My phone rang a couple of days ago and on the other end was someone named "Michael". I was so excited to receive what I thought was a golden lead, directly related to Active Rain!
"Michael" proceeded to ask me if I was still an active real estate agent in St George Utah. I answered him emphatically that I was still very active. His reply was "Oh, good! I've been through the list of AR members in your state and so many of them aren't active any longer, have other jobs, or just don't answer their phone." I'm thinking "ca-ching". I again assure him that I am a full time agent, actively working in the real estate industry.
"Michael" now tells me that he is from Montana and had someone on his website looking for property here in St George Utah. Would I be interested in helping them? They're pre-qualified, don't need to sell a home, have down payment and are looking in the 200k price range. Again-"ca-ching" goes off in my mind. As he continues to talk, another thing goes off in my mind. A light bulb-you know the kind-maybe this is too good to be true kind of light bulb!
I say to "Michael"-"You mentioned you're from Montana and someone on your website was looking for property here in St George? Why would they be looking on your site for Montana if they want St George Utah?"
Michael replies "Oh, my bad! Didn't I mention I work with a referral company?" NO-you didn't mention that small detail! "We don't charge a referral fee or a percent on your commission." Okay, so you do this out of the goodness of your heart?? Stupidly, I ask "Exactly how do you get paid for your referrals then?". Michael explains that he charges $99 for every lead that he should send my way. He has no control over if or when it may close, so why would he only charge me if I closed a deal with one of his leads?
At this point, and 10 minutes of wasted time later, I tell him I am not in any way interested in his leads or anything else to do with his company.
So.....thanks AR, almost!
Maybe next time it will be that golden lead. And when it is, I'll be sure and blog about it too:)
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