The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing or Just Another Day in Real Estate
Remember that fable about the wolf that disguises himself as a sheep to be like the sheep, to go undetected by the shepherd all to ultimately attack the sheep? Oh, my Active Rain friends, it is still a truism!
Once upon a time…ummm I mean….This morning in my office the up agent received an internet lead from our internet desk. Our internet desk “scrubs” leads to make sure up agents are getting something workable.
The up agent quickly called the person and got voice mail….the “customer” emailed immediately that she received the voice mail was at work and could not talk. “Customer” was interested in coming out tonight to look at houses. She said she just went to contract on her place in the city and was looking to find a home in our little town fast. She had prequal from major bank and would email it later in the day. She gave a very nice price range and a very particular list of needs.
My fellow agent (a top producer) immediately pulled up all the homes that met this person’s criteria and sent a detailed email with the listings attached and they agreed to to meet tonight in my office. Customer asked for detailed train info so she could take the train directly from the city to our office. Appointment was confirmed and the up agent got busy making appointments and picking up keys from the local offices, and arranging with listing agents who need to accompany to be available (that’s how we do it here). Looking at the nice group of homes to show, I was wishing I had been the up agent this morning!
Two hours later this “customer” called our office and was now an out-of-area agent looking to make appointments for tonight on the homes the upagent was going to show her already. This agent used the same name and cell number as the “customer”!!! The up agent heard our AA booking the showing appointments and was in total shock. My fellow agent got on the phone but suddenlythis customer/agent no longer speaks English! Confused?
Yup, there was no customer…just a way-far-away-out-of-area agent posing as a customer to use and abuse a fellow agent’s knowledge, expertise and time for their personal gain. Otherwise known as a proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing. Aesop was right…appearances can be deceptive…
Just typing this makes me feel the need to shower!
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