Again, the following is a true story that happened to me about 4 years ago.

A Long Time Ago In An Office Close Close By....AGENT WARS!

I was working the updesk one evening when I got a call about a condo in a neighboring town. It was not next door, but close enough that I would show the property if the caller wanted to see it. The conversation went something like this:

ME: "Thank you for choosing Coldwell Banker. This is Keith, how may I help you?"

CALLER: "I saw a condo online and would like some information about it."

ME: "Great. Who am I speaking to?"

CALLER: "My name is Robert" (I've changed his name)

ME: "Okay Robert, I'd be glad to help you. Do you have the address of the property?"

CALLER: "Yeah, it's 1234 Main St."

ME: "Thanks Robert, give me just a moment. Okay Robert, that is a 3 bedroom 2 bath condo but I'm afraid that property has gone into escrow. Can I help you find something similar?"

CALLER: "Sure! What was the asking price?"

ME: "That property was listed at $187,000. Is that in your price range for a home?"

CALLER: "Yes, anything between $175,000 to $205,000"

ME: "Okay, now, that property is located in Anytown. Were you interested specifically in Anytown, or would you be willing to look in other surrounding cities?"

CALLER: "Anywhere in the general area would be fine."

ME: "Great. Now, with property selling so quickly in our market, it's important that you be pre-qualified before you go shopping. This way the seller knows you are serious, and you know exactly what you can spend so you don't fall in love with a property that is outside your comfort zone. Would it be okay if I had a lender call you so we can find out exactly what you can spend?"

CALLER: "Oh, I'm an agent looking for property for my client."

I was dumb-founded. This man actually wanted me to research property for him so he could show a buyer. I asked him if he was serious, and actually thought I was going to do his job for him. He told me "yes" that would be nice. I slammed the phone down so hard I almost hurt my hand.