This week I received a phone call from a man who was parked in front of one of my REO listings in Murrieta California. When I informed the caller, lets call him John, the property was already in escrow he became a little frustrated. He asked why every home he called on was in escrow as if it was the fault of the Realtor. I explained to John that homes in Murrieta and the surrounding cities sell quickly as there are many buyers looking for homes. When asked if he was working with an agent John responded no he wasn't but why should he?. When I explained that he needed someone who would work for him to find homes that fit his needs and budget and show them to him as soon as they came on the market in Murrieta he seemed interested but stated that he didn't want to speak with a lender. When I told him that would be necessary unless he paid cash he balked at the suggestion.
At this point John said it sounds like you know what your doing but will you give my daughter $500 for helping find a home. When I asked "why would I do that" he said she had been writing down addresses and phone numbers for him. I commented that you have not found a house yet doing it the hard way by driving around calling on signs but I will find you a home but no I won't give her a referral fee. He said other agents had agreed to pay her when he asked them on the phone.
When I asked John if he had ever been to the Dentist he said yes. I asked him if his daughter drove him there should the Dentist give her money for doing so he responded "why should he" and at that point he understood what I was saying. I work hard for my clients but I'm not going to give away my income just like I'm going to protect their money as well.
Poor old John wouldn't let me, or any agent, go to work for him. He is probably driving around this weekend calling on signs hoping he will get lucky and call on a sign in front of a house that is low priced and has an agent who will give his daughter a few bucks. John is not a serious buyer but maybe he'll win the housing lottery.
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