A recent real estate experience reminded us of something that should be simple: No update is still an update.
A transaction had reached the point where an offer was being discussed. There had been communication, expectations had been created, and the parties were waiting to hear what would happen next.
Then communication largely stopped. No clear update. No indication that circumstances had changed. No simple message saying, “I don’t have anything new to report.”
The details of the transaction are not important. The communication problem is, and it's not unique to real estate.
Ghosting Is More Than an Inconvenience
We have all experienced some version of “ghosting.” An email goes unanswered. A promised call never comes. Someone says they will get back to you and simply disappears.
In a social setting, that can be frustrating. In a professional setting, particularly one involving a significant financial transaction, ghosting in real estate creates unnecessary uncertainty for everyone involved.
- A Seller may be wondering whether a Buyer is still interested.
- A Buyer may be waiting to hear whether an offer has been presented or considered.
- An agent may be trying to advise a Client without knowing whether negotiations are continuing.
When someone stops communicating, everyone else is left guessing. That is why poor communication in real estate can become more than an annoyance. It can affect decisions.
“Nothing New” Is Still Useful Information
One of the easiest messages to send is: “I don’t have an update yet, but I wanted to let you know I’m still following up.” That message takes seconds. It tells the other person:
- The matter has not been forgotten;
- Someone is still paying attention;
- There is nothing they need to do at the moment;
- They will hear from you when something changes.
All of that is useful information. Good real estate agent communication does not require having something important to report every time you contact a Client. Sometimes the update is simply that nothing has changed.
Silence Creates Its Own Message
The problem with silence is that people naturally begin to interpret the situation and make assumptions which may affect the negotiation process.
- Is the Buyer no longer interested?
- Has the Seller rejected the offer?
- Is the agent avoiding the conversation?
- Did something go wrong?
- Should we move on?
The person who stopped communicating may not intend to send any of those messages, but silence leaves everyone else to fill in the blanks. In contrast, clear communication prevents that.
This matters particularly during negotiations, when timing and expectations can influence how Buyers and Sellers respond. Our article on real estate negotiation discusses why communication and negotiation continue throughout the transaction, not just when an offer is written.
Professionalism Shows Up in the Small Things
Professionalism is not just knowing contracts, pricing homes correctly, or closing a large number of transactions. It is also, among other things:
- Returning calls;
- Answering emails;
- Following through;
- Keeping people informed;
- Doing what you said you would do; and
- Acknowledging when you do not yet have an answer.
Those things sound basic. But they are often what Clients remember most. Strong real estate professionalism is particularly important because buying or selling a home can already involve considerable uncertainty. A professional should reduce that uncertainty, not add to it.
Communication Matters on Both Sides of a Transaction
This is not simply a listing-agent issue or a buyer-agent issue. Good listing agent communication means keeping Sellers informed about showings, feedback, offers, negotiations, and changes in the market. Good buyer agent communication means keeping Buyers informed about properties, offers, seller responses, inspections, deadlines, and negotiations.
And good communication between agents matters because each agent has a Client relying on them for information. Whether you are buying a home in Los Angeles or selling a home in Los Angeles, you should know what's happening with your transaction.
Our Approach: Stay Connected
Our practice is straightforward. We stay in communication with our Clients even when there is nothing significant to report.
- If we are waiting for an answer, we say so.
- If a showing produced no feedback, we say so.
- If we are still following up with another agent, we say so.
- If circumstances change, we explain what changed.
Clients should not have to wonder whether their agent has forgotten about them or whether something is happening that they do not know about. Regular communication during a home sale is not an extra service. It's part of the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should a Real Estate Agent Communicate with a Client?
There is no single schedule that works for every transaction. The important thing is setting expectations and keeping the Client informed when something changes, or when a meaningful amount of time has passed without an update.
What Should You Do If a Real Estate Agent Is Not Responding?
Follow up clearly and directly. If the lack of communication continues, ask when you should expect a response and whether someone else is available to assist. Persistent communication problems may also be a sign that the relationship is not working as it should.
Does a Seller Have to Respond to Every Offer?
The circumstances of every transaction differ. But from a practical standpoint, Buyers and their representatives benefit from knowing where things stand, even if the answer is simply that the Seller is not ready to make a decision.
Why Is Communication So Important During Negotiations?
Because uncertainty affects decision-making. Clear real estate negotiation communication helps Buyers, Sellers, and their agents understand whether discussions are continuing and what they need to do next.
Final Thoughts
Communication in real estate does not have to be complicated.
- Answer the call.
- Return the email.
- Send the text.
- And if there is nothing new to report, say that.
Because no update is still an update, Clients deserve to know where they stand, and professionals should not leave other people wondering simply because there is nothing new to say.
For us, staying connected is one of the most basic parts of representing a Client well. If you are considering buying or selling in Greater Los Angeles and want to learn more about how we work, visit our About Us and Testimonials pages, or Contact Us to discuss your real estate needs.
