When you answer an inquiry about one of your listings, how do you know who the caller really is?
You don’t.
That caller could be a potential seller, wanting to see how you handle inquiries.
He or she could be another agent, wanting to see if they can learn anything you might tell a potential buyer, but won’t tell them.
AND – it could be a spy for your seller.
A few years ago some folks I knew had their property listed with a team that was billed as “Top Agents” in their small town. It was an unusual property, so they didn’t expect hoards of people, but they expected to get at least some showings. They also expected to hear from their agents now and then, but that’s another story.
Finally, curious about what was going on, they called a sister-in-law who lived out of state and asked her to be their spy.
They gave her the link to their MLS listing and she called the listing agent to inquire.
Imagine her surprise when the agent said “Oh, you probably wouldn’t be happy with that listing. Now THIS one might suit you well…”
Now I know you wouldn’t do anything so underhanded, but you might be too quick to suggest looking at a variety of homes.
So take your time, answer all the questions about the subject property. Then, only if the caller indicates that it won’t do, start questioning them and trying to match their needs with other listings.
