Scheduling appointments

[sputnam]

Just wondering how you folks call to schedule appointments. For me, I decide when I would prefer to schedule. I then call the broker (purchase) or homeowner (refi) and after intro I usually say something like, “I was wondering if Tuesday at 10 am is possible?”especially if they say, “what did you have in mind?” I ask because my wife has overheard me at times and thinks I am too passive, like a dork asking the hot girl for a date (my take). I have other thoughts but want to hear you all first.

I do something similar. After introducing myself and telling them why I'm calling, I something like "How about Thursday at 9?". If that doesn't work for them, I suggest another. If that doesn't work, I ask them when would. They don't always get what they want. I do check the wearher forecast before I call. I don't measure in the rain.

 

[cashcatz]

I've been thinking a lot about how to partially automate this. System that texts and/or emails them with avaiablitliy then they can just click/choose to help reduce some of the back-and-forth phone tag.

 

[Tom D]

Some of you, i don't know. Our MLS has a scheduling page that shows the times you can sched it. It notifies the broker or owner, then i get back their confirmation and way to get in. Been very easy, rarely talk to a realtor on a sale. Last 10 years seems like mostly empty new rehabd/new row homes sold, easy peasy.

usually say something like, “I was wondering if Tuesday at 10 am is possible?”especially if they say, “what did you have in mind?” I ask because my wife has overheard me at times and thinks I am too passive, like a dork asking the hot girl for a date (my take). I have other thoughts but want to hear you all first.

That is totally a passive question. You never ask a question like that. You lead them to your required day & time. Oh please, can you let me go thru,, maybe on, oh what day is good for you. Your wife married a wosh. Good appraiser, whossy appointment getter.
With owners, introduction, then 'I need to take a walk thru your house for loan purpose', are you ever home during the day. If yes, then i tell them the day and time. I do early morning, big city traffic slows down after 11 am. Love the weekend, hardly any traffic.

 

[ucbruin]

"I am more interested in your thoughts on my approach. She thinks I am too easy after hearing my b#”ing about difficult people."


Your avatar speaks for itself....
Just messing around....

 

[John Hassler]

I am more interested in your thoughts on my approach. She thinks I am too easy after hearing my b#”ing about difficult people. My take is to start off with giving the vibe of being accommodating (especially now that my schedule is not that tight so I can be flexible) so if they become difficult I can come back with I have tried to work with them.

Refis are more difficult than purchases as brokers know how important it is to schedule. My pet peave is, “I work during the day”. Yeah! So do I! I then go with, “Is there anyone over 18 who can let me in?”

Great opportunity here for you.

Have your spouse schedule your appointments for a week. If her system doesn’t work, you didn’t have to schedule for a week, and your spouse felt heard. Win-win. If her system works, win-win-win and maybe you can get her to do it permanently WIN!

 

[Joe Flacco]

I've been thinking a lot about how to partially automate this. System that texts and/or emails them with avaiablitliy then they can just click/choose to help reduce some of the back-and-forth phone tag.

It's hard automate. I have thought about using google calendar to let them choose, but it's just complicated. Too many things to consider.

 

[Joe Flacco]

I just noticed this tab in total.

Maybe it helps for people that do a lot of volume. I don't do volume and most people around here seem to work at home least a couple days per week, so it's not really hard to schedule.

 

[Joe Flacco]

Man, Total is slow and buggy ever since I did the required update.

 

[Gobears81]

Especially when I am trying to coordinate trips out of town, I will have my wife call first on their availability and when I am able to slot everything out, I'll call back to confirm. Doesn't always work, but it takes away the facade that we are requiring them to make a certain time fit into their schedule. Commercial is usually easier to schedule than residential, though.

Regardless, the internet/ cable people will give you four-hour windows that you have to wait for them, and most tradespeople are less passive than we are on appointments.

 

[chad hampton]

My MLS has a showing service one-800 number I call it and schedule my appraisals on purchases for whatever I want. Usually in the mornings. For refi I suggest a time and let them know that mornings are preferred. If They request something after 3 PM I usually push it to another day where they can meet at a better time for me.

If I would call an agent in my market to schedule an appraisal, they would wonder why the hell I’m calling them and not the showing service as indicated in the MLS.