As a client I want a response within an hour. Any longer than that and I am looking for another agent. In a business where people are acting on emotion, realtors need to act quickly to dote on that emotion. Realtors get paid well for their services, so they should supply that service in a very timely manner. If you're too busy, hire an assistant to call back.

Great question, we actually spent a lot of time discussing how to manage client expectations from a demographic perspective. Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y clients all have different demands and expectations. Traditionalists might be ok with 24 hours, but Gen Y wants instant information and probably expect a call back within fifteen minutes.

I always ask my clients what their preferred method of contact is and work accordingly. Quite a few choose email and since mine is on all day I can usually get back to them immediately.

Also, our office has a voice overlay system so when a voice mail message is left it emails me immediately. The email contains and attachment that I click on and can listed without picking up the phone. Works great!

A statistic I was given at a convention this year was an astounding 15 minutes for the generation Xers! Talk about immediate gratification! I can't wait to see what some of the consumers have to say. Great question!

Patrick, I would be interested in seeing this survey. Sounds intersting.

Maggie,
We live in a world of instant gratification. If they call your number and you don't answer, they will be calling the office number and saying they can't get ahold of the agent. (sign call). In most cases if you have a duty desk the call will get transferred and someone else will be working your lead! I find there are some clients that prefer email or txt. They don't have time to get into a conversation. They just want the information. If it is a client I am currently working with, we have discussed how they would prefer to get information ie updates etc. If you make a phone call, might not be a bad idea to follow up with an email. Some clients want to talk to you, and its good to also have it in writing. If they should ever say "you don't communicate with me" you have the emails to reference how often you communicated.

Within the hour. You wait longer than that and I may move on to the next home.

OK Maggie,
My clients want a response with in ninety minutes. I give out a survey of their expectations at the beginning of the listing. The average is ninety minutes. No one wants to wait 24 hours.
Sign calls you need to pick up, they wont leave a message.