We've talked about this before, but I recently got a strong reminder of why it is an important discussion. Yes I do answer my phone; I answer if I don't recognize the number, and I answer "blocked calls." If it turns out to be a telemarketer I can always add the number as a " spam" call and hit the "Ignore" button next time (a huge timesaver.) But it is worth it to catch interested clients, as happened this week.
I had an email this week from my IDX site asking questions about an active listing. I responded with the answers to the specific questions and suggested we talk, either they could call me or let me know their phone number and a good time.
Later, while in the car, I got a "blocked number" call. Answering as always with "Good afternoon, this is Margaret," I recognized the name the caller gave me, the same as the email inquiry. Why didn't she give me her phone number on her email? The call was coming from FRANCE!
We had a wonderful conversation, and I found out that she is looking for a second home here in the Baltimore area. I suggested she and her husband make wish lists. one as though they actually hit the lottery.... as if money was no object.... then another as a reality list. This helps them decide what is most important, and what they can and can't compromise on.
She emailed me later saying that, "… my husband and I did the exercise you suggested about making a dream list if we won the lottery. It was a great success, and I was so surprised and pleased that he was excited about doing it and participated fully. Now, we are working on the 'reality' list. I also consulted your website again regarding 'buyers for your home.' It's an impressive idea."
She went on to say that she had been emailing another agent and had expressed interest in two different houses, both of which had been on the market for a long time. In both cases she got no answers, and later found out- on her own - that both had sold!
This couple will be coming to the Baltimore area in early June ready to buy a home. They have asked me to reprsent them exclusivly.
My goal is to have properties pre-selected that meet their criteria so I don't waste their precious time. By looking at what she liked before, and combining that with their wish lists, I'll be ready. In the meantime, I'll post their wish list on the Buyers4YourHome page of my website.
Wish I May, Wish I Might.. I Have The Buyer!
So…I'd say that answering that blocked ID phone call was the right choice, wouldn't you?
410-530-2400
Absolutely! You never know who may be calling. Congratulations on your new clients!
Margaret - I love your idea of making a fantasy list as though they have won the lottery. I love it!
And your whole point of answering a blocked call is an eye-opener. For years, my home phone number was blocked, mainly because i didn't really know how to unblock it, and didn't much care. It wasn't because I was a stalker, however!!!
Hey girl, thanks for the phone call. I'll let you know when my mystery person finally responds to one of my comments. Just a little game I'm playing with myself! And good to know someone from Baltimore!
Margaret.... you make a great point about answering your phone, even if it is a blocked call. But I just won't. I will answer everything at anytime, except for blocked calls or unknown calls. It's just me for several reasons. But I will answer the phone even if I don't recognize the number. I actually make it case to answer the phone most times, even if I am on another call or in the middle of something. I have had many clients recently and in the past actually go into my voice mail for the first after a month or so and say... "gee Jeff, I didn't know that you even had voice mail, considering that you always picked up."... I love that as a great compliment.
In any case, I need to check out your web site. I also love the idea about making your fantasy list. Very creative... PS>. we haven't talked in a long time. I hope all is well.
Ann, Thanks for stopping by.
Sally, Loved talking with you this evening.
Jeff, Some people will deliberately block their number. You do know how to block your number for a single call...right? Way back.... about 100 years ago when I was looking for a home, I became so annoyed with the agents asking for my social security number, my firstborn's name and who I was related to....well maybe it wasn't that bad, but you get the idea. I learned to give a fictitious name and phone number, not possible with caller id today. I think buyers want to get the info before they let us know who they are.
I think you know that I answer that phone almost all the time.
Margaret, I would say answering a blocked call is a great thing. On my home number I don't answer those, I think actually they go right to voice mail, not even sure. My cell is different however. Most of the time I can't even see who is calling, LOL, so I would pick it up anyway.
I also love the fantasy list thing. Good luck to you!
That's great! I always answer my phone, even when I don't recognize the number or even if I don't want to talk with that person. I figured it's always best to answer rather than dred the returned call later.
I always answer the call, blocked or available. Moreso simply because I hate to check voicemail.
Nice post. I do hate it, however, when other REALTORS use the no caller ID function on their cell phone.
Wow Margaret - good enough discussion that we should answer every call regardless. It seems spring is salesperson month however... Which i hate those calls...
Good for you, I answer block calls as well, Hopefully the next time I will get a call like this one. Hope you find them that Dream house for the right price!
Good point Margaret. Often Blocked or Unknown can be from a PBX extension or an unlisted number in addition to the international call and NOT a telemarketer.
Congratulations Margaret! The Buyers for your home page idea is a clever one! I never would've thought of something like that!
~Chanda (no 'r') :)
Andrea, So glad you stopped by.
Donna, You are so right. Easier to answer than check voice mail.
Paul, We don't like checking our voice mail.
Michael, They are learning.
Kathy, Yep lots of sales calls...realy easy to hang up...but nice.
Jeannette, When we find that dream house, I will let you all know.
Nice post, Grat Job with the 2 list, Thank you for the language. I answer my calls unless I am on listing appointment, you never know who needs your help.
Jaishree, When on a listing call, I show the sellers how I work when the phone rings. How I can ignore span/telemarketing....but I am available if a buyer or agent wants to show or needs their questions answered. I always tell the caller, "I am in a meeting, may I call you back in an hour?"
Hi Margaret, A lot of people have their number blocked for various reasons, I always answer the calls. Some of them are doctors or lawyers or others who don't want their number listed...or someone looking for homes :)
Yes, Margaret, you are always available and so gracious! I love chatting with you and always come away with several pearls of wisdom. I am reconsidering turning off my cell during appointments after reading your comments! Thanks for all your sharing, Flynn
Margaret - that is so true and I do answer calls marked unavailable - it may be my mother or brother or sister all living in Germany :). I also have calls comming through from out of country clients, so it is important to answer the calls. Great point and reminder!
I answer all calls - you just never know who it might be. If it is someone I don't care to talk to I simply tell them I don't do busines on the phone! Send me something in the mail. ... that is the end of that.
Carole, Hope those doctors and lawyers are calling you for the information.
Flynn, We always learn from each other
Petra, You have real good reason to answer those special calls. Thanks for stopping by
Margaret - that's a great story. Sounds like things are moving in the direction and you have a wonderful couple to work with. Best of luck.
I generally answer these call too. Guess I expect some will be telemarketers adn I know how to deal with that. Good lesson.
Jeff
I always answer it, if it is a salesperson, I say, send me an email and I will look it over. Thanks! Bye.
Love your website page Buyers4yourhome - you are brilliant.
Margaret: CONGRATULATIONS on your French buyers... I have to admit that I dislike the blocked calls as 99.9% of the time it is a telemarketer.
BTW.. I like your Buyers4YourHome page.. Great idea !
I try to answer my calls most of the time though I don't jump as much for blocked calls. I understand your points.
I also really like the idea of the lottery wish list, and I'm off to look at your website.
I don't believe it's any of our business why a person has a blocked number. Our business is real estate brokerage, not being a judge of how folks use their personal phone number.
HOWEVER, when I answer a call with a blocked number and it turns out to be a vendor, I give them an earfull and lay the phone on the floor.
I answer all phone calls at most times of the day. You never know who it may be on the other end.
Congratulations . I answer all calls and do not wait to see the number show up.
Congratulations on getting a job out of answering the blocked call. I do not answer these as they all tend to be someone wasting my time trying to sell me something...
Margaret - I answer these calls too. Half the time it is my broker! By the way, I visited your Buyers4YourHome page. What a fantastic idea. I hope you don't mind, I am going to set one up on my website. Thanks
I seldom answer blocked calls to my cell phone if I am otherwise occupied. That's what voicemail is for. These days, if it is important, people can leave a voicemail or numeric page.
I don't disgree with your erring on the side of possibility, and I am happy it worked out well for you.
This is so true. I am famous for not answer calls if I do not recognize the number. But in few occasions that I did pick up, I picked up a few buyers and sellers as well. Thanks for the info!
Every time my phone rings I imagine a new something I'm desiring. It gives light about answering that call. It may be my beach house I'm talking too.
Margaret good luck with your new client!! I also would not answer a blocked call on a cell as 99% of the time it is a telemarketer. If a client is really interested in reaching you I am sure they would leave a number to call back.
I love your wish list idea--what a wonderful way to engage a prospect and get them to understand that you care about what they want in a home. Can't wait to try it! Thanks.
As far as answering Blocked Call calls, an REO officer in a local bank for whom I have listed homes and my most prolific referring client both show up as blocked calls--you can bet I answer them and it almost always turns out to be good news!
Margaret,
I always answer blocked calls on either of my cell phones but almost never do at home. Consumers don't have access to my home number and it's inevitably those annoying calls I'd rather not deal with. On the mobile phones though, it might just be anybody and is worth the risk that it might turn out to be another of those entended warranty calls which I rapidly click off.
I too love your fantasy wish list and will add it to my arsenal if you don't mind. What a nice exercise for the buyers.
Featured @ Club Chaos
I always answer as long as I am available. Unfortunately there are times I am on the land line or otherwise occupied - but I do respond asap!
Margaret - It reminds me of that old game show where you had to pick from waht was behind , Door 31 , Door #2 or Door #3 for you prize. Many times unknown e-mails and phone calls are just like that.
You may get the 40 cases of chicken soup which you can promptly put in SPAM or you may get the BRAND NEW CAR , a client that will be a joy to work with.
Most of those call for me comes from a bank. .we negotiate short sales. .I have to answer them
I'm with Fernando - the bulk of my blocked calls are from banks for short sales!! Miss a call, add another week or two to the transaction.
Margaret, good for you, answering your phone. I started answering more calls that were blocked when I started working or hopeing to work with banks on short sales. If you miss that call, there is no way to get back to the processor. I will say that for me 9 times out of 10 it is a vendor or fundraiser.
Sacre blue, Margaret! I too answer blocked calls because you never know. May your excellent efforts pay off handsomely.
Gee, I have always answer all calls not matter what. I do like your wish lists. What a great way to get them excited about the process first, then go to reality. I call it a wish list too, but the lotto part will be added next time I ask for their list of features. Good luck with your new client!
Margaret...
I wouldn't expect you not to answer every call that comes your way. I on the other hand, do not answer hidden numbers. I'm just a little weird about that :)
TLW...ROAR!
Phone rings...answer it...you always have a choice what to do next...but if you don't answer it, you may never know...Soooo much for folks remedies...I will keep the soap in mind...forgot the baking soda....grrrrr....
It is always important to answer the phone whenever possible unless you are simply tied up with something else. I put on my voice mail that during weekdays that I will return calls between 11-12 and also between 4-5, so just tell me the number I can call back to during those times and I will be sure to call you. At least people know exactly when I will call them back when I can't grab the phone right then and there.
I answer my phone if at all possibly. With sales calls, I move on as quickly and as professionally as they will allow.
Margaret, Thanks for sharing your experience. I love the idea of the 2 lists. Congrats on your new buyers. ~jen
Thank you Margaret, great reminder. Great posts by everyone.
Exactly Margaret! I never miss a call if I can help it. If it is a telemarketer, I just say 'remove me from your list' and 'thank you' and move on. I would hate to NOT answer one and miss an opportunity you captured.
So much of this job is simply 'show up' and 'answer your phone' :-)
Margaret, I also answer all blocked calls. My Wife's family call from Germany quite often and the numbers are always blocked. Must be the European telephone system. Good luck with your new Client.
I'm one of those people who get jazzed up about things I don't know so answering block calls can be exciting. I would also add I took two blocked calls yesterday from MD Anderson saying they got my dental surgery okayed because of my cancer treatment when I don't have dental insurance. If you get a telemarketer, I would turn the call into lemonade by having fun with it if you have the time. Either do the Abbott and Costello version of who's on first, or act like it is a flea market, and try to bargain them down to $5 a month, then they will want to get off the call as soon as possible. On a serious note, I think it is unacceptable to cuss these folks out. Think about the fact that they may be not qualified for any other type of job, or a job may not be out there but this in these perilous times. It is also good to remember the Allen Toussaint song lyric, "Some people you abuse on the way up, you might meet up with, on the way down".
I love the buyers wish list on your web site. That's a great tool for getting listings. And the fantasy list vs. the reality list is another great idea. Congratulations on your new client and the feature. :)
Oh and I always answer my phone too if I'm not working with someone at the moment. If fact last sunday I answered it about 5 minutes after a memorial service was over.
I don't answer calls from certian area codes and I often let blocked calls go into voice mail. I listen and return the call if appropriate. I wish I could answer all my calls but I can't.
Ok all of you wonderful people who have commented. I appreciate you all, but am not going to have time to respond today.
I used to ignore calls in to my cell phone from UNKNOWN. But recently 2 of my clients come in as UNKNOWN and it could be one of them, so now I'm picking up!
Margaret - I answer blocked calls as well if I am not with a client or in a meeting. Good luck with your new clients.
Hi Margaret! Another great post. I love your Buyers 4 Your Home, a great feature! Congrats on your featured post! And YES, I too answer my phone...
Margaret, Congratulations on the new clients; it sounds as if they are in stellar hands with you. I checked out your Buyers4Your Home page, and I think that is one of the most creative web pages I have ever seen. Briliant. Best wishes for a successful close.
Congratulations on the new client from France, Margaret. I try to answer all my calls as well, on my cel phone that is, because, like you said, you just never know. At home, that is another story,I let my kids hands those call! Have a great weekend. After reading the comment above from Daphne, I am going to visit your Buyers4Your Home page, it sounds great.
Maragaret - thanks for stepping out and posting this topic. It's amazing why/how business people would ever think about having their phone blocked. Anyway, always enjoy reading your blog.
Cheers
Margaret,
I will answer calls from "Private Caller, "Unknown", "Mickey Mouse" (haven' gotten that one yet!), or whoever else....because people can opt for privacy, for any number of reasons. That is not for me to judge.
However, I do expect that if a company is calling to sell me something, they should NOT hide behind the "anonymous" screen names.
Those businesses/soliciters are almost guaranteed to not earn my business if they go that route.
We're all in the business to make business happen - and screening calls from individuals is not productive for me.
Edith Schreiber - Dallas, Texas
Hi Margaret,
Interesting topic..I mostly do not answer the blocked id calls, because very early in my career, when I had my face/ad on a couple bus benches in "questionable" areas, I had a couple very weird, verging on obscene calls, that were blocked numbers. Since then, I have had the opinion that if they don't want me to know there number, they must have a reason for being so secretive. Maybe I need to re-think this? Seems like I may be letting a few good ones go?
margaret, something I have noticed, when I return calls on my sprint cell I hit #8, since it across the sprint network the person I call sees "private number" or "blocked id". its a hassle for some, but I have also noticed some people answer the private number, they can ignore caller id, but they have no idea who is calling from a private number.... its just little old me!
We've thought and talked about this many times and have concluded that it's better to answer. You never know who's on the other end and I've noticed recently that sometimes people making the call don't know that the caller ID is coming up with "blocker" or "private."
Good post and good subject. I really never answer the blocked call, but maybe I should start having second thoughts on that.
Hi Margaret, Excellent post to reinforce the idea of not pre-judging an inbound call.
Hi, Margaret - I also usually answer "unknown" and "blocked" callers as many areas still do not have caller ID. Almost all the outlying areas in Southeat Alaska do not, yet.
Good reminder to answer those calls. I normally dont and maybe I have missed something by doing that.
Margaret, It won't surprise you that I don't have caller ID so I answer the phone when I can/want to (evenings) talk and don't when I can't. The craziest things happen when you answer the phone!
Good job on securing the buyer! I have always answered all calls, but recently I am finding that everytime it is a blocked number it is someone trying to sell me something. I am learning to just hang up on them since I do not have time to waste on listening to a pitch, but I don't want to miss an important call. Thanks for the post!
Margaret, people who are counselors, law enforcement, etc. usually have blocked call phones. A customer from Japan also had blocked calls when she called but I answered. Great reminder why is't not necessarily a bad idea to answer a blocked call!
In our area medical and school employees calling from work have their numbers blocked from the work place. As these are our two largest employers in this small town, one had better answer all calls.
In this business we cannot afford not to answer our phones. I do not even have an office number. I only use my cell phone. I am here for my clients.
Hi Margaret!
I always answer my phone, if someone is blockin their number they may have a reason. They could also be out of the country, so you just never know. I love your lottery idea, very creative!
-Lisa
To be honest I get so few blocked ID unless they were vendors, but I guess I really should think about changing that tactic.
Hi Margaret -- What a great story. I haven't been so lucky with blocked numbers so far, but it's solid advice as all it takes is one!
Congrats on your new clients, and thank you for the reminder about answering calls! I wish you and your buyers many blessings.
Good Job, Too often i put off answering those calls because 99.9% are telemarketers but i am letting the .1% slip by, ill have to think twice next time
I rarely receive blocked calls but when I am in the midst of an appointment I do not pick up. However I try to answer all of my calls. Great post.
Best of luck with them and the upcoming sale -- may it be good for all concerned.
Chanda, Glad you liked it.
Gary, Never know why someone has a blocked number...maybe at work, hospital etc
Jeff, We all have our TM stories.
Virginia, "Brilliant' I love it.
Roland, Thank you times two
Charistine, Glad you like my wish list...go for it.
Lenn, We know how you feel about agents who do not answer their phones.
Russ, Thanks and good for you.
Gita, Good for you.
Michael, It is your choice.
Judy, Interesting that your broker has a blocked number. If you use my idea, please give me credit.
Phil, Good explanation of what to call you.
Brian, Good for you.
Laura, You made me smile.
Bill, Good that you have the choice.
Jill, Let me know how that wish list works for you.
Geri, Be my guest with the fantasy wish list. Let me know how it works.
C Tann, A great big Thank You.
Gary, Glad to see this working for you.
Laura, There's an analogy.
Fernando, Thanks for stopping by.
Dan, You are in good company.
Missy, But that 10th call may be a winner.
Mary, You are a delight.
TLW, But I bet that BB does answer those blocked callers...let us know.
Sally, How could you forget....so you just used lemon and water.
Mark, Thanks for stopping by.
Jen Thank you
Wayne, Thanks.
Christianne, Just show up.....
Believe it or not, we have a bank that blocks their caller id! I think that is foolish of them.
Margaret - I answer all my calls when I can. If I am with a customer and it is blocked I don't bother, but otherwise I'll take the chance. I have several elderly clients that have blocked numbers and whenever I say anything they get frustrated and say they don't know how to change it. They are important calls to me ... and they are blocked.
Michael, You won't miss the out of country calls.
Irene, Thank you,
Rob, It works for you
Joe, Congratulations on getting the call from your doctor. With my husband's health challenges, I have found that most of the doctors do have blocked numbers which I can't afford to miss.
Tammy, Glad you like the wish list.
Teresa, Thank you
Eric, Good for you,
Sharon, Thanks
Evelyn, Thank you,
Dedra, Oh my, Thank you!
Terrie, So glad you stopped by.
Mike,May have changed your mind.
Freddy, Thanks so much.
Edith, You made me laugh.
Linda, Hope you have removed your face from where others sit.
Mark, You have figured it out.
Yvette, You can choose.
David, Your choice.
Bill, So true.
Debbie, You don't have much choice.
Chuck, You will never know.
Connie, Crazy things can happen just by answering.
Jeani, Hanging up is easy.
Frank, You do understand.
Rob, Good point.
Gene, So true.
Lisa, Thank you
Barbara, Your choice.
Chris, Thank you.
Laura, Thanks
Aaron, Thinking is not such a bad idea.
Lana, Appreciate your comments.
Bob and Carolin, Thank you.
Barbara, Go figure.
Jim, Yes there are "legit" people whose numbers are blocked.
MArgaret,
Good story; you never know where the lead is coming from.
Margaret. I have to say you are better than I am. I rarely answer calls that I don't recognize. I used to. But I don't anymore. I do however have a very inviting voice mail message and will return calls very quickly. I'm trying hard to get my entire business virtual and all communications done via email. About 75% there.
I love the "wish list" idea. I need to get my agents to do that.
In retrospect, most blocked calls I receive are buyer-seller inquiries, not telemarketers. Usually I assign a NO to telemarketers calls as I save their number. You are right, you never know!
Terry, You never do.
BB, Even your voice mail is sooooooooooo good looking. When dealing with my older clientele, it is not possible to get them virtual. You gotta do whacha gotta do! The wish list is an interesting exercise.
Frank and Jodi, I am seeing a fair amount of inquiry calls that are blocked. It is not a problem for me to answer if I am not busy at the time.
Sorry, don't answer calls that block their numbers. Have to wonder why they do it? You can just press redial and call them right back so it's not that you can't get back in touch with them. I personally don't want to talk to people that do that. I can't do that & be correctly in business so I don't expect others to be anonymous when they call me.
Lyn, Thanks for your comment. Not answering is your choice and many others feel the same way. I don't mind answering questions about my listings from blocked numbers.
I wish I could answer half the calls I get... In your case I completely understand why you answer your calls. I tend to be on the receiving end of too many cold sales calls. Glad you picked up a new client.
Hey Margaret, what a coincidence! I answer my phone too! Yay, us.
Josef,
Looking forward to seeing you the end of the month. Don't get too busy for me.
Kelsey,
Thanks for the smile!
I'm with you Margaret, I answer everything and it's paid off! I'm working with two clients now that in their own time divulged their numbers and other contact info. Great post!
Sandy, Thanks and glad it is working for you.
Well, my policy is not to answer those calls. Too many crank callers and telemarketers. I'm glad to hear one success story, though. We are all different.
I know many realtors won't pick up if it is an out of area number, thinking it may be a telemarketer. I am now in escrow with a buyer from out of area, who started making calls, and went with the first realtor that answered the phone. Yup, that was me, and we are due to close on an $800K home at the end of the month!
Margaret, I always have time to talk to you...
Karen, If I am not busy,I am happy to answer the blocked caller and give information about my listings. Our seller sometimes test us. It is very easy to hang up on a telemarketer.
Carol, Nice job, really nice.
Josef, And I always have time to talk with you!!
Margaret, you go girl! I love the lottery list and reality list idea. What a fabulous way to really get to know your clients. Thanks for sharing, I answer each and every phone call. If it goes into voice mail, I always return the call as soon as possible.
Margaret: What a fabulous story. We completely agree and never let a call go!!
Margaret - This is a very encouraging story. I always answer every call and am always excited each and every time the phone rings. Every time it rings, its an opportunity for me and I would never choose to not answer the phone simply because I couldn't see who was calling.
Kathy, Just this morning, I received the wish list made by husband and wife. It is very complete and will be a delight to work with..
Carrie and Kathy, Thanks for stopping by
Stephen, I like the way you look at the ringing as an opportunity!
i answer the blocked caller ID calls to. You never know when it may be a potenttial client that you might never be able to get in touch with.
Cheryl, Answering phones is what we all need to be doing.
Here is the update to this post
Wish I May, Wish I Might.. I Have The Buyer!
Most of the calls are sales people trying to sell me on something. However.....You never know and the call might be a serious BUYER! I guess I'll answer it.
Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate
Patricia, Most of those sales calls can easily be quickly disposed of. Answer if you have time....your choice. Sounds like you had a wonderful Mother's Day.
You never know who will be on the other end of the call do you? You can always end the call if it is a telemarketer!
Sonya, It is easy to end a call that you do not want. Thanks for stopping by.
Most of my "unavailables" tend to be BPO companies wanting a BPO performed. It depends on my mood if I answer. If I'm at dinner, then no. If I'm sitting at my desk then yes (maybe). Putting your cell phone on the "no call" list helps with those pesky telemarketers/salesmen but they still slip through.
Diana, The important thing is that you are in control of your calls and chose when to take them. Dinner is a good time to ignore them all.
I don't like blocked calls but you are right on, whenever my brother calls me from London his number is blocked As you say it is easy to end a call if you are not interested in talking with the caller.
Dan, Thanks for stopping by. This post was written in May of 09 and I still feel the same way.