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Internet Leads...Real Estate Inquiries...Just Wondering

By
Real Estate Agent with Tailored Real Estate Services

Today I responded to 2 requests for very specific additional information regarding a couple of my listings.

The people in question, ask a question, to which they apparently expect an answer, but provide ficticious names,  ficticious email addresses and false telephone numbers.

My thoughts are that these people are  bored out of their minds and have an endless amount of time on their hands to go so far as to ask a question and then provide no way to answer that question, however will most likely be the first one in line to say "I contacted a Realtor, but never got any response"

I for one, and feel I can speak for a myriad of other Realtors, take my business and the service I provide seriously. I spend time gathering the information, compiling it, and responding to that person, in a non agressive way, that requested it.  This takes time, sometimes not alot of time, but nevertheless, time.

I understand that some people are just looking for a quick answer and wish to remain somewhat anonymous, at least for the time being, and that's ok.  Realtors are not ogres. Realtors are professionals that are trying to provide you with quick, courteous service and information that you are requesting.  If you really don't want the information, why waste you time making an inquiry and providing ficticious contact information? 

Just wondering...

Maybe you can shed some light on this for me

 

Posted by

Connie Johns, Realtor

Transaction Realty 

Connie Johns is a Realtor in Toledo, Ohio. Serving Buyers and Sellers real estate needs in the greater Toledo area and surrounding suburbs of Maumee, Perrysburg, Holland, Sylvania, Rossford, Northwood and Oregon. Homes for sale in Toledo, Ohio, specializing in first time homebuyers, investors, short sales and foreclosures.

Visit www.ConnieJohns.com for the latest listings, real estate information, and helpful tips.

Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Connie, it's the same as people who go to open houses and write down phoney names, numbers and email addresses in the guest book.  How are we supposed to take them seriously?  I don't.  I've gotten those emails too.  I try to verify everything before I start gathering information and responding back.

Mar 11, 2011 06:03 PM
Connie Johns
Tailored Real Estate Services - Toledo, OH
Toledo, Ohio Area Real Estate

Pamela,  that is a good practice.  Here forward, I will send an email saying I am working or getting the information they are requesting and get back to them shortly.  Hate when I've done a CMA for nothing.  Thanks for your comment.  Would be nice to hear how others handle this situation...always something to learned here.

Mar 11, 2011 06:05 PM
Roger Radcliff
FREEDOM REALTY - Barksdale AFB, LA
AFB Specialist - Barksdale

Connie, If they're using the same fake email address, just put it on spam blocker. Or before giving information ask them if they have been pre qualified. If they say yes, ask them who they where PQ through and for how much. That will solve your problem.

Mar 11, 2011 06:18 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Have you heard this FACT, Connie?

There are only 19 such people - the only thing is, they move around a lot..:-).

Don't worry about such leads. These fruits are not yet ripe (or perhaps are not even fruits...)

The moment they start providing you more information - you've won!

Mar 11, 2011 06:19 PM
Connie Johns
Tailored Real Estate Services - Toledo, OH
Toledo, Ohio Area Real Estate

Roger, thank you for your response and advice. One inquiry was asking if the seller would be interested in leasing.

 

Praful, I like the terms fruits!  I try not to spend to much time on these things but it just got in my craw today.

Mar 11, 2011 06:23 PM
Paul Gapski
Berkshire Hathaway / Prudential Ca Realty - El Cajon, CA
619-504-8999,#1 Resource SD Relo

Connie you are always going to get this type of fake info in my opinion. Just like open house sign ins. Just follow it up with a quick email asking for further info to see if email is real and or phone is real.

Mar 12, 2011 02:02 AM
Beth Larsen
RE/MAX Sedona - Sedona, AZ
Sedona Arizona

I liked the suggestion by several people here and from now on will send a quick response to make sure it's worth putting the tme into before providing the info requested.

I think some people are just very protective of their privacy, and I also think that when they are ready to turn into customers they will give you correct info (therefore ignore the fakes-they're simply not ready yet).

Mar 12, 2011 07:55 AM