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You Don't Need to Know that...

By
Real Estate Agent with LAER Realty Partners

You Don't Need to Know that...

 

An unknown number flashed on my smartphone screen.

I guessed it must be one of the agents 

who will ask me some questions about my new listing.

I hoped this person would leave a voice message - that was not to happen.

After my Peak Producer training class, when I looked at the phone again,

to check the messages and missed calls,

few more missed calls from the same number - and no message!

Just to be polite, I decided to return the call.

"Hi, This is Praful Thakkar." I introduced myself.

"I saw a few missed call from you since morning.

Wondering how can I help you?"

After a brief hesitation, I heard a voice,

"Oh, I wanted to find out more about 123 Main St".

(Now that was the address of some other listing, not mine.)

"You mean 456 XYZ St, correct?"

"Oh yes, that's the one. May I know is there any condo fees for that?"

I paused - and wanted to find out who I am talking to.

More out of courtesy - and not to add this person to my database.

"May I know who I am speaking to?"

And came a prompt response!

"You Don't Need to Know that..."

 

Taken aback by a surprise and shock,

for few seconds, I did not know what to say!

And suddenly I said,

"Nor do I need to share any information about the home!"

"Everything you want to find about this home is on the Internet!"

'Click'!

The phone was disconnected!

No, I did not try to 'lure' this person into talking to me.

Nor did I expect this person to be my potential client.

I still wonder.....

Did I do the right thing?

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Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Praful, Our relationships are based on trust.  The person that can't at least extend the courtesy of providing their first name to us is sending out the warning signal right from the get go.  I don't see that you did anything wrong.

Nov 15, 2016 04:49 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

As I am writing this, I just got my second solicitation call.  If a caller is rude and will not identify themselves I think I would give them the Internet address on my website and let them know the same thing you did. Identify yourself and what is the nature of your inquiry. It is just the polite thing to do. If the caller fails to meet that standard, I don't think you handled it wrong.  I would just remember, that they have your number so I would not upset them. I would just be polite and hang up. 

Nov 15, 2016 04:53 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Praful - it is all about trust.  I might have repeated his statement in a questioning voice and then a long pause to see what he says next.  But you did the right thing.

Nov 15, 2016 05:08 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Obviously there was not a sincere interest in the property or courtesy would have been extended beyond the rude response given. I am with you here.

Nov 15, 2016 05:51 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yup, I think you were very much in the right to ask.

Nov 15, 2016 06:10 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Praful you absolutely did the right thing in my opinion.  You did not initiate the call this person did by calling you several times, asking for a name is very reasonable, and the fact this person was unwilling to provide a name sends up red flags for me.

Nov 15, 2016 06:15 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Thanks for stopping by at this post and your comments. Really appreciate it.

Nov 15, 2016 11:28 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Liz and Bill Spear - thanks for your comment. It is a relationship of trust! If there is no trust, it's impossible  to work together.

Nov 15, 2016 11:29 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® - I thought of sharing the single property website for this listing, however, I just thought, what's the point?

I hope the caller was not upset, as I did my best to extend the common courtesy.

Nov 15, 2016 11:32 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Grant Schneider - I like the idea of long pause. One of the ways to explore more about this person. I just let it go! And I don't feel bad about it.

Nov 15, 2016 11:34 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Gary L. Waters, Broker Owner, Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC - you may be right. If person has sincere interest, they would open up.

Nov 15, 2016 11:34 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Thanks, William Feela.

I just felt the same way - at least I should know who I am talking to.

Nov 15, 2016 11:35 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

George Souto - a red flag for sure. The only worry I have is, there are some people who would write negative reviews on prominent sites like Zillow, Trulia, etc.

Nov 15, 2016 11:36 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Once again, thanks all for stopping by at this post and your comments.

Nov 15, 2016 11:37 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

I agree, you did the right thing Praful. I understand that sometimes people are hesitant at first but introducing yourself when calling is simply good manners. The caller's response was rude, you don't have to deal with rude and rude seldom results in a sale. 

Nov 15, 2016 12:05 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Andrea Bedard - so true! We are professionals - and do deserve respect. And learning about the potential buyer is justified, isn't it?

Nov 15, 2016 01:36 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

People are ver sensitive about sharing any info these days, I have had some anonymous texters get very upset when I insisted on a name and a voice call before I would give them all the info.

Nov 16, 2016 02:27 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Bob Crane - you are right. However, it's a two-way street. If I do not know who is at the other end, I am going to be reluctant sharing any information about my listing!

Nov 20, 2016 02:36 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Once again, thank you for stopping by at my post and your comments.

Nov 20, 2016 02:36 PM