Trulia Real Estate Questions: Is This the New Floor Call?

I have a question about the Trulia real estate questions, for other REALTORS® and real estate professionals.

First of all, many of us have been answering real estate questions on Trulia for a long time. And the questions have primarily been for the benefit of real estate buyers and sellers who didn't understand the real estate process. But lately, the questions have been different.

A little while ago, I read a post by Richard Weisser, a REALTOR® in Georgia, who wrote a rant post, questioning How is it possible that real estate buyers still do not understand agency? Unfortunately, he marked it for Members Only, so I can't insert a direct link to it. But along those same lines, I've noticed lately that the types of questions being asked on Trulia have changed. Lately, the questions are about specific properties that may or may not be for sale.

So here's my question. As real estate professionals; to those of you who answer questions on Trulia, does it appear to you that potential real estate buyers are taking advantage of REALTORS'® good natures, and of course, our hopes of converting the person posing the question into a client (after all, REALTORS® work on COMMISSION ONLY!) by asking questions that should be answered by their own personal REALTOR?

Cases in point... here are the questions I've seen recently...

• i am interested in 1765 tributory lane, port orange, fl located in waters-edge subdivision. is it for sale?

• is 6604 mansour lane, port orange for sale? if so, what is the asking price?

• re: mansour lane, port orange (waters edge)...i would like further details on this house please

• hi, do you have more pictures of the bed rooms? muchas gracias

OK. So I've been answering these questions, but I'm wondering why the sudden change in the types of questions. For examples, here are the types of questions I used to see...

• I have poor credit and my income last year was not proveable any chance finding a lender?

• Does a seller agent have the right to request a copy of the Home Inspector's report that the buyer paid for?

• can a broker be fired a few days prior to the closing?

• How do I know, when I buy a condo, whether other owners of condos in my building pay their maintenance?

• Is it ok to see a house with the listing agent if you are working with another realtor?

So, is it just me, or does it look like real estate buyers are asking questions on Trulia, in an attempt to get free, non-committed information from real estate professionals, while planning to use another REALTOR®? OR, are they legitimate buyers who should be treated as such? Is this the new "Floor Call"?

In case you're wondering, I plan to continue answering these questions to the best of my ability, in hopes of converting these buyers into clients.

What's your opinion?