Communication Expectations with Your Agent

The Text That Changed Everything

Last week, I sent three texts to a potential client. Important texts. Time-sensitive information about a property they said they were serious about.

Silence.

No response. Not even a quick "got it" or "let me get back to you."

And you know what? I'm grateful for that silence. Because it told me everything I needed to know about whether we were going to be a good fit.

We weren't.

Real Estate Runs on Communication

Here's the truth that not everyone wants to hear: real estate is built on communication. Not just any communication—timely, clear, responsive communication.

When a listing goes live, you might have hours—not days—to make a decision. When an offer comes in, you need to respond quickly or risk losing the deal. When inspection issues arise, delays can cost thousands of dollars.

This isn't about being demanding. This is about respecting the process and each other's time.

I've seen deals fall apart because a buyer didn't respond for 24 hours. I've watched sellers lose tens of thousands because they were "too busy" to answer critical questions during negotiations. I've had clients miss out on their dream home because they treated text messages like suggestions instead of urgent requests.

In real estate, silence has consequences.

Why I Limit My Client Load

I made a decision that changed my business: I only work with a select number of clients at any given time.

Not because I don't want to grow. Not because I'm turning away money. But because I refuse to give anything less than my full attention and commitment to the people who trust me with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

This is my secret sauce. While other agents are juggling 20, 30, even 40 clients and letting balls drop left and right, I'm focused. Present. Available.

When you text me, I respond—usually within minutes, almost always within an hour. When you have a question at 8 PM on a Saturday, I'm there. When a hot property hits the market and I know it's perfect for you, you hear from me immediately.

But this only works if it goes both ways.

Mutual Respect Isn't Negotiable

I set clear expectations with every client from day one. We talk about response times. We agree on preferred communication methods. We establish that when I reach out, it's important.

And I make one thing crystal clear: if you can't hold up your end of the communication agreement, we're not going to work together.

This isn't about being difficult or high-maintenance. It's about mutual respect.

When I take you on as a client, I'm committing to you fully. I'm turning down other potential clients to make sure you get the service you deserve. I'm structuring my schedule, my family time, my entire professional life around being available when you need me.

If you're not willing to respond to texts, you're telling me this partnership isn't a priority for you. And if it's not a priority for you, it can't be a priority for me.

The Cost of Playing Text Games

Some people think it's okay to ignore messages. To respond when they feel like it. To treat their agent like a vendor instead of a partner.

Those people don't understand how real estate works.

Every text I send has a purpose. I'm not filling time or making small talk. I'm moving your deal forward. I'm protecting your interests. I'm keeping you competitive in a market where minutes matter.

When you don't respond, deals don't just slow down—they die. Sellers move on to more responsive buyers. Properties get snatched up by people who were ready to act. Opportunities evaporate.

And beyond the practical consequences, there's something deeper at stake: trust. How can I trust you to show up for inspections, appraisals, and closings if you can't show up for a text message? How can I negotiate aggressively on your behalf if I don't know whether you're even still interested?

I can't. And I won't try.

Who This Business Model Is For

Let me be clear about something: this approach isn't for everyone, and that's okay.

If you want an agent who will chase you, beg for responses, and tolerate being ghosted, there are plenty out there.

If you're not ready to be fully engaged in the process, that's fine—but I'm not your agent.

My business model is built for people who are committed. People who respect the process and understand that real estate requires active participation. People who value responsiveness because they know it gets results.

These are the clients I love working with. The ones who answer texts. The ones who trust me enough to act quickly when I say it's time to move. The ones who treat this partnership with the same level of commitment I bring every single day.

When we're aligned like that, magic happens. We win bidding wars. We close deals in record time. We navigate challenges smoothly because we're communicating constantly.

What You Can Expect From Me

If you decide to work with me, here's what you get in return:

• Responses within minutes to hours, not days

• Proactive updates so you're never wondering what's happening

• Full availability during critical moments in your transaction

• Honest, direct communication—even when it's uncomfortable

• A partner who fights for you because they know you're equally committed

• Access to my full attention and expertise because I'm not stretched thin across dozens of clients

This is what limiting my client load makes possible. This is why I protect my capacity so fiercely. And this is why I won't compromise on communication expectations.

The Bottom Line

Real estate is not a casual endeavor. It's fast-paced, high-stakes, and deeply personal. It requires trust, commitment, and yes—consistent communication.

I built my business around being the most responsive, attentive, and committed agent my clients have ever worked with. But I can only deliver that level of service to people who show up the same way.

So if you're serious about buying or selling—if you're ready to be an active, engaged participant in this process—I'd love to work with you.

But if you think it's okay to ignore texts, ghost your agent, or treat this partnership as one-sided?

Thank you for showing me that early. We're not going to work together.

And honestly? That's better for both of us.

Ready to work with an agent who's as committed as you are? Let's talk. Text me, call me, or send me a message—and I promise, you'll get a response.

Because that's how this works.

Matt

Catonsville Living | The Catonsville Report

P.S. Still on the fence about whether my communication expectations are too strict? Ask yourself this: Would you rather work with an agent who's always available when you need them, or one who's too busy with too many clients to give you the attention you deserve? The choice is yours.