's a great idea.  A lot of people these days actually prefer texts over voice calls.  We have all been in situations where we can't talk but a quick text is always ok.  Texting is just another way we can keep our business up to date with the times.

Aug 04, 2015 05:07 AM
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509,531
S. Leanne Paynter ☼ Broward County, FL
United Realty Group, Inc. - Davie, FL
Davie, Plantation, Cooper City & Weston Specialist

I find it's generally best to go along with what the buyer or seller feels comfortable with.  Some people prefer to talk on the phone, some prefer email, others prefer text messages.  Still always a good idea to document everything as it goes along for good record-keeping.  If a text message is important, you can always take a snapshot of it/them using your cell phone (it's super easy on the iPhone) and save them as images in your photos folder.  I also follow the buyer/seller's lead regarding abbreviations when texting (if they don't abbreviate, I don't).

Aug 04, 2015 04:27 AM
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Depends on how they like to communicate.  

Aug 04, 2015 12:10 AM
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Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

I don't text period.

Aug 03, 2015 11:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Some people have a strong preference towards texting.  They even communicate with their family, parents, employers and friends via text.

Aug 03, 2015 10:25 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I will ask the client their preferred way to communicate, and will follow their wishes.

Aug 03, 2015 09:32 PM
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Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Chris. I avoid it whenever possible, when asked I tell my clients that I would rather speak by phone or email.

Aug 03, 2015 07:22 PM
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Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Most of my cleints prefer texting and so that is what I do with them.  If they don't like texting and prefer calls, that is what I do.

Aug 03, 2015 12:25 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

To many issues texting...I have seen many costly mistakes...Phone or E-mail conversations without short hand

Aug 03, 2015 10:23 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

I don't personally think it's a great way to communicate...but some folks love text...It will work with some people.

Aug 03, 2015 10:00 AM
Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

I am all for it, however the client prefers to be contacted I'll do it that way. Now days especially with younger clients it is text messages.

Aug 03, 2015 09:54 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Clients yes...clients to be...maybe. Texting has a familiarity to it. I got two spam messages and monitored my own feelings. I didn't like it at all

Aug 03, 2015 08:05 AM
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Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Chris Mamone I worked with clients who only wanted to be contacted through texting. I think it is up to the individual client.

Aug 03, 2015 07:53 AM
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Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

My 24 to 30 year old leads, clients & prospects love it!  They want to only be contacted through email & text.  My clients, leads & prospects over 35 wants calls & emails only.

Aug 03, 2015 06:14 AM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

I'm not the first to text.  If they text me -- usually after we have met at least once -- then I know that's their preferred mode of contact and I will text too.

Aug 03, 2015 06:13 AM
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Dex Hubbard
Murphy, NC

Email is preferred, but documentation is necessary for everything we do. So if necessary, texting is a good way to create paper trail.

That being said,

as soon as a lead comes in, t

Aug 03, 2015 05:56 AM