Ghosting clients and poor communication: the real estate agent’s favorite disappearing act. Call it what it is—lazy, unprofessional, and a fast track to zero referrals.
You take the call, charm them at the first meeting, promise the moon: “I’ll be your eyes and ears 24/7.” Then poof. Radio silence. Texts ignored. Calls go to voicemail forever. Days turn into weeks. Buyer thinks you’re dead; seller assumes you sold the house to aliens.
You’re equipped with everything you need—phone in your pocket, calendar on your device, mouth that can form words. Stop treating clients like they’re optional. Ghosting isn’t multitasking; it’s professional malpractice with extra steps.
Common flavors:
- The “I’ll circle back” lie—never circles.
- The weekend blackout—Monday never comes.
- The “market’s crazy” dodge—while you binge Netflix.
- The post-offer fade—accepted offer, then crickets until closing panic.
Twisted truth: every time you ghost, you’re not just losing one client. You’re torching your reputation in a small world where everyone talks. That buyer tells their coworker. Seller tells their neighbor. Next thing you know, your name’s the punchline at happy hour.
Fix it or flop: Answer the damn phone. Return texts in hours, not eras. Set expectations upfront. If you’re swamped, say so—don’t vanish.
Clients don’t need a movie star. They need someone who shows up and communicates like an adult. Ghost if you want. Just don’t be shocked when your pipeline dries up and your reviews read like a horror story.
Keep showing up. Or keep losing listings.
Brad Wilson Broker