Pros of Phone Calls:
Immediate and direct communication: Phone calls allow real estate agents, buyers, and sellers to have real-time conversations, enabling efficient communication and quick decision-making.
Building rapport: Phone calls provide an opportunity to establish a personal connection and build trust with clients. Hearing someone's voice can help convey sincerity and empathy, which is crucial in real estate transactions.
Clarification and negotiation: Complex details and negotiations can be effectively addressed through phone calls. It allows parties to ask questions, seek clarifications, and negotiate terms without delays or misinterpretations.
Problem-solving: Phone calls facilitate immediate problem-solving. For instance, if an issue arises during a property inspection, a phone call can quickly bring all parties together to discuss potential solutions.
Cons of Phone Calls:
Lack of documentation: Unlike emails or written correspondence, phone calls do not provide a tangible record of discussions and agreements. This can lead to misunderstandings or disputes if details are not properly documented.
Timing and availability: Coordinating phone calls between busy parties can be challenging, especially when dealing with different time zones or conflicting schedules. This may cause delays and hinder efficient communication.
Non-verbal cues: In face-to-face meetings, non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions play a significant role in understanding and conveying information. Phone calls lack these visual cues, potentially leading to misinterpretations or missed signals.
Distractions and interruptions: Phone calls can be prone to distractions and interruptions, both on the caller's and receiver's end. Background noise, poor reception, or interruptions from other tasks may hinder effective communication.
It is important to strike a balance between phone calls and other forms of communication, such as emails or in-person meetings, depending on the nature of the real estate transaction and the preferences of the involved parties.
References:
Realtor.com - Pros and Cons of Communicating with Your Real Estate Agent on the Phone
The Balance - Buying a Home by Phone? Here's How It Works