Who Does a Real Estate Agent Call Back First? How Client Priority Works

Who Does a Real Estate Agent Call Back First?

Every busy agent knows the moment. Two calls come in, only one can be returned first, and a decision has to be made. In his latest reel, Matt Cheney gives a direct answer: the first call back goes to the person who has a buyer agency agreement or a listing agreement with him. Those are his clients, and he explains that he owes them that priority.

He adds a quick note with a smile: his wife gets a prompt call back too.

Watch Matt Cheney answer the question in under a minute: Who Do I Call Back? Matt Cheney on YouTube

Why Clients Under Agreement Come First

A buyer agency agreement and a listing agreement both formalize a working relationship. The buyer or seller has chosen an agent, and the agent has committed to represent them. In a market where offers, showing requests, and contract deadlines can move quickly, timely communication is a large part of what that commitment looks like in practice.

For Matt Cheney, returning a client’s call before everything else is a matter of keeping that commitment. It is a simple rule that gives clients clarity about where they stand.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers who have signed a buyer agency agreement can expect to be at the front of the line when they call. Buyers who are still in the early stages are welcome to reach out as well. A first conversation is a useful time to ask how an agent works, what a buyer agency agreement covers, and what to expect at each step.

Terms can vary from one agreement to the next, so buyers should read what they sign and ask questions before committing. Questions about the legal terms of an agreement are best reviewed with an attorney.

What This Means for Sellers

Sellers under a listing agreement often have time-sensitive questions, such as showing feedback, incoming offers, or pricing conversations. Matt Cheney’s approach is to put those calls first, because those decisions can affect how a listing performs.

What If You Are Not Yet a Client?

Calls from prospective clients still matter. Anyone thinking about buying or selling in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, or Maryland can reach Matt Cheney at (202) 465-0707 to start a conversation about goals, timing, and what working together could look like.

Frequently Asked Questions About Agent Response Times

Does a buyer agency agreement mean my agent will call me back first?

According to Matt Cheney, yes, clients with a buyer agency agreement or a listing agreement are the first calls he returns. Individual agents set their own practices, so it is reasonable to ask any agent how they handle communication.

How do I know if I have a buyer agency agreement?

A buyer agency agreement is a document that is signed by the buyer and the agent. If you are unsure what you have signed, review your paperwork or ask your agent. For legal questions about the terms, consult an attorney.

What should I ask an agent about communication?

Buyers and sellers often find it helpful to ask how quickly they can expect a reply, which method of contact the agent prefers, and who to reach if the agent is unavailable.

Matt Cheney | Compass Real Estate is committed to the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All real estate services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.