Special offer

A Call From The Anonymous Buyer

By
Real Estate Agent with Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real 0225221517

Pre-ApprovalA Call From The Anonymous Buyer
I had a call last weekend from someone that wanted to see two condos in a certain building and found me online. I was driving at the time and let her know I’d give her a call back in a couple hours. I could tell then that she wasn’t happy I couldn’t setup a time to show them during that phone call. In less than two hours I called her back and had the units pulled up, by this time she had three others she wanted to see in the building but, all of them were under contract.

 

We can meet you in the next couple of hours. Where should we meet you?

 

I explained that I’d need a little more info before we could start touring, I first asked if I could have her contact info; full name, email, and number that’s best to reach her on. She dodged that completely –

 

What time can you show these condos?

 

Then I asked what they were looking for in terms of a property – would this be investment or a new home? Size? Location? She grew increasingly annoyed and then when I asked if they had been pre-approved the downhill spiral began.

 

Who are you to ask me if I’ve been pre-approved and on a property that’s in such a low price range? I make six figures and I’m already selling a house way more expensive than this. I’ve been verbally pre-approved and that’s all you need to know.

 

Despite my effort to explain that I don’t ask for a pre-approval for different price ranges, I ask for them in any price range from all my buyers. She promptly told me that she’d find a better agent that would show her what she wants. I don’t doubt for a second that she found another agent to hop in their car and show her the properties but, that’s not how I operate. I follow a process with all my buyers and before I go out and spend time and money touring a pre-approval letter or proof of funds for a cash buyer comes first. I have never had a challenge or any push-back from someone that’s serious about buying. They know it’s needed and many times have already taken care of it before contacting me. Without one there’s too much time that is being risked and time is priceless to me and my business. It is to serious buyers too, they want to know what they can afford and then have me find it for them.

 

For a lead to become a client there is going to have to be information shared on both sides and part of that is me needing to know what you’re looking for, where you’d like to find it and if you qualify to buy it. I’m not doing my job if I just show up and open a door for anyone that asks. If you're not pre-approved I can help connect you with a lender that we trust and have a lasting rapport with. In return I'll be happy to provide you with houses that are currently available, in your price range that match what you're looking for and be ready to tour when you find something that interests you.


 

Posted by

 

Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group

 

 

      

 

AMANDA DAVIDSON  
l ASSOCIATE BROKER l  
l AMANDA DAVIDSON REAL ESTATE GROUP BROKERED BY Real

C  703.431.3755   |   O  855.450.0442  |   W  www.amandadavidson.com

A  1765 Greensboro Station Place Suite 900 McLean, Va 22102




Comments (219)

Cathy Wolters
Wolters Realty & Property Management Company - Cocoa, FL
Your Brevard County Property Management Expert

Ugh, these types of calls can be so frustrating. 

Apr 27, 2014 10:12 PM
Anonymous
Trace Faulkner
They think they're being clever - get something for nothing! Many of them ask for a list and never even intend to buy or rent! Just like to waste somebody else's time. That's how they go through life, I suppose.
Apr 28, 2014 03:27 AM
#202
Anonymous
Brynn H. Allen
On Oahu we have visitors who just want a tour and a free lunch.
Apr 28, 2014 04:42 AM
#203
Dan Peregoy
Brokers Guild in Denver, CO - Denver, CO
Agent at Brokers Guild

In my experience when potential clients fight you this hard in the beginning they usually turn out to be duds anyway. You handled it exactly how I would have. Sometimes it's easier to move on to the next client. Good luck!

Apr 28, 2014 09:07 AM
Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

You absolutely did the right thing in asking for all her contact information, and about the pre-approval... and other perinent quetsions a realtor needs to know.

Obviously it would have been a waste of your time... better toflet her go and waste another agent's valuable time

Apr 28, 2014 10:47 PM
Anonymous
Terri Medici, Broker
Great Job, would not have handled it any different. Being a broker for an office I run into all kinds of things and I will tell you anyone that fights like she did has something to hide. I just had a situation with 2 of my agents on 2 different homes. They had cash offers from a buyer that put in a full price offer. They said it was cash and kept telling my agents that the proof of funds was coming from his accountant. Low and below it never came. I finally put 2 and 2 together and found out it was the same buyer. She was going around just pulling everyone's chain. She later came into my office and said she needed a rental because her landlord wanted her out. I tell you there are all kinds of people out there, just do your best and go with your gut. Good luck to you
Apr 28, 2014 11:55 PM
#206
Marjorie Taylor
Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage - Saint Augustine, FL
New Homes in St. Augustine Florida

How frustrating - I just read a similar blog by Debbie Reynolds... why do so many Buyers not take that first step and get prequalified.

Apr 29, 2014 04:25 AM
Kimberley Kelly, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
HK Lane, Christie's International Affiliate, 760-285-3578 - La Quinta, CA
I do Real Estate like I played polo-to WIN!

So true!  I had to learn the hard way when I started..painful lesson. 

Apr 30, 2014 07:26 AM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

We never get the car in gear without a pre-approval letter at the very least.  Nice post, Amanda.  And, you certainly hit a nerve with this one!

Apr 30, 2014 09:32 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Here's my question...if she's selling a house, why doesn't she ask that agent to show her the condos?

Apr 30, 2014 09:39 AM
Jimmy Faulkner
Florida. Homes Realty & Mortgage - Wantagh, NY
The Best Of St. Augustine

Arrogant buyers are only trouble and not worth the time. Yes they will find a bottom feeder to show the homes.  I would walk away.

 

Apr 30, 2014 01:27 PM
Terry Miller
Miller Homes Group - Tyler, TX
Miller Homes Group and Tyler Apartment Locator

No cure for stupid..... I know it is very frustrating, but these type of customers I avoid at all costs.

May 02, 2014 05:44 AM
American Brokers Realty Group
American Brokers Realty Group, Inc - Cape Coral, FL

This is very useful and well written information.  Another amazing blog from you.  Keep up the good work.

May 02, 2014 10:45 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Amanda. What....you want information before you give me your time and expertise? Oh well.

May 03, 2014 10:08 PM
Dee Toohey
Innovative Realty Solutions Group - Longwood, FL
Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro

First, I read this advice over and over but so many don't bother to follow it.  If a potential buyer is not willing to complete the steps to make a purchase successful, why waste your time and the sellers time?

Second, if they are selling, I'd as if they are using an agent and are local.  If so, then I'd ask if you are working with the listing agent for the purchase.  If not, I'd keep up the part about pre approval or proof of funds to close, the normal questions about what they want in a property, etc. 

Third, and most important, we are professionals with hectic schedules.  We must invest time to review property information and make showing appointments before showing.  We must explain this to potential buyers.  Then let them know that when we have had the time to fact find about the property they are requesting information we can show the property.  But without the time to do the research we are not providing good service. 

Stand your ground!

May 04, 2014 01:14 AM
Arlow Real Estate Group in Savannah, Pooler & Richmond Hill
Keller Williams - Richmond Hill, GA

I think you did the right thing, saved yourself a lot of time wasted with a Buyer that would have given you the run around.

May 05, 2014 05:44 AM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Kudos to you, Amanda!   Serious buyers have no problem getting preapproved or showing proof of funds.

May 05, 2014 06:00 AM
Jasmin Henderson
Sicklerville, NJ

Great job Amana. Not only did you save yourself valuable time, you protected yourself. As Realtors we can just show up to open a property for a complete stranger and pray they don't want to cause harm. We need to know who we're meeting. 

May 14, 2014 11:52 AM
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Great job of being professional and bringing credibility to our industry.

May 20, 2014 10:07 PM
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

People like that are annoying, and usually have called several other agents, and most likely they will never buy anything. I think you would just have been wasting your time with her.

Aug 02, 2014 01:13 AM