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More con man to suck away realtor's time

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Cupertino

After I wrote the last con man article. I found the other kind of con man to realtors.

The could be man or woman and different shape or color. They either talk or act like buyers and sellers but they are not. I have not figure out their motives yet. It all start as: I received a call from Roger.

He wanted to see my listing. I said sure I will have an open house on Saturday why don't you just stop by. Roger said no! I have some plan this labor day weekend. Can you show me today?

mistake 1 of realtor:=> Don't qualify him. I did not ask him how much you can afford? Did you talk to a lender? I won't show it unless you are qualified by my lender.

I went ahead show the home. He acted a bit strange. When he shook my hands, he want to touch longer of my hands. I think this is kind of fishy. I did my duty to show him. When I showed him one of the bedroom, when I pointed one feature and turn back, He was just on my way. I just hit him by accident. He stood too close to me in the back.

I knew I need to find out if he can buy this home. I sit down and asked him:"Roger, do you like the home? he said yes! I asked again:"Do you know if you can purchase it? He said:"How much is down payment?" I answered :" 20% of purchase price which will be $160,000. Do you have it?' no answer,

mistake 2 of realtor:=> Waste value time and gas. I don't know how many time I waste my energy with non qualified buyers and sellers.

This is our business. We have NO fixed income. It is my mistake to waste my time. This con man just want to have some human contact. Don't let the con man rob our valuable resources.

Sheila Reeves
Allen Tate Realtors - Greenville, SC

The behavior you noticed you should take note of and not meet someone at your listing without first meeting them a the office, or having someone else with you.  That can be dangerous.

Sep 01, 2008 05:20 AM
Angelia Garcia
Pure Realtors - Dallas, TX

I am glad it did not get out of hand.  You were lucky.

Sep 01, 2008 05:20 AM
Tim and Pam Cash
Crye-Leike (Sango) - Clarksville, TN
Real Estate Professionals - Clarksville TN

Grace, sorry to hear of your troubles.  We had a similiar issue a few months back - difference is the con was good - had a 'lender' send a pre-qual letter - he is in jail now

Sep 01, 2008 05:24 AM
Vickie Nagy
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA
Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

It is not your duty to show anyone property under all circumstances. You do have a fiduciary duty to represent the interests of the seller, but first and foremost you have a duty to safety of your person. Let this be a lesson and don't forget it. Do not meet strangers onsite.

Sep 01, 2008 05:42 AM
Royal Goodman
Royalty Home Solutions - Madera, CA
"We Treat You Like a King"

Grace. If you went alone, you are lucky. It is not a good idea to go into any building by yourself. You are lucky. Royal..

Sep 01, 2008 06:12 AM
Alyce Martin
The Realty Group, LLC - Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque - THE Place To Be!

Grace - you sound like a good realtor and very mindful of a sense of "duty" however you need to let your intuition override the sense of doing a good job.  This guy sounded plain scary and thankfully he did not try to hurt you.  Listen to what your gut tells you (listen to your inner voice).  You just lost a little time and some money in gas, it could have been worse. 

Sep 01, 2008 06:29 AM
Grace Keng
Keller Williams Realty Cupertino - Cupertino, CA
CRS, CDPE (408) 799-8887

Thanks! for all good notes. I have this listing has been on the market for a while. I really don't want to miss any buyer. Unfortunately, I spend time with alot non-qualified looker. This time I decide to write it up so I got some ideas from others and remind myself also. Don't be stupid! Grace

Sep 01, 2008 05:29 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Grace, If I do decide to meet an unknown "buyer" at one of my listings, I take along my husband or ask if the seller will be at home..... explaining that I have little or no information on this person. Please follow your gut feelings. Don't be afraid but do be aware! Thanks for sharing and hope this will alert other agents.

Sep 02, 2008 12:56 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Grace:  There are a lot of lonely people out there that will do that.  I have one lady that calls me about once a month.  She wants to talk about listing her home, which she can not do.  Her daughter is on title with her and doesn't want to sell.  Problem is, her daughter doesn't live with her and she get very lonely.  Finally, I told her that if just wanted to visit, that was fine.  She reminded me of my Mom and I felt like I could spare some time now and then for her.  At least I stopped having to CMAs and things.  Now we just have tea and talk.  Then again, I know her.  I did list her home, with her daughter's permission, once three years ago.

Sep 02, 2008 02:36 AM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Grace - it sounds like there may have been more at risk here than your time.

Sep 03, 2008 12:52 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Be careful when meeting and showing homes to strangers.  Really bad things can happen.

Sep 07, 2008 09:21 PM