One of my favorite things to do in my real estate training is to work with agents one-on-one to help them see how they communicate with their clients.  I will even videotape them.   I critique their performance and together, we identify flaws in their communication style and we make a plan for improvement.

None of us get trained enough in the art of communication.  Very few people have ever had anyone critique their communication style.

In a role play setting, I watch how agents display body language and voice tone.  I watch how they talk to their clients.  I note the speed at which they talk.  I watch how they mirror body movements.

Here are the eight most common mistakes agents make in their communication with clients:

Mistake #1: Speed.

This is by far one of the biggest mistakes we make when we communicate.  We are either too fast or too slow in our speech.

You have to really pay attention to the way your clients are reacting to you as you talk.  Only by doing so can you learn the correct speed of the conversation.

Most of the time, agents are too fast.  I am constantly telling agents to slow down.  I don’t have to tell them to speed up quite as often, but this is also important.

Mistake #2: Voice inflection.

Many agents are monotone.  The important points that need to be expressed are completely missed when you speak in a non-varied voice tone.

There’s a big difference between saying, “I understand that” and “I understand that”.  Your voice inflection means so much, especially when you highlight important points.

Mistake #3: Body positioning.

If you’re communicating with someone about important information, then you need to look your clients firm in the eye and clearly say what needs to be said.  There are times during this delivery that you lean forward a bit to show the seriousness of what you’re saying.  Then, after the delivery, you want to lean back to allow “space” for them to digest what you just told them.

Communication is a dance.  There’s leading and following.  There’s tempo and rhythm.  Your clients’ body language will become animated at times.  It’s important for you to note this.  It tells you that your client is either excited or agitated.  Use what you learn by observation.  Complement what they’re saying with their body language by countering theirs with your own.

Note: When a client becomes rigid and firm in their body language, it’s usually an indicator that they don’t like what you’re saying.

Mistake #4: Avoiding important topics.

Agents often avoid talking about the important stuff—price reductions, low offers, and other money-related issues.  They beat around these topics as opposed to dealing with them directly.

Talking around points does nothing other than give the other side more time to object or think of ways to not do what you’re suggesting.  You need to start off with, “This is something we need to talk about.  It’s very important and I want to address it.”

Then, handle the important information succinctly and clearly.  People will respect you for being direct and straightforward with them.

Mistake #5: Not listening.

Many agents have a really hard time listening to the clues that the client is giving out.

For example, the client might say, “You know, we’re just not really interested in spending more than X dollars on a house.”

Are they saying that they can’t spend more or that they just don’t want to?  What does that mean?  The problem is that agents don’t dig deeper.

Dig!

Find out exactly what they mean.  When somebody says something vague, stop.  Bring attention to what they just said.  Find out exactly what they mean.

You could ask, “What if we found the perfect house and it’s $5,000 more than your budget?  Does that mean that we shouldn’t even talk about it?”

When you uncover the true parameters of your working relationship with your client, you are much better armed to help them.

Mistake #6: Not asking enough questions.

When you don’t ask enough questions, you let the other side dominate the conversation.  You are in charge of the interaction.  You’re the expert.  You’re the leader.  You should be directing the conversation.  You keep the flow going.

But be careful.  Don’t make the twin mistake of:

Mistake #7: Asking too many questions.

While you do want to lead, you don’t want to make the client feel like they’re being interrogated.  That’s too much pressure.  There needs to be balance.  Communication should be a conversation, not an interrogation.

Mistake #8: Saying the same thing over and over.

Many people in all walks of life make this mistake.  I used to know someone who said, “Wonderful!” after every response the client gave them.  It sounded fake and became annoying after a while.

Watch your words.  Is there something you repeat too often?  You may need to ask friends or colleagues about this one.  Be genuinely interested in what they have to say to you.  Don’t take personal offense.

Great communication is something that is learned.  None of us are born with it.  We pick up both good and bad habits along the way.

Get to know your communication style.  Sit down and analyze it with someone who can give you honest feedback.

Everyone has something in their communication that can be improved—including you.

By Denise Lones CSP, M.I.R.M., CDEI