As a realtor, you have a responsibility to your clients that almost surpasses simple trust.  You’re the point person for one of the biggest, most expensive purchases a person will ever make and it’s important that throughout that process you maintain a professional level of etiquette.

And while etiquette in home buying and selling may seem like something banal to a veteran agent, to your client it means everything and will likely make the difference of whether or not you get their business for life.  Here are some tips for realtor etiquette.

Be Courteous, Understanding, and Kind

In all likelihood, if you’re a successful realtor, then this tip is something you’ve mastered over time.  If you’re just getting started, however, it may be the most important thing you do for your clients.  First-time homebuyers especially come to a real estate agent looking to make a big, emotion-filled purchase.

Knowing where a buyer is coming from will help shape how you communicate with and treat them over the course of your relationship.  Doing some rapport building early on in your communications with a client and better understanding their buying motivations as well as their goals and dreams will help you be a better agent for them.

Always Be Professional

Over your years in the industry, you’ll likely make friends for life out of your clients, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.  As you start out with a new client, though, always maintain the utmost level of professionalism through your dealings.

Some examples may be professional correspondence no matter the format, always dressing professionally, and always treating your clients in a professional manner.  This isn’t to say you have to be a stiff-necked agent by any means, but make sure to keep your guard up when working with clients and don’t slack on your professionalism or slip into the “friend zone”.

Be Punctual

Being on time for appointments goes without saying, but with so much involved in a real estate transaction, it’s important that you be timely in everything you do from showing to closing.  Any delays on your part getting documentation to your client or being late with deadlines will delay a home sale and potentially let it fall through altogether.

That said, take pride in being a proactive professional in the transaction.  On the client-side, they will see that you’re staying on top of all of the details with their home purchase or sale while on the back end, you’re ruthlessly (but politely) pushing things along to avoid any snags.  Again, maintain professionalism throughout your dealings and you’ll likely never have any issues working with other professionals.

Get Clients Buy-Ready

All of the hard work, professionalism, and courtesy in the world can’t save you from an underprepared client.  That said, make sure your clients are ready to buy before you start helping them find the perfect home.  In large part, this means ensuring that their financing is in order and ready to sign on the dotted line.

To help expedite that process, get your clients in touch with Tidewater Mortgage Services Inc.  In as little as 24 hours, your clients could get pre-qualified, know what they can afford, and start shopping without a hitch!