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How can I politely say to a client "Don't waste my time."

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate

Don't waste my time. Sounds a little bold. 

I am working in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We are not a development with salaried employees who spend hours riding around golf carts with clients and curious visitors, luring them in with Pina Coladas in hand. Just a small real estate office with a small staff.

Everytime it rains, phone calls come pouring in from hotel guests all over the area, wanting to see properties- basically because their excursions are cancelled. Many of these people have never been to the area before, need financing and most time do not qualify- or can't imagine paying into the high interest rates.

This is why for the past 5 years, we have a policy in place; we do showings only with clients or collaborators that have called in advanced, people with whom we have discussed financing and property needs. 

Today a U.S. Based realtor called me because he just spent 5 hours with an agent in another area and wants a similar tour to "feel the place out" in my golf communnity.  I told him that what he needs to do is take a taxi and visit some of the area shops and walk around the community to get a feel for it. I really cannot afford to spend 5 hours showing him around, not to mention traveling to his hotel 60 minutes each way.  He insisted, so I told him I could meet him half way or he can take a taxi and meet us in the area, but that was not acceptable to him. 

In my experience as a buyer in the states, some agents won't even work with you if  you have not even been qualified, so why are they expecting a free tour, complete with drinks and lunch- or dinner- from us? Some agencies charge, but I just did not like the idea, plus I am not a tour guide.

In the past, we have never sold anyone who just happened to show up on a rainy day and decided to impulsively blow 200,000. Most of our serious buyers search the internet, request calls and ask lots of questions before their arrival. If people are serious about buying, they can take a taxi and meet us at least in town.

Every time I try to explain, I am met with hostility. 

So does anyone have any ideas as to how I can politely say 'Don't waste my time?'

 

Posted by

Submitted by:
Punta Cana Real Estate LogoJocelyn Hernandez-Irizarry
REALTOR® International, RSPS, CIPS®

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate, S.R.L.
Sales & Rentals of Resort Properties
Bavaro - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Contact Me   Website   Social Media

 

 

*The only agency in town that sells ONLY titled property, insuring a safe investment.

   


Comments(8)

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William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Being gently direct and explain that you get paid when you sell a property.  I also ask if they would work for free

Sep 05, 2016 01:05 PM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello Jocelyn

Thanks for stopping by one of my old posts from 2011, and I just reblogged it minutes ago!

And please join some of groups because for each post you can pick up to 5 different groups for each post.

Search "King of Groups at Activerain"

Sep 05, 2016 01:14 PM
Jocelyn Ucedo

Thanx I will check it out!

Sep 05, 2016 01:16 PM
Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

Great post with a ton of information. Hope you an enjoyable Labor Day Weekend.

Sep 05, 2016 01:21 PM
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Good for you! Real estate professionals are not tour guides, although sometimes the public think we are. Setting boundaries enable you to better utilize your time with true potential buyers.

Sep 05, 2016 02:54 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Not just a time issue, but a call like this one could be leading you into an unsafe situation.

Sep 05, 2016 03:36 PM
Jocelyn Ucedo

That's true, I never thought about it that way. So far I haven't had any funny situations.

Sep 05, 2016 09:54 PM
Jim Smith
The Property Management Company - Round Rock, TX
Broker,CRS,GRI,RMP,CNE,TRLP

 

 

"Good Morning; and, Welcome to our beautiful island!  My name is Jocelyn, and I am here to professionally assist you with your interest in our community.

 

I am expecting a client shortly, so might I suggest that you take advantage of our information pamphlet and self-guided tour of our community so that you can become better acquainted with our amenities?

 

I realize your time is important; and, I certainly don't wish to waste your time.  For you convenience, I have included a list/overview/synopsis showing the lot/unit/condo/house price range of the Punta Cana District for you.

 

Once you have completed your tour, please feel free to stop by with any specific questions you may have.

 

Feel free to fill out this brief information card so that I can keep you updated with any additions and improvements that we may have in the future.  I have included all of my international contact information within your brochure, should you wish to follow up in the future with an exclusive appointment.

 

Thank you for your interest, and wishing you your best vacation yet!"

Sep 06, 2016 01:02 AM
Jocelyn Ucedo
Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate - Punta Cana, DR
Punta Cana Golf & Beach Resort Properties

Great Jim thank you!! This is great I will be using it!

Sep 06, 2016 02:05 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Perhaps you should have a fee schedule, paid in advance, for these situations. 

Sep 23, 2016 11:05 AM