Blocked Caller IDWe've talked about this before, but I recently got a strong reminder of why it is an important discussion. Yes I do answer my phone; I answer if I don't recognize the number, and I answer "blocked calls." If it turns out to be a telemarketer I can always add the number as a " spam" call  and hit the "Ignore" button next time (a huge timesaver.) But it is worth it to catch interested clients, as happened this week.

I had an email this week from my IDX site asking questions about an active listing. I responded with the answers to the specific questions and suggested we talk, either they could call me or let me know their phone number and a good time.

Later, while in the car, I got a "blocked number" call. Answering as always with "Good afternoon, this is Margaret," I recognized the name the caller gave me, the same as the email inquiry. Why didn't she give me her phone number on her email? The call was coming from FRANCE!

We had a wonderful conversation, and I found out that she is looking for a second home here in the Baltimore area. I suggested she and her husband make wish lists. one as though they actually hit the lottery.... as if money was no object.... then another as a reality list. This helps them decide what is most important, and what they can and can't compromise on.

She emailed me later saying that, "… my husband and I did the exercise you suggested about making a dream list if we won the lottery. It was a great success, and I was so surprised and pleased that he was excited about doing it and participated fully. Now, we are working on the 'reality' list. I also consulted your website again regarding 'buyers for your home.' It's an impressive idea."

She went on to say that she had been emailing another agent and had expressed interest in two different houses, both of which had been on the market for a long time. In both cases she got no answers, and later found out- on her own - that both had sold!

USAFrance

This couple will be coming to the Baltimore area in early June ready to buy a home. They have asked me to reprsent them exclusivly.

 My goal is to have properties pre-selected that meet their criteria so I don't waste their precious time. By looking at what she liked before, and combining that with their wish lists, I'll be ready. In the meantime, I'll post their wish list on the Buyers4YourHome page of my website.

Wish I May, Wish I Might.. I Have The Buyer!

So…I'd say that answering that blocked ID phone call was the right choice, wouldn't you?

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Author of Real Estate the Rome Way

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Margaret Rome on Zillow

 
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116 Comments on Yes I do Answer Blocked Caller ID!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAY
03
2009
118,319 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I'm with you Margaret, I answer everything and it's paid off!  I'm working with two clients now that in their own time divulged their numbers and other contact info.  Great post!
10:56pm • #97
MAY
04
2009
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sandy, Thanks and glad it is working for you.
7:40am • #98
1 Featured Post

Well, my policy is not to answer those calls. Too many crank callers and telemarketers. I'm glad to hear one success story, though. We are all different.
2:00pm • #99
150,554 Points

I know many realtors won't pick up if it is an out of area number, thinking it may be a telemarketer.  I am now in escrow with a buyer from out of area, who started making calls, and went with the first realtor that answered the phone.  Yup, that was me, and we are due to close on an $800K home at the end of the month!
6:44pm • #100
150,301 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret, I always have time to talk to you...
7:27pm • #101
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Karen, If I am not busy,I am happy to answer the blocked caller and give information about my listings. Our seller sometimes test us. It is very easy to hang up on a telemarketer.

Carol, Nice job, really nice.

Josef, And I always have time to talk with you!!
9:56pm • #102
MAY
05
2009

Margaret, you go girl!  I love the lottery list and reality list idea.  What a fabulous way to really get to know your clients.  Thanks for sharing, I answer each and every phone call.  If it goes into voice mail, I always return the call as soon as possible.
4:07pm • #103
242,231 Points

Margaret:  What a fabulous story.  We completely agree and never let a call go!!
4:45pm • #104

Margaret - This is a very encouraging story. I always answer every call and am always excited each and every time the phone rings. Every time it rings, its an opportunity for me and I would never choose to not answer the phone simply because I couldn't see who was calling.
11:23pm • #105
MAY
06
2009
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kathy, Just this morning, I received the wish list made by husband and wife. It is very complete and will be a delight to work with..

Carrie and Kathy, Thanks for stopping by

Stephen, I like the way you look at the ringing as an opportunity!
8:13am • #106
234,219 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

i answer the blocked caller ID calls to. You never know when it may be a potenttial client that you might never be able to get in touch with.
7:53pm • #107
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cheryl, Answering phones is what we all need to be doing.

Here is the update to this post

Wish I May, Wish I Might.. I Have The Buyer!
8:38pm • #108
MAY
10
2009
466,655 Points 1 Featured Post

Most of the calls are sales people trying to sell me on something. However.....You never know and the call might be a serious BUYER!  I guess I'll answer it. 

Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate
6:17pm • #109
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Patricia, Most of those sales calls can easily be quickly disposed of. Answer if you have time....your choice. Sounds like you had a wonderful Mother's Day.
8:29pm • #111
MAY
18
2009
333,219 Points Hit Router

You never know who will be on the other end of the call do you?  You can always end the call if it is a telemarketer!
10:36am • #112
MAY
19
2009
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sonya, It is easy to end a call that you do not want. Thanks for stopping by.
7:46am • #113
AUG
20
2009

Most of my "unavailables" tend to be BPO companies wanting a BPO performed.  It depends on my mood if I answer. If I'm at dinner, then no. If I'm sitting at my desk then yes (maybe).  Putting your cell phone on the "no call" list helps with those pesky telemarketers/salesmen but they still slip through. 
9:49am • #114
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Diana, The important thing is that you are in control of your calls and chose when to take them. Dinner is a good time to ignore them  all.
2:03pm • #116
JAN
24
2011
127,114 Points Attended Rain Camp

I don't like blocked calls but you are right on, whenever my brother calls me from London his number is blocked  As you say it is easy to end a call if you are not interested in talking with the caller.
9:32am • #117
1,357,752 Points 130 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dan, Thanks for stopping by. This post was written in May of 09 and I still feel the same way.

 
9:38am • #118

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Margaret Rome Baltimore, Md. 410.530.2400, HomeRome Realty (HomeRome Realty Author:Real Estate the Rome Way 410-530-2400) Ambassador_large

Margaret Rome Baltimore, Md. 410.530.2400

HomeRome Realty

Baltimore, MD

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HomeRome Realty Author:Real Estate the Rome Way 410-530-2400

Address: Baltimore, Md, 21209

Cell Phone: (410) 530-2400

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