By Sharon E. Washney SRA, Team Lead
As the market has slowed somewhat, we need to rethink our behavior and service levels moving into the future. Let’s consider Effort and Reward.
The past 3 years have shown us that with very little effort, we could be rewarded with an abundance of work (more than what we would normally handle). Now the pendulum has swung the other way. We now have to put forth more Effort to be rewarded with assignments. Let’s take a look at some of the Effort we can be doing to grow more business:
Answer your phone. You would think this is basic logic. Some of the new assignments are being called in to get an ETA and availability. If you don’t answer your phone they go to the next appraiser in line. Don’t miss out on work because you didn’t answer the phone. Answer your phone!!
Respond to emails. Again, a no brainer. We all receive emails regarding revisions. Get to them right away! Show the client that you care about doing a good job, that you are responsive to any changes they need, and you are there if they have any questions. This effort goes a long way when they are assigning the next appraisal and sets you apart. It makes their jobs easier and keeps your inbox clean. I also hear it reduces your stress levels.
Correspond with agents via text. I love texting! It’s easy, convenient, and just detached enough where you don’t get too emotional about it. I love texting with agents! You now have shared phone numbers (no commitments, just numbers), and maybe saved each other as contacts (deeper level, but you do you…), or even (gasp!) called each other for some friendly info swapping. I have agents call or text me all the time asking about pre-listings. Texting gets you on their radar. Be the one they turn to when they need something.
And let’s get a little deeper into Effort. For those of you who are certified, scroll through all the different clients we have and see which ones you can apply to be on their panels. I recently had a client reach out and ask if one of my team members was FHA approved yet because they WANTED to give more work to him. Get approved on as many panels as you can. You can find a list of clients in Teams. Reach out to John or Dawn if you have questions about where to find this list or if you are eligible.
With a little more Effort we can all be Rewarded with client loyalty and solid relationships with agents and others. This may turn out to be the New Normal. Do your part.