Buying or selling a home is one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll ever make. It’s a process that involves more than just numbers—it’s about finding a space that will shape your life for years to come. However, with so much at stake, the process can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where communication comes in. At Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, we know that good communication is the key to a successful real estate transaction.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, upgrading or selling, fostering clear and open communication with your real estate agent is essential. Great communication not only keeps you informed, but it also ensures that your agent can advocate for you effectively and guide you toward the best decisions.
Here, we share 10 expert tips to help you master communication with your real estate agent, making the process smoother, less stressful and more successful. With Howard Hanna’s decades of experience and a team of dedicated agents, we are confident that these tips will set you up for success in your next real estate journey.
Why Communication Is Critical in Real Estate
Real estate transactions are complex, and there are countless details involved in buying or selling a home. Clear communication makes these processes easier to navigate and helps avoid misunderstandings. Here are just a few reasons why communication is so important:
- Avoiding Delays: Small miscommunications can lead to larger delays that derail timelines, especially in competitive markets.
- Making Informed Decisions: When you have the right information at the right time, you can make more confident decisions.
- Improving Negotiations: Effective communication is key to negotiating a fair price and favorable terms for both parties.
- Reducing Stress: Keeping everyone on the same page reduces anxiety and uncertainty during the process.
At Howard Hanna, our agents understand that clear communication is at the heart of every transaction. With the right communication strategies in place, you’ll be empowered to make the best decisions every step of the way.
- Choose an Agent Who Matches Your Style
One of the first steps to ensuring good communication is choosing an agent who understands your needs and communication preferences. Everyone has different communication styles, and it’s important to work with someone who makes you feel comfortable.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Do you prefer text messages or phone calls?
- Do you want detailed, in-depth updates or quick summaries?
- Do you want a fast-paced agent who moves quickly, or a patient, methodical approach?
Howard Hanna’s wide network of agents offers a variety of specialties, from residential sales to luxury homes, so you’re sure to find someone who is a good fit for you. You can use our Agent Search tool to filter by location, experience and even language preferences to find someone who suits your needs.
- Be Honest and Transparent from the Start
The best partnerships are built on trust and transparency. Be upfront with your agent about your priorities, preferences and concerns from the beginning. Whether you’re buying or selling, the more information you provide, the more tailored the advice and guidance will be.
Key details to discuss:
- Your budget, including both your maximum and minimum price range
- Specific features you need (e.g., number of bedrooms, office space, or a backyard)
- Any constraints, such as a timeline or specific financing needs
- Any deal-breakers that would eliminate a property from consideration
- Your level of urgency or flexibility (e.g., do you need to move quickly, or are you willing to wait for the perfect property?)
By clearly communicating your needs and concerns, your Howard Hanna agent can create a strategy that aligns with your goals.
- Set Expectations for Communication Early On
A key to successful communication is setting expectations. From your first meeting with your agent, make sure you’re aligned on how you will stay in touch, how often and in what format. This will help ensure that there are no surprises or misunderstandings during the process.
Discuss:
- Your preferred communication method (phone calls, emails, text messages, etc.)
- How often you’d like to receive updates (daily, weekly, or as needed)
- Your preferred response times
- The best hours to reach you, especially if you have a busy work schedule
Your agent will appreciate knowing how to best communicate with you. At Howard Hanna, we utilize advanced tools to streamline communication, including our mobile app and email alerts, which will help keep you in the loop and give you control over how you receive information.
- Ask Questions (Even the Small Ones)
Don’t be afraid to ask questions—no matter how big or small they may seem. The more you understand the process, the more confident you’ll feel in your decisions. Your agent’s job is to guide you, and they’re happy to explain anything that might be unclear.
Some questions to consider asking include:
- What are the next steps after we submit an offer?
- How do home inspections work, and should I attend?
- What contingencies should I include in my offer?
- What’s the process for negotiating price, especially in a competitive market?
- How do closing costs work, and what should I expect to pay?
At Howard Hanna, our agents pride themselves on their ability to explain complex concepts in easy-to-understand terms. We believe that an informed client is a confident client.
- Respond Promptly to Your Agent
In real estate, time is often of the essence. Whether you’re buying or selling, decisions often need to be made quickly. A delay in responding to your agent’s call or email can mean missing out on a listing or offer.
Make it a habit to:
- Respond to emails, phone calls and texts as soon as you can
- Review and sign documents as quickly as possible, especially with e-signing tools
- Inform your agent if you’re going to be unavailable for a while, so they can plan accordingly
Howard Hanna provides clients with easy-to-use mobile apps and e-signing platforms, which allow you to stay on top of important documents and tasks, even while on the go.
- Use Technology to Stay Organized and Informed
With the pace of the real estate market today, it’s important to stay organized. Howard Hanna offers clients access to a range of state-of-the-art tools that help simplify communication and keep you updated in real-time.
Some of these tools include:
- Hanna HomeFinder: Get notifications of new listings tailored to your preferences, even before they hit the public market.
- Howard Hanna Mobile App: Search listings, schedule showings, and stay in touch with your agent from anywhere, anytime.
- Digital Document Signing: View and sign documents securely from your phone, laptop, or tablet—no more scanning or printing required.
These tools not only help streamline communication but also provide a central hub for all the information you’ll need during your home-buying or selling process.
- Trust Your Agent’s Expertise
At times, you may feel unsure or overwhelmed by the process. When that happens, it’s important to trust your agent’s expertise. Real estate agents have access to market data, local trends and a wealth of experience in handling different types of transactions. Their job is to guide you with sound advice, negotiate on your behalf and manage the details of the process.
Your agent may offer suggestions like:
- Adjusting your offer based on the market conditions
- Reevaluating your list price based on buyer feedback
- Suggesting certain inspections or appraisals that may save you time or money
- Advising on how to make your home more appealing to buyers
At Howard Hanna, we provide agents with comprehensive tools and training to ensure they’re equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to help you succeed. Additionally, we offer programs like Buy Before You Sell and 100% Money Back Guarantee to give you an edge in a competitive market.
- Provide Constructive Feedback
Your agent can only serve you well if they know what you like and don’t like. After showings or when reviewing listings, be sure to provide honest, constructive feedback.
If you’re a buyer, feedback might include:
- “I like the layout, but the backyard doesn’t meet my needs.”
- “The price seems high compared to other homes in this neighborhood.”
- “I’m looking for something with a more open floor plan.”
For sellers, feedback from open houses or showings might include:
- “I’ve noticed the home needs more staging.”
- “I think the price might be deterring potential buyers.”
- “We should try adding more curb appeal or reconsider the listing photos.”
This feedback helps your agent adjust their strategy and keeps your search focused on homes that meet your needs or ensures your listing is more competitive.
- Keep Your Agent Informed About Any Changes
Life happens, and things can change quickly during a real estate transaction. Whether it’s a shift in your financing, changes in your timeline or an adjustment to your must-have features, it’s crucial to keep your agent in the loop.
Changes to communicate include:
- Financing issues: Changes to your pre-approval status or lender
- Lifestyle changes: A new job, family addition, or changes in your relocation plans
- Adjustments to preferences: New must-have features or reconsidering location preferences
At Howard Hanna, we’re committed to keeping things moving forward even when circumstances change. The sooner we know about any shifts in your goals, the better we can adapt our strategy to meet your needs.
- Stay Professional and Patient
The home-buying or selling process can be emotional, and there may be stressful moments along the way. However, keeping your interactions professional and respectful is important. A calm, solutions-focused mindset will help both you and your agent navigate any challenges more effectively.
Remember, your agent is on your side—handling negotiations, coordinating with other parties, and working to achieve your goals. By maintaining open, respectful communication throughout the process, you can work together to overcome any hurdles.
Why Clients Trust Howard Hanna Agents
At Howard Hanna, we understand that communication is the foundation of a great real estate experience. With us, you get:
- Local expertise and market knowledge from a trusted national brand
- Client-first service that prioritizes your needs and goals
- Exclusive programs and resources designed to give you an edge in a competitive market
- State-of-the-art tools to streamline communication and keep you organized
With over 60 years in the business, Howard Hanna is the #1 family-owned real estate company in the U.S., and we take pride in offering innovative solutions to meet every client’s needs.
Effective communication is the key to a smooth and successful real estate transaction. By following the tips outlined above and fostering open, honest dialogue with your agent, you can build a relationship that leads to better outcomes, fewer surprises, and a more enjoyable experience.
Ready to get started? Find a Howard Hanna agent today and experience the difference of working with a true professional who values communication, trust and results.
