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Don't expect me to pimp them out. Just don't.

By Alan May

Real Estate Agent with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

June 30, 2016 04:46 AM

Today, I received a call from a security company.

They wanted to congratulate me on a property I closed yesterday. (uh... thank you?)

And then they wanted to know if my buyers had considered putting in an electronic security system, and if they were... would I mind calling them to let them know that they could have a $100.00 gift card if they installed the system... and (wait for it)... if they installed the system, I, as their agent, would receive a $200.00 gift card.

I politely suggested that I was not allowed to accept real-estate-related kickbacks... (heard of RESPA?). She kind of giggled when I mentioned RESPA... as though she'd heard that pushback from Realtors before. She quickly followed-up with "since it takes place after the closing, it wouldn't be considered a RESPA violation". (I don't know if that's true, or not).

I told her that regardless, I felt uncomfortable soliciting my clients for them. I told them that I didn't know if my clients were considering a security system, and if they'd like to call them, they were welcome to do so... but I wasn't going to do their sales job for them.

You gotta admire the angle, but I'm not gonna be their pimp.

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Belinda Spillman

Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO

Colorado Living!

I have been getting flooded with emails and calls from ADT. They keep saying that the another property I sold had ADT and they want me to reach out to my clients to see if they want to reactivate it and they will pay me $200. I tell them each time, I sell houses - not security systems and that I cannot accept their $200 per RESPA. They just don't get it.

Jun 30, 2016 04:55 AM

Alan May

Yep. That was them.

Jun 30, 2016 04:56 AM

Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ

(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Very interesting! I will keep this in mind. Unless a client comes from an area that has had security issues, it is low on their priority list.

Jun 30, 2016 05:17 AM

I don't really get involved in this level of client stuff, unless they ask me.

Jun 30, 2016 05:33 AM

Liz and Bill Spear

Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH

Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Somehow ADT is getting an agent to pimp out the closed sales reports because I've been getting those calls too. Our MLS is trying to figure out the source of the data leak.

Jun 30, 2016 05:34 AM

My guess is that they have an agreement with the title company.

Jun 30, 2016 05:38 AM

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT

Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

It's like having a side business of residuals: Security systems, invisible fences; painters; landscapers, and the list goes on

Jun 30, 2016 11:23 AM

and the list goes on... and the list goes on...

Jun 30, 2016 12:35 PM

Tammie White, Broker

Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN

Franklin TN Homes for Sale

I have gotten these calls before as well. Like you, I declined.

Jul 02, 2016 01:21 PM

the 'giggle' really annoyed me.

Jul 02, 2016 01:34 PM

Anonymous

AZ Realtor

Today ADT called twice on my cell asking for my client's contact info. and referencing their "realtor referral program" which includes a $200.00 visa gift card to me if my client signs a contract for their services.
1) Realtors are not permitted to disclose client information without client permission
2) I don't think the Visa card is a RESPA violation (after closing) but it's obviously dangled to get the Realtor to disclose confidential client info. and buy the Realtor's influence.
Send those emails/texts to your State Dept. of Real Estate for their review & copy your Ethics Committee Members for their reviews.

Oct 27, 2017 05:27 PM

Don't expect me to pimp them out. Just don't.

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Alan May

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