6 Best Answering Services for Real Estate 2024

PATLive ensures that all answers will be called even if you’re not available. (Source: PATLive)

• Lead collection: Users can create one or multiple forms with specific fields for different types of leads, streamlining the process. For those without a CRM, the system hosts these forms and notifies users of new leads via email or app notifications. Alternatively, integration with existing CRMs allows for seamless lead management, ensuring new leads follow established workflows.
• Message taking: Ensures no call goes unanswered, even when your team is unavailable. A 24/7 live answering service provides a personal touch by greeting each caller. In your absence, they capture detailed messages, including the caller’s name, contact information, and specifics of their request.
• Scheduling: Provides round-the-clock support for booking, rescheduling, and canceling appointments, ensuring no booking slips through. It syncs with your current scheduling tools, with receptionists handling appointments as effectively as your internal team. The receptionists strictly follow your business’ policies, valuing each call and aiming for positive client interactions.

PATLive has received a 4.8 out of 5 from 159 reviews. Customers have praised the professional support provided by PATLive, highlighting the courteous and professional receptionists. The onboarding process is also appreciated, with personal coaches assigned to help with any questions and problems. Users have commended the company for its efficiency, stating that the receptionists do not waste minutes and provide callers with prompt service.

Despite the positive feedback, PATLive has also received some criticism. A common issue users raise is the accuracy of information, with complaints about continually receiving misspelled names, emails, and addresses from the agents. If you are looking for efficient receptionists who are able to make positive impressions, try Ruby Receptionists.

A mobile app for an answering service is vital so clients can access data easily. (Source: Ruby Receptionists)

• Seamless call forwarding: With integration capabilities for leading small business VoIP services like Nextiva, Ruby Receptionists facilitates efficient call overflow management, ensuring customers always reach a live representative rather than encountering a voicemail system.
• Multi-channel communication: Ruby Receptionists offers comprehensive support by handling customer inquiries over the phone and via live chat, securing its position as a top choice for small businesses seeking versatile answering services.
• Automated lead capture: Ruby Receptionists enhances lead follow-up processes through both live agent chats and an automated tool that collects essential information from website visitors, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and interest areas.

Ruby Receptionists got a score of 3.6 out of 5. Customers have commended the attentive handling of urgent client calls, highlighting that the receptionists not only accurately capture caller details and call reasons but also exhibit kindness, respect, and professionalism. The quick response times align well with the client’s customers’ busy schedules, ensuring efficient communication. This proactive approach has been instrumental in ensuring no customer is overlooked, fostering comprehensive engagement.

Although there are positive reviews, some customers have expressed concerns about the cost of the service. They mentioned that charges are accrued by the minute, making it more expensive than other services. Additionally, there are reports of less responsive customer service, particularly for newer customers, with delays in addressing concerns and queries. If you want a cheaper but excellent option for an answering service, try PATLive.

You can customize the scripts when you use VoiceNation’s services. (Source: VoiceNation)

• Customizable online dashboard: VoiceNation enables businesses to tailor and modify scripts with its user-friendly online dashboard. This tool not only tracks call metrics—such as volume, origin, type, and duration—but also streamlines administrative tasks, allowing for the addition or removal of staff, on-call schedule adjustments, and updates to company details.
• Multilingual reception services: Offering bilingual support in English and Spanish, VoiceNation broadens your customer base by bridging language gaps, thus enhancing satisfaction and loyalty among Spanish-speaking clientele.
• Flexible call forwarding: VoiceNation’s call forwarding service provides versatility in call management by allowing you to specify which calls are directly connected to you. Its live receptionists transfer calls according to your preferences, ensuring you never miss important connections. This feature incurs no additional fees.

VoiceNation, a prominent realtor answering service, received a rating of 4.80 out of 5. Customers frequently commend the courteous and professional demeanor of the receptionists. The personalized onboarding experience, complete with dedicated coaches for queries and issues, has been particularly praised. VoiceNation’s efficiency is a standout feature, with receptionists known for their judicious use of time and prompt service.

Amidst the good reviews, users have reported issues with the accuracy of information relayed by receptionists, particularly concerning misspelled names, emails, and addresses. Cost concerns have also been a significant drawback, with some customers finding the service more expensive than anticipated and exceeding their allocated budgets. For a more low-cost service, try PATLive.

The Abby Connect web dashboard gives total visibility of your business’ call and message activities. (Source: Abby Connect)

• Live chat support: Abby Connect enhances your website’s engagement with real human live chat services. Each chat is categorized as either “lead,” “actionable support,” or “non-actionable support,” providing clarity on the interaction type.
• AbbyGO mobile app: The app grants comprehensive control over your communications with features designed to optimize cost, time, and service quality. Notably, you can make calls and send texts from your business number without incurring extra costs, update your availability, and provide feedback to your receptionist team on the go.
• Dedicated receptionist team: Abby Connect assigns a specialized team of five to seven live receptionists to handle your calls, ensuring personalized and consistent service. The size and number of teams are scalable based on your operational hours, with options for extended or 24/7 coverage to meet various business needs.

Abby Connect has achieved an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5. Numerous customers have praised Abby Connect’s effective call screening and filtering capabilities, ensuring every caller receives personal attention. The company excels in professionally managing communications, from accurately relaying messages to handling calls professionally. Moreover, Abby Connect demonstrates a keen ability to identify issues promptly, engaging in proactive damage control to address any concerns.

Despite the glowing reviews, there are areas where Abby Connect could enhance its services. One client pointed out instances of receiving inaccurate information and encountering misspellings in communications. Additionally, another client recalled a situation where, upon reviewing a call, it was evident that the receptionist significantly underperformed. Although there were very few negative reviews, if you’re on a tight budget, check out PATLive for monthly prices starting at $60.

AnswerForce has various integrations, such as Trello, Salesforce, and Autotask. (Source: AnswerForce)

• Scheduling service integration: AnswerForce seamlessly integrates with Setmore, offering a robust appointment scheduling tool that’s included in your plan. This collaboration allows virtual receptionists to book appointments for your business around the clock, ensuring your calendar is always current. Customization options for your online booking page let you showcase your brand effectively.
• Advanced payment handling: With the integration, AnswerForce receptionists can manage upfront payments during booking calls, enhancing customer commitment and reducing cancellations. Customers have the option for secure online payments when booking themselves.
• Automated reminders: Reduce last-minute cancellations with automated text and email reminders to improve punctuality and attendance for appointments.

AnswerForce received a perfect rating of 5.0 for its exceptional performance, particularly in its role as a real estate phone answering service. Customers were quick to commend the promptness and reliability of the receptionists, along with their meticulous approach to implementing script changes. Management’s dedication to ensuring smooth and efficient handling of inbound calls, coupled with its responsiveness and flexibility in accommodating special requests, also received high praise.

On the other hand, concerns were raised about the service’s operating hours not aligning with standard business times. Additionally, some feedback pointed out challenges with receptionists effectively engaging clients while adhering to scripts. Management of previous chat records, including instances of not retaining or providing access to these records upon request, were also mentioned as areas for enhancement. If you’re looking for an alternative to a 24/7 service, try Ruby Receptionists.

You’ll see the call history in Smith.ai’s dashboard. (Source: Smith.ai)

• Lead screening intake service: This feature focuses on prequalifying leads, ensuring only relevant prospects reach you. Smith.ai goes beyond collecting basic contact information, reducing the need for time-consuming follow-ups on unqualified leads, streamlining your lead management process, and saving valuable time and effort.
• Call intelligence and metadata: See real-time and historical data on the Smith.ai client dashboard detailing caller types, call times, priorities, and outcomes. This feature provides easy-to-understand bar charts for reviewing call volume and budget alignment. Access detailed summaries for each call, including receptionist notes, metadata, audio recordings, and full transcripts. The dashboard also displays key actions from calls and identifies spam calls.
• CRM: The platform enables the automatic transfer of call summaries, recordings, chat transcripts, and contact details into systems like Salesforce and HubSpot. Transfer notifications can be sent through Slack or Microsoft Teams, providing flexibility in call management. With Zapier integration, a world of automation options opens up, from updating Google spreadsheets to initiating email campaigns triggered by calls and chats.

Smith.ai has achieved a commendable 4.80 out of 5 rating, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing scalable, affordable staffing solutions around the clock. Clients have particularly praised its ability to handle high volumes of chat traffic during off-hours, effectively capturing sales leads that were previously missed. The service has been lauded for enhancing lead conversion rates and elevating customer satisfaction levels. As a real estate call answering service, Smith.ai’s chatbot technology stands out for its ease of configuration and operation, streamlining client interactions and reducing operational costs.

While Smith.ai generally receives positive feedback for its services, some customers have encountered challenges. Issues noted include difficulties in administrative communication and navigating the cancellation process. Additionally, there are concerns about billing practices, particularly continued charges post-cancellation, necessitating disputes through credit card companies. If you want to have a more affordable answering service, try PATLive.