Richard,

We answer our phones except when we are on another call.  Smart phones have a neat thing, where you can silently text that you will return the call ASAP.  

We always tried to work with those who were conscientious about their work.  A

if I'm available, I'll always answer my phone....if not, I'll return the call asap....

It doesn't happen too often to me, but it does happen.  You never know what is going on in their day, so I don't worry about it.

I've noticed the younger agents answer their phone less.  They may reply to a text.  I enjoy the veterans they actually talk to you.  An agent returned my call earlier, she talked for ever about her 35 years in a certain neighborhood.  I didn't mind.  Plus she apologized for not answering my call. I try to answer my phone or return back to the caller quickly. 

I answer...I thank those that dont. Now, let the consumers choose who they want to go with...

Unfortunately it happens much too often.

It is pretty darn crazy isn't it.  Of course many of them will respond to a text immediately.  

OMG, YES!!!!  And it's the same people time and time again!  Listen, I get it, people take days off, and it's my problem that I don't.  But we use Showing Time Appointment Center.  All you have to do is give them the showing instructions, lockbox info, days that you canshow, etc. for your listing.  Any agent can call in, identify themselves and get a lockbox code immediately and show a house on the weekend, evenings, whatever.  I just think that you do your clients a disservice not returning a showing call because it's Saturday and you're off.  Maybe it's just me, it's not an option.  I don't want to miss a showing that will sell my client's home....

If I am with clients or on it it will go to voicemail.

Yes it seems to many go to voice mail; especially when they call right back!

It depends on what I am doing, never interrupt a meeting with a phone call.

I answer my phone unless I'm with a client.  Even then if I'm expecting a very important call I take it. 

I'd say it's 50/50 in my experience. I answer my phones unless it's after hours for me or unless I'm with a client. I also don't answer calls when on a call with another person as I find this very rude and disruptive when it's done to me. And what I really hate is when I call, get voice mail, and then get a message to saying the voice mail box is full and call back!

Many agents here don't answer their phones.  If I a not with a customer, I try to answer my phone on weekends and holidays.

it doesn't usually happen to me. 

If I am not with a client, or talking on the phone already, I answer it

Yes it happens. I answer mine , very rarely does it go to vm.

Unless I'm driving or with a client or at church or Kennedy Center, I will answer.  My voice message offers lunch if I don't get back within an hour - telemarketers excluded, of course.

I usually answer unless I am with a client or in church. Then I will return the call as soon as I can.

If I know who you are, I answer! If you are a local number, I answer! If I think you might be a telemarketer, I google your number and if you're not on the die list, I call you back. I HATE agents who think they're the freakin' Pope.

Too much of a generalization.  I believe most in this business are responsive.

Two phone calls so far this morning - both telemarketers.   When I'm with clients or in a place where I can't answer, the call will go to voicemail and will be returned in a timely manner.   

You are the pro; the ones who do not answer their phones, or immediately call you back are merely holding back the process.

I answer my phone unless I am with people who get my undivided attention. In the case where I may need to take a call I explain the need in advance.

 Good Monday morning Richard. This is one of my pet peeves. When they do call back, the crisis has either come to a head or I have found a way to resolve it.

To many see the profession as 9-5 m-f

Yes, most agents do not answer the phone and often never return your call. I created a habit: leave a VM, send a text and an email. 

Richard L. McKinney P.A. most likely, I will not answer the call at 7:55 AM - unless I am waiting for a call - in anticipation of offer, signing documents or getting counter offer etc. 

Yes there are very lazy agents out there. I always try to accommodate the calls I get.

We have showing assist online here for all of our listing requests.  I would say that most agents answer half of the time, myself included.  We aren't mega agents or anything, but we aren't always available either.  

I always return phone calls as ssoon as possible. 

I have found that a lot of agents won't answer their calls. I do answer my phone when it rings unless there's a very good reason not to answer it, and sometimes there is. 

I answer the phone at all times or I have someone else tending to it.

Yes, a high percentage of calls go into voice mail. They may be more likely to see your text messages or your emails.

There are numerous reasons why a telephone call is not immediately answered. 

I have a hard time with this. Most of my clients are out of state so if I don't recognize the number and I answer it is often a spam call. I do check VM constantly and try to call as quickly as possible.

For the most part agents answer their phones.

For the most part the offices of brokers are closed on weekends and I do not expect an answer.

I respect greatly those agents who ignore other agents who call on a Sunday morning. Some folks have a life. 

The issue is YOUR expectation on a Sunday morning.

Richard - I do find that a majority of agents do not answer their phones, and I wonder how they stay in business because they never call me back. I have resorted to sending texts, and most of the time I will receive a response back, but typically not for quite some time.

I will answer my phone, unless I know it is a sales call. If I miss a call for some reason, I will usually call them back within the half hour.

If I am not with a client I answer my phone. If the call does go to VM I respond as quickly as possible.