Special offer

Are you a sneaky Realtor?

By
Real Estate Agent with Azalea Realty 01483292

Yes, I said it sneaky realtor!  I don't mean sneaky in a bad way, more like making sure that you aren't wasting time.  In this day and age of social networking and readily available information, it helps to put the internet to good use.  A bit confused?  Well, let me explain what I mean.  Many times I will receive email from prospective buyers through various lead generation methods that I have employed.  I have a habit of scanning the person's email through the various social networking sites to see who this person is.  Myspace offers much more information (usually) than facebook, but you can type in the email address with both sites and find out a little more about the person.  It satisfies my curiosity and (usually) gives me a face to go with a name.

If the person can't be found in either site you can try Zabasearch.com.  This could very well give you an address for the lead.  

sneaky

Try it next time you get an internet lead.  You might be able to tell if that email is a big waste of time...

 

Find me on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/humboldtrealtor

 

Martin E. Kalisker, Esq.
Natick, MA
Real Estate Law From A Practical Perspective

Oh, I can see the ACLU and the Fair Housing folks all over this one!  You are profiling!!!  What you do in private to select clients to work with is your own business, but I wouldn't broadcast for fear that someone decides that you didn't work with them because they didn't have a nice Facebook picture, etc.

Of course I am being the devils advocate.  I usually sift through leads by telling them that I need to meet with them at my office or another convenient location before we go out looking at homes.  If they aren't motivated to do that, I'm usually not to motivated to work with them!

Jan 14, 2010 08:49 AM
Andy Parker
Azalea Realty - Cutten, CA

Well, I can't say that I have turned down anyone for their picture on facebook, but when I get an email from a guy looking to do a lease option and it turns out that his myspace page shows that he is an unemployed DJ looking to waste my time, I will not hop in a car and show that guy property.

Jan 14, 2010 08:53 AM
Lori Bowers
La Quinta, CA
The Lori Bowers Group

Andy, the internet is public info right?  So it is just another tool for us to do our job...And it sure beats paying for bogus leads

Jan 14, 2010 09:42 AM
Dawn A Fabiszak
Private Label Realty ( Denver metro area, Colorado - Aurora, CO
The Dawn of a New Real Estate Experience!

I guess I am not "sneaky" because I have never thought of doing this.  I guess it could give you some inside on the petential client's personality and other information.  Not sure if I will do it in the future either.

Jan 14, 2010 09:44 AM