"My Dad's a Broker! Help!"

Ever so often the Realtor on call at our office gets one of those real estate calls every agent hates. The one where a potential buyer asks a bunch of questions about a property. Not being one of those companies where we know our ABCs (Always Be Closing lines), we are glad to help. The fact is, information is all around us, so traditional floor techniques where the agent withholds information about the property until he gets the client's telephone number really don't work any more. But I digress.

After we have given out this information however we have to ask the usual, albeit traditional, question - Are you working with an agent? Most homebuyers say no. But I think lately a better question I'm going to have to add my repertoire is this: Are you involved with a real estate agent in any way? Are you dating one, related to one or otherwise planning to adopt one possibly? Is there any one in your family who has just passed a real estate exam? A distant cousin somewhere? Give them a call. Chances are they'll pop up anyway when you decide you're going to buy a home.

Because I'm tired of giving information and investing time and energy(not to mention spending my phone minutes) in helping someone who already has a buyer's agent. Note: if your brother, mother, in-law or father is going to be writing up the offer, he IS your agent and he should be furnishing you with the information you just called me to find out.

And the same goes for other Realtors showing homes calling us from the road to look up a property address for details. Do your own legwork. You have the MLS. Use it. Or pay me 25% as a referral fee. I'd be glad to help.

Information is free, but it's not gratuitous. At least not when I'm handling phones.