Contact me through my contact form and you will get a quick response provided you are in a time zone while I am awake. The majority of my blog readers or website contacts come from those that will be relocating to Hawaii. The first contact is an email.
An email arrives that states they want to put in an offer $50,000 less than the list price on a property. OOPS. Not one property......TWO. Two offers on two properties. Mind you, this is the first email I've ever received from someone and they want to put in not one offer...but two. WOW right?
So how do I respond to an email that states "I just want to see if my offers will be accepted".
Yes, it could potentially turn into a ‘real' client but let me first check out this person on the internet before I respond. How many of you Google your email leads before responding? I mean, if you're all over the internet from your blogs and websites you are bound to get a few that are trying to target you for their ‘product' or want to be your picture bride wife.
So I Google the email address and the name and they say this person is a scam on a dating site and to steer clear! I decide to just respond and let the person know what they need to do to start the process.....with ME. Get preapproved and forward the letter to me (as we need to submit the letter with the signed contract)as well as a few other questions for them to answer.
Oh...did I mention the ‘lead' is way over in Asia?
We passed a few emails back and forth and at one point they say, "I know about short sales and foreclosures ...I've been reading up...and I just want to see if the bank will approve my offers". I finally laid down the law. If you would like to work with me you will have to follow my lead....and the first step is to get preapproved for a loan because the bank will demand a preapproval letter. We also need to know if you are comfortable with that price range and the monthly payment you'll be making.
I did not receive a response back.
Wonder why?
Maybe that Google search was right.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Hi Sally, What a terrific idea. I've used Google for a lot of searches but never thought to use it to verify leads. Thanks, and well done !
It is amazing what information you can find out via the Internet these days we do need to take the extra time to find out before we reply. Thanks for sharing.
I've had a few leads come in where they have turned out to be scams. I do Google the ones that look suspicious and then I turned them into Consumer Fraud.
Good job! And great tip on Google. You have a really unique position over there.
Yes * I Google when I have full name and location to see who they are and if they are SCAMMER!
Hey, great idea, Sally. I would never have thought of Googling someone who called. And believe me, I think I should have.
I am convinced Google is the best resource for everything. I hate to admit it, but I do Google stalk potential leads to make sure they are legit. You can never be too careful.
Hi Sally - You are just too smart for them. Unfortunately, there are some really hungry agents out there who might waste a lot of time working for them only to be caught up in some scam, but I am like you - they have to prove your legitimacy first, then we'll go forward. Facebook is another place to find out what people are about, but getting bank letters and/or proof of funds before putting in a lot of effort is a wise move.
If ever you feel like it is just too good to be true....it usually is. :)
Good for you Sally. Although I have never thought of googling emails, I'll have to try that. Unfortunatly, if it sounds too good...
I really enjoyed this post Sally, good advice and info... dating site huh, wonder how he scammed her?
BTW, nice Google screen shot :))
There's a lot of this going on now. I can almost smell them! If it seem weird, it probably is.
Oh Lord yes. And I cross reference their phone number and check FaceBook. If I had a request like yours, I'd probably just ignore it, really.
I don't respond to Internet leads that come from overseas or that seem to be very generic. If the lead names my name and is very specific, then I'll follow up get their full contact info. If they won't provide it, again I don't pursue. Once I get the full contact info, I use whitepages.com (reverse phone number search to verify the address), GIS system to track down land records/home ownership, LinkedIn.com, ZoomInfo.com, and even Facebook. Know Your Customer! To me it's one of the most important cornerstones of running an efficient real estate business. There are too many ways to waste our time in this business.
Hi Sally --- I noticed many of the recent internet leads I received are seriously lacking in information such as a full name and/or any information beyond the email address. If it is a simple question---I'll answer and won't put much thought if I'll get a response. If I have more info(I have done a google search) -- careful of not spending too much time. The best inquiries for me are always those who reference or have been forwarded by a client or sphere of influence.
Maria: Yeah.....
Hey Trev! I just chuckled and responded.... just because.
Anna: No kidding. But do you answer....?
Alyce: Ah...but I just 'had' to know lol
Gail: I usually do respond because they are usually government workers or military...which is a big portion of our market. In this case it's a government worker as well...just with different ideas :) There was also address and long distance telephone number as well. If I turned down every overseas email (lead) I would have discounted half my business.
Michael: I have learned to pick and choose and I do answer at lease half of them if they seem legit.
Hi Sally - I agree that it is necessary to respond to overseas leads. We have many people who immigrate to the Toronto area or who are transferred to Toronto for job reasons. It is important, however, to validate internet leads.
Marc: Agreed....on both counts :)
I Google names of contacts but have not gone so far as an email address. It does sound logical, thanks.