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Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs (Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)

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Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

What Alan May said. I've responded to many a prospective client who said they were months if not years out and the next thing you know they are buying or selling. Sold a house last weekend, which we got on the market in less than one week and sold in one day. Two weeks earlier the sellers were saying they were probably a year away from doing anything. That may have been the fastest year in my life.

Sep 10, 2020 03:53 AM
Ambassador
5,049,133
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

You bet I would respond right way so we could talk timing (it can change), options (new versus resales), their plans, and their expectations - I'd send them my lifestyle questionnaire! Obviously the market can shift alot during that time, as can pricing. Do they need to sell? The list of question goes on and on.

Sep 09, 2020 08:49 PM
Ambassador
3,854,903
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

If they gave the number, I would call right away.  It would be a pleasure to help another professional. Please use me for any real estate information at any time. 

As for them being an agent, I would call back even sooner to see how I could help them in my area.

Sep 09, 2020 11:37 PM
Ambassador
2,061,797
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I respond right away... let's talk about expectations and timing.

Sep 09, 2020 05:19 PM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I would respond right away and be excited to work with them because they actually understand the process and how it all works. 

Sep 10, 2020 04:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,090,637
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

I call right away to acknowledge the email, ask questions and listen! If the call goes to voice mail, I follow up with an email asking the best time to call and discuss their wants and needs. We are a vacation/second home area so those types of calls and emails are very common. I treat other agents' inquiries the same as any other but if they did not get back to you in a reasonable time, it's possible the agent is new or inexperienced so intimidated by the idea of working with other agents.

Sep 09, 2020 10:57 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Right away with.... let's sign you up and talk about how this is gonna work.

Sep 09, 2020 08:18 PM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Respond immediately and ask up front if they will be expecting a referral fee.

Sep 09, 2020 07:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I have no idea what they are asking of you.

So, at this point, I would respond by asking: "How can I be of help to you?"

Sep 09, 2020 06:47 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I call right away and do what I do best, ask questions, probe, explore and see if there is a way to work with them in the future.  Any shot not taken misses the target.

Sep 09, 2020 05:53 PM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I would call back right away! Let's talk about the must haves, the anticipated price points, etc. I'd want them to know what's available now, so they can get a handle on the market. And I'd want to know if they're coming to visit before they move. Let's have coffee!

Sep 10, 2020 05:18 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Respond in genenral and wait for response. If they respond, sign them to a buyer's agreement and move on to contract.

Sep 10, 2020 04:42 AM
Ambassador
3,125,819
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Engage them. You are the local professional Bill and they are asking for your help!

Sep 09, 2020 05:47 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I respond as quickly as I do with all emails.  

The fact that they are agents does not change how I respond. Just start the conversation and assess what they need and how I can help. 

After speaking with them, it may change if I choose to continue to engage with them or wish them all the best. 

Sep 10, 2020 08:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Are they from the same state as you? But call them right away and discuss the particulars

Sep 10, 2020 08:55 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Immediate response, as always.
1-2 years is  like 'Just looking' except with the expectation of receiving service. It is a mechanism to avoid shame.  No problem.
Check state professional license data base for evidence.
Prepare for a closing 30 days after they come to take a look.

Sep 10, 2020 07:13 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I immediately respond to all messages. 

Sep 10, 2020 06:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

As an 'agent' that was writing that request I would wonder how they are practicing in their current state.

1-2 years? In real estate, that's an eternity. Why start looking now?

Is their price range realistic? Do they want a referral fee? 

I guess that I'm responding differently than most here.

Sep 10, 2020 06:18 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Respond as soon as it's convenient. Them being agents just means you have additional questions. It's possible that they've contacted several agents by email, and if not, how did they choose a single agent out of thusands to email.

Sep 10, 2020 05:47 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

I, too, respond to all enquiries. Having said that, many enquiries from out of the area reach out to pick my brain and take up a whole lot of time which, in this market, needs to go to current clients who are actively working with me NOW.  I have a big stack of files of these potential future buyers whom I stay in touch with, send updates on our market, etc.  PS. I love to work with agents from other areas!

Sep 10, 2020 11:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,662
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I treat all buyers respectfully the same when vetting. Once I get the details, my approach customizes to the individual needs. But, the initial questions and screening are all the same. I have worked with out of area agents as buyers successfully and unsuccessfully-same crap shoot as any other buyer.

Sep 10, 2020 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Timing should not be an issue. Being agents, they will know what level of professionalism to expect, so maybe they are "testing" you. I would respond sincerely with as much information as you feel is appropriate at this time.

Sep 11, 2020 02:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Am I representing you when you move? Then let's do business.

Sep 10, 2020 04:23 PM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Sure why not ask a few more questions. That won't take much time and you'll be able to make a good assesement.

Sep 10, 2020 12:44 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

How timely your question is. I am in this now with others who are looking to purchase in another state. Here is what I sent an agent:

We have three groups of buyers…Michael you know, myself, Joshua and Kathleen for now. Things of importance and to discuss are as follows:

  1. A getaway home or vacation home known as a second home. Location and condition play a part here along with amenities for the area
  2. A permanent home to relocate to close to all but not next to. Submit
  3. Nice areas. From Boise to Meridian, to Nampa and Lewiston
  4. No air or noise pollution. Sewers, manure, slaughterhouses, smog
  5. Good condition and well taking care of
  6. 1200-2500 sq. ft and or 2-3 bedrooms and 2-3 baths
  7. No tract homes unless in exceptional neighborhood consisting of cul de sac, near forest, hills, nature trails. You can submit for review
  8. The four seasons appeals and details of same
  9. Close to shopping, retail, restaurant but not in it. 10-30 minutes drive
  10. Outdoor activities close such as hike/bike trails, boating etc.
  11. Acreage 1/4 acre to 1 acre landscaped low upkeep. Discussion here
  12. Single story, double garage and storage space.
  13. Views are a plus
  14. We are cash buyers in no hurry but can perform with right product
  15. Mostly want weather as in how cold and hot plus rain, neighborhood, pro and con for the areas being considered. Roads, Costco, medical, etc.
  16. Whatever we end up serious about will need a detailed inspection and repairs discussion. Quality remodels (permitted) or new a plus
  17. Please be able to support pricing for any with comps
  18. That’s it for now…I hope I didn’t scare you away. At some point you may have 3-4 purchases taking place. Lets see what happens. Got ho-hum response proving I need a buyers agent not a listing agent to work with
Sep 10, 2020 10:09 AM