I always demonstrate I have what they requested and additional information and resources they will find beneficial in their effort. 

For instance, 'what's the HOA fee?' "It is approximately $500. You will find of extreme interest information regarding the rules and regulation and issues that limit financing. Let me know how to get this information to you."

"Is this house still available?" "It is currently 'with contract' meaning it could become available again at any moment. How can I contact you if this happens? There are homes in this community in the process of becoming available, are you ready to get the show on the road?"

"How can this house be sold before it shows on the MLS?" "That does happen a lot. In a short inventory market, where most sales are cash, it becomes increasingly important to be FIRST. Let me help you get to the front of the line. Give me a call."

I would give them the information - maybe once they know me, trust me, like me, the barriers will come down on their side and I will get a new client. If they don't want to know me, trust me, and like me, it will be a short relationship - but nothing ventured, nothing gained. 

The truth will come out. 

I do not see why that matters.  I would care if they were making an offer and I thought they had the wrong name, but otherwise, what difference does it make?  If that is the way they want to feel more comfortable, so be it. 

If it's information, I would send it. Will I make an appointment without a name, and accurate contact info?  No.

I don't know how you could know that wasn't a real name. If they'd entered Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck, sure. But Sarah Wish? As Theresa Akin pointed out, there IS someone by that name on Facebook. 

I Googled the Wish surname and found out about their family crest: https://www.houseofnames.com/wish-family-crest

Do you really know it isn't her real name? I would send the information she requested. I learned early on in this business not to assume. With your response you could miss out on a nice addition to your sphere of influence and multiple smiles on the way to the bank. I just Facebooked a "Sarah Wish". There is a Sarah Wish on Facebook!!

I just respond.  I try to keep a dialog going and keep them interested.  One time I thought the name sounded fake (It was a celebraty name) but it was real, not the celebraty, but someone with the same name.

As Knights in Monty Python's Holy Grail continually yelled, "Run away, Run Away!" 

I try to never judge from an initial contact whether that's phone, email or text. Folks have all kinds of names so maybe Wish is a real name.

I might hedge my bet with a "short answer is"... but I'd need more information in order to answer your question in depth. I look forward to getting together soon for an indepth discussion of what your are looking for.

Morris "Bill" Austin ~ Realtor ~ Team Price Real Estate

Austin Texas Metro ~ 512-709-6343 ~ bill@teamprice.com

If I have to just sign them up for automatic email alerts I do not mind for a few weeks  but I will not waste time on them until I know who I am dealing with. It is for my safety .

if they want REAL information, they will give me a REAL name.   

I play along for awhile. It depends if we have met in person or not. that is time to be real.

I will asked them why they are using false name & address?  If they do not come clean I will drop them.

Yes, I would be puzzled why someone would be hiding their true information, that sends a red flag to me in a way! I would maybe tell them I will get back with them shortly, and try to do some research on the individual...I haven't had that issue...yet..

I don't really work with them.

John nailed this one!

 I do Nothing  but respect their privacy.

Are you saying that people actually DO give their real names and addresses on occasion?  I've not come across that.  I only ask for first names, do quick search for them and if they come back to me then I get the real info.

Good question.  I haven't run into this yet. They have to show an ID to an escrow officer so maybe we should ask for one too!

I move on quickly.  

You mean like "Bugs Bunny?" Or "Mickey Mouse?"  I just continue to treat them like anyone else and continue sending them emails.  You never know, they may eventually make a purchase.  I usually get them on my website - that is why the funny names.

If you turn away every anonymous inquiry that you receive you will never know how many potential sales you have lost.

Not going to work with them, life is too short for deception.

Aren't we in the information business? Somebody calls and wants information, so, get their email address and cell number and send them the information if you have it and include your advertisement about your experience and the criteria of your client profile. They will call you if they want you to represent them, if not, it's the next opportunity, isn't it?

Yikes!  You guys are tough!  Not sure what I would've thoutght about Jack's sharp response.  Maybe be offended because of my name?  (Probably was teased in school about a name like that too...)

A request for info is just that, a request.  It's not a promise to do business with the salesperson, nor enter into a relationship with them.  Sometimes it's only vague curiosity to rule in or out something in order to make a decision.

In my own case, my husband and I keep a "junk email account" into which all requests for "download this free report" or other internet sort of queries are directed.  I don't monitor that account unless I am hunting for something.  I am NOT allowing my business or home email addresses to get spammed up by entities (including well-mean real estate agents with drip campaigns) to clog up my already full accounts.

As to Ms. Wish.  Sounds real to me, actually.  I have worked with titled English people who refer to themselves as Sir, Lady, Duchess, etc.  What do I care?  If I treat them respectfuily, they will be the clients who provide real names, LLC's or corporation names in the end on a P&S Agreement.  I don't care.  Getting the client's needs met is all that matters, along with being paid well for my services.  Just my opinion tho....

Rita Harris, Broker (Seattle)
WP & Associates

I agree, you can't assume her name is not "real", but you did not say how the information was requested either. If it was by phone or if it was by email or in person, I would deal with each prospect differently. Invariably, when a prospect finds value in your information and in dealing with you, they will not lie about who they are if they are serious. Frankly, if they do not want to give their real identity, then it's not really someone you want to work with anyway.

Keep my Eye on them..

Could mean trouble..

Unless you know for sure, I would not assume that the person was using an alias. Once, when I was in college, I answered the phone and a person with a really phony sounding accent asked for my roommate. Thinking the caller was kidding around, I responded in the same phony sounding accent, but, much to my embarrassment, it was the head of her department, and the accent was genuine. Boy did I feel sheepish.

I agree RUN.  There are lots of people who won't be dishonest. That is no way to start any relationship.

Years ago I had a close friend whose maiden name was Pam Wish. Hope you are not making a mistake. 

Because I have an unusual name and am quite findable, I am cautious about using it on first time requests for information. I don't want to get bombarded if the initial response gives me enough info to know that I am not interested. So, I agree with others who say that they would provide info, but not go further.  Not using my real name doesn't make me a liar, it just makes me cautious.

I have met people with unusual last names.  I do not assume the person is a liar.  I would use it as a conversation starter, not a guilty verdict.

There is a town in MA named Ware.  There was a Chinese man that lived there. 
He was Jo Hu from Ware.

My name is the same as a famous basketball player, who is in the Basketball Hall of Fame.  Sometimes, basketball fans will ask me about my name.  I tell them I am not the celebrity, but I did meet him in person and got his autograph.

Since we don't list property, we really don't get any flakes to call us.  We get few calls but they are typically good buyers who are looking for our services.

If someone wants to play games with their name or where they live, I would not waste my time. 

I want to have a good working relationship with my clients and that means neither of us can be a liar.

Eve