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John Mosier, Prescott's Patriot Agent  928 533-8142 (Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert)

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Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

Ask your client their preferred method of communication and communicate that way.  It may mean sending things via FedEx, including a return envelope and discussing documents, etc. point by point over the phone.

If you've been in the business for a while, you'll remember doing business without all of the technology tools now available.  You did it then and you can do it again. 

Dec 29, 2016 09:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

If you want the client, you have to adjust.. I don't prefer those clients - not my demographic. However. If I want them, and they can't electronically communicate, we go low-tech. I overnight docs with PPd return. Everything highlighted. Call me when you get them, go over everything on the phone, sign, pop back in the envelope and back to me. My marketing uses traditional methods as well as high-tech, and my value to tech-challenged clients emphasizes customer care.

Dec 30, 2016 12:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,090,922
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

John, Welcome to my world! You just described about half of my clients...I work with a lot of snowbirds and investors from up north and many of them are low tech - no tech. It's all about knowing each other's expectations and managing them.

This group requires a LOT of patience and a little more time and attention than locals but they are SO worth it and very appreciative of the extra effort.  If you need help with any clients in my area, I will be happy to assist.

Dec 29, 2016 10:04 PM
Rainmaker
4,457,314
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

very painfully but can not eliminate them... last year I sold two listings and it was old school face to face with pen and paper....

Dec 29, 2016 09:53 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

      I had a recent out of town sale where the senior citizen went to the UPS Store to use their Fax machine (I used the UPS Store here in Tallahassee to send and receive the forms via fax).  At least she could use a cell phone, and take that to the UPS store with her.  I know senior citizens who are still tied to landlines.

    *Salute to the staff at both UPS Stores, especially hers.  It would not have happened without their help.

Dec 29, 2016 08:24 PM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

John Mosier - It's only a challenge to us when our elderly clients have no tech knowledge!  I just revert to the 'old days' and meet them face-to-face. If it's a listing, I take my laptop with me and show them how the marketing will look online.

When it comes to signing documents, I go to them - that's what they are used to and I accommodate!  It seems I've had a lot of those lately too!

If they are out of your area, see if there is an AR member who would do that for you...

Good luck!

Dec 29, 2016 08:10 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I haven't had any who were totally un-techie in years, including several senior citizens.  But I just adjust to their level of tech competence.

Dec 30, 2016 02:24 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

With great care and kindness.  A

Dec 29, 2016 08:03 PM
Ambassador
5,049,455
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It IS a challenge and you have to find out what can work for them - sending documents and other paperwork overnight gets expensive but it is an option if they do not want to go to some store (e.g., Kinkos) to send and receive. I suppose you have to decide h0w much you are willing and ableto do to make this work, and is it worth the time, money, and effort. Not having email is one thing, but not using other possible services is quite another.

Dec 29, 2016 07:58 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've only ever had two of these and I just drove over to their house and did everything face-to-face. You need to figure out how to communicate and work with how your clients prefer, not how you prefer to do it. It's our job to be tech-savvy to properly represent our clients, but there is no requirement that our clients be tech savvy. I started in real estate 25 years ago with no computers, no cell phones, no mls.... somehow we still sold a lot of real estate... faxes, fedex, etc. all worked.

Dec 30, 2016 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

In person.

Dec 30, 2016 03:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

They way they want that. I just worked with elder( both 80+ y.o.). It was slower, but we did it:) 

Dec 30, 2016 12:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Being tech savvy is not a requirement for my clients.  I deal with many people who do not use email, faxes, internet and other communication methods.

Dec 29, 2016 09:57 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Sounds like many of my clients, just plan do do things in the old ways, mail, phone and personal meetings.

Dec 29, 2016 09:10 PM
Ambassador
1,452,869
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Is there a brokerage near them that you can enlist in helping these folks face to face? 

Dec 29, 2016 08:05 PM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

It's a lot easier if they live close. If you definitely want these listing(s), I'd drive the two hours with all the paperwork. It sounds as though it would be worth the trip in the long run.

Dec 30, 2016 03:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I go old school

Dec 29, 2016 08:40 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Earn my commission..

Dec 29, 2016 08:22 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Don't give up yet John Mosier.  We deal with snowbirds and an age-restricted community.  So we also have clients who live out-of-state, and some do not have computers, so a Smartphone isn't even an issue!  If possible, we have either sent docs to a family member who lives close by, or to the office of a care facility where they live.  We have talked with the Contact Person and explained the situation, and they know exactly what we are talking about, and have been extremely helpful.  We also send docs in some cases in Overnight Mail, if that is appropriate.  I would continue to leave Voice Mail messages and let someone know who is 'close by' (either distance-wise or in the same facility) that you have 'left messages'.  They may not check their phone daily, and some have difficulty retrieving messages.  This can still work out, and I know it's hard to be patient when time is of the essence, though it sounds like you are not in that exact situation yet.  Let me know how 'things' work out, especially if that client is interested, it can still happen - Best of Luck! 

Dec 30, 2016 09:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

For those that are not tech savvy...You must learn to talk turkey (simple)

Dec 30, 2016 08:24 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,283
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I'd be more concerned about the non-responsiveness than the saviness of technology.   I can and have dealt with clients who don't have a cell phone, don't use email and wouldn't know or care about the power of the Internet.  

Real buyers buy.  Real sellers sell.  I'm wondering about the motivation of the prospective seller you mention.  

Dec 30, 2016 08:09 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

No email or FAX.

Too much care and feeding required. You will invest 10 times more direct time, experience 20 times more frustration, and infuriate 50% of the other agents with whom you must engage. AND this persons agent will be blamed for the manner the Office Depot/Staples/Kinko/UPS staff treat them and charge per page.

They will conclude they could of done it themselves easier and faster without an agent.

I will refer them to an agent on 'The List."

Dec 30, 2016 05:45 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,419
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You have do deal with them face to face.

Dec 30, 2016 04:56 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Hmm, interesting issue, just curious how far away does he live?  Would it pay you to go to him in person?  There has to be a way, maybe FedX the documents to him, meet him halfway etc. 

Dec 30, 2016 04:49 AM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

With care and consideration.

Jan 04, 2017 09:04 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

We still get people like that in my area. Although I haven't had to deal with an out of the area client yet that isn't using some sort of technology...even if it is a fax machine. 

Ask your client how he would like to handle the paperwork. Explain your market methods to him and let him know that if he has family and friends that use the computer, they can show him what you are doing. 

Jan 01, 2017 12:29 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I try and do the best I can, but there's only so much we can do.

Dec 31, 2016 05:53 PM
Rainmaker
542,913
Sean Casey
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate - Newark, DE
Greenville, Hockessin, Newark & Bear Homes

I usually meet with them face to face, but that doesn't seem possible in your case.  

Dec 31, 2016 10:08 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I handle the the way I did 20 years ago.  NO Problem

Dec 30, 2016 07:33 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I try to teach them some simple tech procedures if they are willing. If not, I do it the old fashion way.

Dec 30, 2016 03:57 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

John, I really worry about the AGENTS that aren't tech savy.  That's real scary in this day and age!

 

As to your out of state time sinks, I'd cut them loose too or start putting them on the back burner on simmer.  If they return it great, otherwise your time is better spent serving three or four local clients instead of trying to service the one.

Dec 30, 2016 02:03 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

John Mosier - this indeed is a big challenge! For everything, I have to meet them in person. Time-consuming for sure.

Though with that. now I plan better....lol!

Dec 30, 2016 01:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

talk via phone and get them in the car

Dec 30, 2016 12:05 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Well I can be old school with them also.

Dec 30, 2016 11:23 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

it's just like the good old days!!!! put them in your car and show them the listings....

Dec 30, 2016 09:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

1st thing I'd do is see if he picked it up. At this point FEDX would have been faster right?

I think that he is probably reading & thinking on the things he sent you IF he picked them up. Step back to 1980 & use FEDX or the next day USPS stuff.

Dec 30, 2016 08:38 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

If you want to work with them, come down to their level.

Dec 30, 2016 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Many are tech challenged and need a bit of patience. Some have multiple properties they are selling for estate planning purposes. Be patient while others give up!

Dec 30, 2016 06:42 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I would buy them a fax machine. Also, Express Mail and FedEx work. The ones that live nearby, in person meetings are best. otherwise, a courier service or personal/office assistant might be best. Pay the $20.00 per hour and gas, and let them do the driving back and forth for you.

Dec 30, 2016 06:34 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

You have meet the client in person.

Dec 30, 2016 06:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

John Mosier You have to go "old school" and communicate with them like the days before technology. Snail mail, visiting with them, calling them, etc. Don't miss this market. Many are older people who have the resources to buy and sell.

Dec 30, 2016 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

All of mine navigate the tech world fairly well. No issues.

Dec 30, 2016 05:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

The old fashion way.

Dec 30, 2016 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

You've got to go back to basics - before the age of using the digital MLS and email

I think they call it the telephone and snail mail ;)

Dec 30, 2016 05:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I haven't had a client without a computer in many years.

Dec 30, 2016 05:10 AM