Are Clients on the Menu?

Colleen,this works pretty well for me too. Thanks to Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook  - finding people will no longer be a headache.

This is a suggestion I'm going to implement when a stranger contacts me.  But that's pretty rare for me, and so far they've been the nicest people and great clients.  Still, it's worth it to take a look.

This is just the way the world is now. They have obviously found you on the Internet somewhere (or, most probably). It actually helps you. They already know you because of your Internet presence, seems actually lackadaisical if you haven't taken the time to check them out.

Now there's an idea, I wouldn't have thought about!  But as Debbie says, "They check us out, why not check them out?" 

I do it - and it's sobering to think they are doing the same to us.

Good point. This is the way our world works now. They probably all googled me first!

Well, I would hate to be compared to a dish of Fried Calamari or Linguine smothered in Pesto . . . I've Googled people before, etc., but I never thought of them as a menu item.  Potential client, yes.  Column "B" no.

Colleen, I always check on buyers and tenants for both businesses. Google is sometimes very interesting what comes up. I once had an offer come in and the buyers wanted to move in while we were negotiating a short sale. Google told me they had been arrested in NY for defrauding Sec 8. They also had a bogus company here in Florida. Info is out there.

Great point... but I must say most of the time I don't have a whole of time to do this type of sleuthing. I've found that most times once I've spoken and/or corresponded with people significantly I've sussed out a lot of their information and motivation. Clearly there will always be those con artists out there, but I would go crazy if I felt all of my contacts were potential con artists.

I do it everytime. Always start with facebook. Nice to go in knowing a little about the person.

I always do this but I don't let my clients know I do this. Recently, while speaking with a prospect who called, I searched the tax records to see where his house was located. He was surprised I had done that but I just explained that it gave me the ability to serve him better.

Colleen, I don't look up everyone. But, if they're a new potential client or they seem "weird" on the phone, I'll do my research. I'd hate to meet up with a serial killer or something.

I do background checks on a lot of my clients.  Unfrotunately in this day and age people will lie like crazy to get their way.  I'm checking the prothonotary, the court system, Facebook, Google, etc if something doesn't sound right. 

A little stalking can really pay off.  I have done this and I am not ashamed to admit it.  I always meet my new clients at the office first.  That way I know that they are serious buyers and sellers.  If they will not meet me face to face, and they just want to see a house, not happening.  Getting to know me and letting me get to know them is important, buying a home is huge investment, they should take the time to interview the person that they are choosing to represent them.

My curiosity always gets the best of me - I always google anyone I don't know personally it's priceless info.

I do it every single time Colleen.  I'm sure my clients google me, so why not google them?  Good post.                                       

We recently Googled a client and found out she was arrested for having pet tigers, no joke!

Great advice Colleen!  I do web searches on prospects all the time.  As real estate professionals, we should always be in "investigate" mode.  

You are not kidding. . everybody is online nowadays's. .

information is power!