Responding to Real Estate Email Leads - Do You Google First?

Hi Sally,  What a terrific idea.  I've used Google for a lot of searches but never thought to use it to verify leads.  Thanks, and well done !

It is amazing what information you can find out via the Internet these days we do need to take the extra time to find out before we reply.  Thanks for sharing.

I've had a few leads come in where they have turned out to be scams. I do Google the ones that look suspicious and then I turned them into Consumer Fraud.

Good job! And great tip on Google. You have a really unique position over there.

Yes * I Google when I have full name and location to see who they are and if they are SCAMMER!

Hey, great idea, Sally.  I would never have thought of Googling someone who called.  And believe me, I think I should have.

I am convinced Google is the best resource for everything.  I hate to admit it, but I do Google stalk potential leads to make sure they are legit.  You can never be too careful. 

Hi Sally - You are just too smart for them.  Unfortunately, there are some really hungry agents out there who might waste a lot of time working for them only to be caught up in some scam, but I am like you - they have to prove your legitimacy first, then we'll go forward. Facebook is another place to find out what people are about, but getting bank letters and/or proof of funds before putting in a lot of effort is a wise move.

Good for you Sally. Although I have never thought of googling emails, I'll have to try that. Unfortunatly, if it sounds too good...

I really enjoyed this post Sally, good advice and info... dating site huh, wonder how he scammed her?

BTW, nice Google screen shot :))

There's a lot of this going on now.  I can almost smell them!  If it seem weird, it probably is.

Oh Lord yes.  And I cross reference their phone number and check FaceBook.  If I had a request like yours, I'd probably  just ignore it, really. 

I don't respond to Internet leads that come from overseas or that seem to be very generic.  If the lead names my name and is very specific, then I'll follow up get their full contact info.  If they won't provide it, again I don't pursue.  Once I get the full contact info, I use whitepages.com (reverse phone number search to verify the address), GIS system to track down land records/home ownership, LinkedIn.com, ZoomInfo.com, and even Facebook.   Know Your Customer!  To me it's one of the most important cornerstones of running an efficient real estate business.  There are too many ways to waste our time in this business.

Hi Sally --- I noticed many of the recent internet leads I received are seriously lacking in information such as a full name and/or any information beyond the email address.   If it is a simple question---I'll answer and won't put much thought if I'll get a response.  If I have more info(I have done a google search) -- careful of not spending too much time.   The best inquiries for me are always those who reference or have been forwarded by a client or sphere of influence.

Hi Sally - I agree that it is necessary to respond to overseas leads.  We have many people who immigrate to the Toronto area or who are transferred to Toronto for job reasons.  It is important, however, to validate internet leads.

I Google names of contacts but have not gone so far as an email address.  It does sound logical, thanks.