John,

I just told someone who wanted to find out if anyoe had tried new marketing ideas, and my comment was the best thing to do is what no one else seems to be doing, answering their phones was one of them!  A

There is a virus of some sort that some agents get that causes them to have this issue and also, as a side effect. It injures memory and triggers denial. The cure is unemployment where one gets desperate and changes their ways

So many options for communication...text and email allow folks to communicate without having to be available at the exact same moment in time...

It is near impossible to reach the biggest agents in my area by phone, they dont seem to answer or return calls. That is ok when my phone rings, i answer and home seller or buyers screams with excitement they reached a live real estate agent, more business for me. 

I am not one of those agents.

Gadgets and technology are fine if they add to your service. They are lead balloons if they do not!

Wow, and I thought it was just in my area.  It drives me crazy!  The agent that doesn't take or return other agents calls is doing THEIR client, whether buyer or seller, a huge disservice!  I absolutely love checking out people that never communicate back and seeing how they pride themselves on communication and professionalism on their various profiles.  Here's a tip to those agents, WALK THE TALK!  Ok I'm done...

I usually get responses in a reasonable time. We have only a few agents that are as irresponsible as you described. I have called their brokers and told them the comapany is at risk for lack of performance when these agents blow some deals. It's come very close twice now.

It's the new trend in real estate and it's awful.  I find agents over the top thanking me for answering the phone or returning a call as if it's special.  I guess that these days, it is.

It's terrible! I texted an agent early today for one item. Here it is over 12 hours later I have NO CALL / TEXT. Really?  I agree with you John DL Arendsen  I may have made an offer.  I would like to notify the buyer their agent is NOT working out very well. 

I'm not supposed to be like this, sorry not sorry . . . but I do tend to remember agents who fail to communicate properly--and not fondly. There is no excuse for poor communication. This is a communications business!

John DL Arendsen Some just lack common courtesy.

We have a national surplus of several hundred thousand agents. Sadly, many of them do not practice professional conduct.

Business models change. 

Teams amplify inefficiency.

To assume 'double ending' is malpractice on your part.

But if they can double end, good for them.

However, you should keep calling and always answer your phone. Those are the only things in this equation you can control.

Some people rarely communicate by phone.  This is common among people who grew up using other communication methods.

 I believe that people are getting to be self-serving rather than serving others.

Good morning John. Most of the Realtor referral partners that I do business with do a great job returning phone calls, but you are right about some in the business, but that is true in most businesses.

Not just RE professionals, everyone is too busy two answer it seems.

I'm working with a one agent boutique who's trying to sound like he's a big company. He bought one of those Costco multi lines phone systems  and he's not impressing me at all ..

John DL Arendsen - as much as I am with you, we just keep on trying to reach them - and let them get 'tired' of our calls and emails.

I just had to call an agent to see what the possession would be for his sellers, and the first time it never went to vm.  Second time, he answered - hello.   Wasn't even sure he was a REALTOR.   Times are changing!

It's amazing how much business you can get by answering your phone.  I've picked up three buyers this month from it.

I really hate it when real estate agents do not answer their phone or return phone calls.

I am always surprised when an agent won't return a call. I do understand them being busy, but when a day goes by and no answer to phone, email, or text I get the picture...

I know :( Specially on weekends,

It drives me crazy also...I am working deal now with the issue

For the most part, I find most in real estate are professionals --- there's always those who aren't in any line of work.   

Agents not answering is one of my biggest pet peeves! 

One can only speculate why an agent does not return calls.  Like you, I find the lack of professionalism ... deplorable. 

Some things never change... 

Oh my gosh, you are reading my mind! Called six agents regarding showing their listings. Three answered their phone and appts were made. Two had "voicemails are full" and so I sent an email - no response, called their offices and they sent me back to their voicemail. And one called me back three days after the showing date and I told him the truth, "My client bought a home already". 

And many agents wonder why the public has such a negative opinion of real estate agents. Many agents just don't care about professionalism.

Just unprofessional agents, as far as I'm concerned. 

Some agents intentionally do not answer other agents, all communication should be via email. 

Realtors have never had so much demand on them and so much to do.  Everyone is gunning to take their license away.  We'd all like to be an Ostrich at times and put our head in the sand.  We deserve credit as we do more in our jobs than most people would do with six careers.