Opinion: Property Enquiry Etiquette (Shocking Response)

LSilvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:09
Last edited 26/11/2020 - 23:35 by 1 other user

Hi OzB,

Wanted to get your opinion on enquiry etiquette for properties.

I've been keen on searching for properties in an area - and trying to make contact with the prominent real estate agents handling my favourite suburbs. My enquiry is generic, seeking for a 2b 2bth 1cp property in the area - asking if they have any upcoming private or public sales.

Little did I know some of my messages went to different Agents from the same Real Estate Agency. Specifically, looks like I contacted 2 other agents from the same firm with the same general enquiry.

I got this as a reply:

"David I think you have contacted everyone I work with, we've not met so not sure how you've come by my name. Anyway, we are here to help but mass spam isn't going to change much. Good luck with your search"

Its the first time I have ever gotten a response like this - what do you guys think? Was i in the wrong, perhaps something I could do different?

UPDATE: Thanks for the overwhelming response folks - appreciate the wisdom being shared. I didn't expect the large volume of responses, so apologies I can't respond to all of them. Though I certainly read them all.

For those interested in the REA, I did list the company in my earlier responses. But please note this is just one bad egg in their pile.

As a buyer, I can share that the property market has been wild! As kindly pointed out there are over 400+ properties fitting this description in the market atm. Thats 200+ more than earlier in the week. For anyone buying in the city for convenience I would say to look critically at the market. Nothing wrong with buying and living in the CBD, but weary of the trend that seems to be a sharp increase in supply of cookie cutter properties.

Keep sharing and keep to conversations going :) its good to share.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Ughhh on 22/11/2020 - 17:16
    +7

    Where and how did you get the email address?

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:19
      +9

      Their contact details are listed on RealEstate.com app

      Esp where they are advertising a specific property.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/11/2020 - 17:48
        +7

        I'd email the dealer principal and let them know that their sales staff aren't interested in selling to you - and offer them a chance to see if there is value dealing directly with them.

  • whooah1979 on 22/11/2020 - 17:24
    +7

    I'm only here to read you original emails.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:26
      +13

      Nothing controversial frankly. Just a generic blurb like this:

      Hi Mark,

      My name is David. My Partner and I came by your name a few times while looking for properties in the Docklands area. We were looking to enquire if you had any 2b, 1-2bth and 1cp properties in that region up to 650k? Perhaps something on public or private sale.

      Ideally, we're looking for a unit in the 80sqm+ range, something large enough for a young family.

      If you could assist with providing some information on some options that would be great. We have a pre approved loan and are ready to go :) our contact details: [Redacted]

      Feel free to call us as well.

      Kind Regards,
      David

      • whooah1979 on 22/11/2020 - 17:28
        +4

        Your email sounds reasonable. Did you spam the REA?

        • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:30
          +1

          No, this is my first sms to him.

          • OzCheapo on 22/11/2020 - 17:46
            +99

            @Silvosis: Just look for other REA. If they're not interested in the business then don't send it to them.

      • dasher86 on 22/11/2020 - 22:34
        +1

        How about a call?

        • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 22:38
          +1

          I've called plenty too - I just felt I kept saying the same things so a text would suffice sometimes, especially if it was only an expression of interest / enquiry.

          I mean it's either you do or don't have it right?

          • Jackson on 25/11/2020 - 22:56
            +2

            @Silvosis: No, not quite right. What REA in Docklands isn't going to have a 2 bedder going? And if they don't, they can put you onto someone that does, either to do a colleague a favour or for a finders fee.

            Having said that, I don't see why you would want to ask an REA for help, just put your big boy pants on and do your own research on domain/realestate.com like a normal person. There's hundreds of not thousands of such properties in Docklands isn't there? You should work out what you want for the money and not put your faith in real estate agents, they are as bent as used car salesmen

            • bio on 26/11/2020 - 10:45

              @Jackson: Sometimes agents have off-market properties they advertise to their contacts before they list it on portals, especially if it's a bargain. It's easier and cheaper for the agent than doing an open house. The house we bought 2 years ago was not listed on Domain/RealEstate.

              • Jackson on 26/11/2020 - 15:27

                @bio: Yes, sure, there's exceptions to every rule, but at least see what's out there and know what you want. A bent REA will sell you a turd and tell you it can be polished. You need to know what you want,what you like, and what you can afford, and then try to get as much of the first two for your money. An REA can't do this for you, best case scenario is he can only show you some off market unit if you've already worked out the above and then can't find what you want in the market.

                • bio on 26/11/2020 - 15:29

                  @Jackson: The OP has specifically stated that they have been already searching for a year now: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/583189#comment-9658132

                  • Jackson on 26/11/2020 - 21:00
                    +1

                    @bio: That just further means he is likely being unrealistic or doesn't know what he wants. There no excuse for anyone to be looking for a whole year. I take much longer than the average person to find a place and in all cases I spent a maximum of 6 months and ticked just about every box on my list. Unless there's been steep rises in the market and you are suddenly priced out of where you were looking and have to look elsewhere, then there's no excuse really and the OP requires a reality check.

                    Even when using a broker, which is essentially what the OP is asking for the agent to be, no broker expects you to take more than 3 months, or you aren't really serious. Property prices are expected to double every 7 to 10 years, so taking a year just about puts you behind the market by 10-14%, it's a waste of time. Brokers tend to work best for investments when the person doesn't care which property as long as it's a reasonable deal and they can get in the market. For owner occupiers it's more likely they will be particular. Anyway I wish him the best, but if there's one thing people in this site know it's that there's no substitute for doing your own research. If you are willing to do it for eneloops you should be doing it for the most significant purchase of your life.

                    "passively" to me means not looking and no visiting properties. If he had he would know what he wants. Maybe his Saturday mornings are too precious or filled with hangovers? But I am speculating now and that's not my intention.

      • jv on 22/11/2020 - 23:02
        +66

        I think you need to bold some of the words… It works for me…

        • May4th on 24/11/2020 - 14:11
          +8

          does it really?

      • 777 on 24/11/2020 - 14:34
        +16

        Hi David, You did nothing wrong, this method does work. Some of these agents behaviour are appalling. I've been a real estate investor for nearly 2 decades, from my personal experience, I can tell you if I search my email for a particular agency that I have contacted once, they would have sent me at least 100 plus emails for "Private and exclusive open", Go Figure. Good luck and let me know if you need any help.

      • zrmx on 26/11/2020 - 18:54

        Oh Hai Mark.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:27
      +11

      Didn't tho - it was SMS to different Agents inquiring. Didn't know they were from the same firm.

      First time i ever spoke to this guy in particular.

      • valleyrain on 24/11/2020 - 10:30
        +4

        I'm a bit surprised that you couldn't tell if they are from the same firm. The Realestate.com site has the firm details of agents in the ads.

        • oO0Dam0Oo on 24/11/2020 - 20:00
          +11

          Big deal if they were from the same firm. A simple oversight is no justification for a so called professional to reply in such an abrupt and unprofessional manner. If he/she cant stand the heat then maybe they should get the Fe#k out of the kitchen.

        • bio on 26/11/2020 - 10:48

          Why would it matter? The agents from the same firm compete with each other anyway, so it's good for that prick that David contacted him too.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:36
      +5

      So in theory I should be sticking to a single REA firm?

      Each firm seems to have a different portfolio, which is why I felt I wanted to reach out to them to ask for their insights into their portfolio.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2020 - 18:39
        +44

        Never get multiple quotes. Never get a second opinion.

        Always just the one.

        Never spam.

        Always trust.

        • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 18:58
          +2

          HAHA

        • elgrande on 22/11/2020 - 21:49
          +14

          I agree.

          I always buy the first property in the search result, otherwise it would be unfair.

          • jv on 22/11/2020 - 23:04
            +21

            @elgrande: I just send a cheque for the deposit to the Real Estate Agent and let him decide which property I should buy.

            • Jackson on 25/11/2020 - 23:02

              @jv: The funny thing is he already is asking the REA to find something for him, this is arse backwards, find the place you want then drill the agent. Why would you buy what the agent recommends? Do you have no idea what you want? That's like walking into Maccas and buying a frozen softdrink and asking them to pick what you like out of the 30 flavours

          • duchy on 24/11/2020 - 10:27
            +3

            @elgrande: This is the sort of response that OP needs to send back in response to that e-mail from REA. :D

          • cuteseal on 24/11/2020 - 16:28

            @elgrande: Haha, gold!

  • chcse on 22/11/2020 - 17:40
    +156

    The thing I find ironic is that the very same REA is probably spamming all their customers with "amazing properties on the market right now" and "I have a few buyers asking if you would like to sell your property and I can get you a great price". The former scenario might had the customers agreeing (willingly or unwillingly) to marketing emails, but I find the latter quite pathetic when I get those random unsolicited letters in my mailbox.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:42
      +22

      Haha fair point - here I am practically asking for their business. I mean, a simple "hey FYI, I've noticed you've contacted a few of my colleagues and we all share the same portfolio " would've been more comfortable.

      • oO0Dam0Oo on 24/11/2020 - 20:07
        +2

        I wouldn't be taking the response lying down. Their sense of self importance is misplaced and needs to be brought down a notch. Write a response and put it in perspective for them. As @chcse stated, its all subjective and they cant seem to handle what they are more than happy to dish out to the masses.

      • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:52
        +2

        Tbf this wasnt an email, it was a personal SMS to this individual.

        Specifically chosen because he had several properties advertised in his name in RealEstate.com

        • dizzle on 22/11/2020 - 18:33
          +5

          Honestly I think the SMS is worse. Sending an SMS to someone you haven't spoken to, with that sort of request does look like spam to me even though it was polite. An email to a real estate agency (not a personal email) probably would have been more acceptable. They would have then added you to their email list and you would receive daily/weekly updates with their listings.

          Their sales results are best affected by getting as many people interested in a property as possible (whether it's best for you as an individual buyer or not). So they are less likely to look at individual needs, and just lump you in with everyone in the area.

        • oO0Dam0Oo on 24/11/2020 - 20:08
          +4

          Its a work mobile number. Nothing personal about it.

          • dizzle on 24/11/2020 - 21:52

            @oO0Dam0Oo: Same difference to me.

            If I found someone's work number on a public site (be it trademan, salesman, CEO) I would be OK with calling them and saying "Hi, I found your number here, I'm hoping you can help". But texting them a message "I'm needing this, can you help?" wouldn't be a great way to introduce myself.

            • gromit on 25/11/2020 - 09:23
              -2

              @dizzle: Exactly this. I sometimes get people contacting me for my work/jobs via SMS. I never respond or give such people the time of day, If it wasn't important enough for you to first call me politely then I don't think I should be concerned with answering it. I actually think the RE Agents response was actually rather polite and professional given the circumstances.

              • megaclix on 25/11/2020 - 10:16
                +1

                @gromit: Ah, that may explain my experience sometimes. Sometimes, if it was say a Sunday afternoon (or just later in the evening or on a Weekend), I would send an SMS rather than call, thinking that the person would rather not be interrupted by a call when they are probably enjoying family time.

                I end up a few days later, thinking that person never got back to me, they are not good at customer service (and that probably be reflected in their work), and go elsewhere. So, me thinking I am being considerate, others think it is rude. Go figure.

                • gromit on 25/11/2020 - 14:01

                  @megaclix: If I have never had any contact with you before then yeah I would take it as Rude rather than considerate. Why not wait till business hours to make contact.

            • Jimothy Wongingtons on 25/11/2020 - 16:55

              @dizzle: To me my rationale is a text is same as email - you can respond back to it when you get a chance. Or don't - if you think the lead is worthless?

              • dizzle on 25/11/2020 - 19:30

                @Jimothy Wongingtons: To me it's like being handed a note vs being handed a letter. With the letter you get more information, it's a more premium look, you can get detail about where it's come from (signatures/stamps). As I said, as an introduction I feel that's more acceptable.

                As for emailing/texting someone you don't know, an email is easier to organise: forward onto the right person should you need to, you can easily flag it on your phone for looking at in more detail later, you can move it to a folder for review. If I get a text and don't reply to it promptly, it's often lost in the mix of other communications.

      • tomlikesbeetroot on 25/11/2020 - 10:05
        +1

        I have a 'no junk mail' sign on my letterbox, the usual supermarket catalogues etc have stopped, but the advertising from real estate agents continues to turn up in my letterbox.
        Personally I think the spam emails are are preferable, since they are almost all going to be ignored whether email or post.

  • SF3 on 22/11/2020 - 17:42
    +4

    Maybe better off setting a filter to have realestate “spam” you, when you see properties fits your requirements then call the agent on the property where you may have an interest.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:45
      +1

      I agree, I wish the perfect home comes to me too :( but after a year of searching passively I thought of taking a more active approach in maybe developing a conversation with these realestate agencies.

  • bohn on 22/11/2020 - 17:42
    +3

    asking if they have any upcoming private or public sales.

    These days, that's pretty rare. They are going to advertise it. Not sure I would be contacting every agent asking what you are asking - contact the ones with something that you are interested in - if it is too expensive/sold already/whatever tell them please keep you in mind for any similar property they come across.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:43

      Fair point - i only bring up private sales since I've been advised by Agents before not all sellers are keen to spend the money on public sales and advertising.

      • OzCheapo on 22/11/2020 - 17:47
        +8

        You're looking for a buyer's agent, not a sale's agent.

        • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:47

          Ooo interesting, are there prominent agencies for those too?

    • abb on 24/11/2020 - 11:38
      +1

      These days, that's pretty rare.

      Maybe for you, but not for me. I've seen a fair few arrive on Domain as already under contract.

    • Zondor on 24/11/2020 - 12:31

      I've found it to be relatively common, often agents will have leads on property's they haven't had a commitment on from the seller yet so they cant advertise.

    • BreezyPalms on 24/11/2020 - 15:40
      +1

      I did this same thing but called or emailed (not SMS) all the agents in the area. I eventually bought a house off market via one of the agents. The house was not advertised on realestate.com.au or domain.com.au - and this was 4 years ago in Sydney when the market was hot… so this strategy does work, even in a hot market.

      Don't be discouraged by a rude agent… many of them are hopeless and have probably never had to work in a tough market (where there is less listings/sales volumes are down). A smart agent will either help or politely decline.

      Ideally call and have a chat to the agent about what you are looking for and your budget so the agent can qualify you as a serious buyer (or it gives them the chance to tell you you're dreaming and need to increase budget/ relax the criteria)… or go to an open home and chat to the agent there.

  • canyoudoitcheaper on 22/11/2020 - 17:46
    -3

    So in theory I should be sticking to a single REA firm?

    Not necessarily. But you don't try to publicly hire every agency in an area, especially if it's a small suburb and the agents may be talking to one another. I don't think any REA wants to invest effort giving you advice when you may well pick up and go with someone else.

    What you've done is a bit like emailing every dentist in a suburb with pictures of your teeth asking for advice.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:49

      I suppose thats my underlying fear and reason for posting. I've enquired with 7 real estate agents and I chose them because they seemed to have specific portfolios in various apartment buildings.

      I'm a bit self conscious now of approaching them

      • popsiee on 22/11/2020 - 17:59
        +2

        Seriously OP if that a shocking response in CAPS you really must live in some weird Cotton Club !
        There really is soft people in the world nowadays .

        • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 18:00

          Haha nt gna lie - it waa a bit of clickbait 😂

      • Zarcady on 24/11/2020 - 12:39
        +1

        Please do not get self conscious at all. I don't see how so many people here are accusing you of spamming when their phone number (work phone mind you) is literally advertised on the website. It's their job to receive contact from potential buyers/sellers. I would be pretty pissed if I received such a reply and would contact his manager/boss to see what they have to say.

    • RecklessMonkeys on 23/11/2020 - 11:25

      I think that's a good idea actually.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2020 - 17:51
    -4

    It's weird to just text someone out of the blue. Call them like a normal person.

  • screensaver on 22/11/2020 - 17:57
    +44

    I would not do any business with this rude man or his agency. In fact I would write a review giving them one star. Accusing a buyer of spamming. He must be a jerk

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 17:57

      Thats what I was advised - I just wanted to check myself before I pointed fingers.

    • mhz on 23/11/2020 - 09:34
      +3

      Especially given how many real estate agents spam you relentlessly after you have been through open houses after taking your details. I would fire an email back telling the bloke he has some cheek as an agent accusing you of spam.

    • Jsooxx on 23/11/2020 - 10:31
      +2

      Totally agree, what an obnoxious man. I work in real estate and the ethos is to treat every lead with respect, never deal with this guy/agency with an attitude like that!

    • cameldownunder on 24/11/2020 - 11:50

      Most of the real estate agents are ruthless pretentious bastards, hiding behind an artificial fake smile of politeness.
      If you are not actually interested in one of the estates they manage, or selling, they don't give a <F-profanity> about you.
      The only thing you can be sure is that the are lying through their teeth.

  • screensaver on 22/11/2020 - 18:01
    +30

    I was badly treated by an agent, who then laughed at me. I then made sure I left reviews everywhere I could find a place to, facebook, google etc

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 18:03

      Thats probably a good tactic.

      • Slippery Fish on 24/11/2020 - 11:59
        +16

        Lol never listen to Pam, Pam is not the advice type lol.

        Also Pam, feel free to review this 🤣

        • screensaver on 24/11/2020 - 15:29
          -1

          thats what reviews are for

          • Slippery Fish on 24/11/2020 - 19:23

            @screensaver: Then please leave one.

          • gromit on 25/11/2020 - 09:27
            -2

            @screensaver: writing up a review is what reviews are for to honestly inform others. hunting down every place you can think of to place a negative review is just pure childish spite unless you also do the same for positive reviews.

            • screensaver on 29/11/2020 - 23:10

              @gromit: I did do it in the heat of the moment, but it was the worst possible outcome for me so I had to say something

              • HelpMeiCantSee on 30/11/2020 - 08:10

                @screensaver: Ah Pam. It’s always someone else’s fault and responsibility hey.

                I’ve missed your dumpster fires!!

                • screensaver on 30/11/2020 - 08:14

                  @HelpMeiCantSee: my reviews are fair and accurate, but hey, if you want to put up with crap service thats your perogative. Leave it to us to take care of it.

                  • HelpMeiCantSee on 30/11/2020 - 08:16

                    @screensaver: As long as you share your story on here, I encourage you to keep on keeping on! The world wouldn’t be the same without you.

    • JKM on 29/11/2020 - 23:07

      Oh my gosh, Pam! That is awful. You are negatively impacting a business this way. Please think twice about leaving a disparaging review due to your perception of how you were treated.

      • screensaver on 29/11/2020 - 23:11

        they will think twice about how they treat people now

        • JKM on 29/11/2020 - 23:17

          I actually hope that you will think twice about how you can put people's livelihoods/businesses at risk by doing this. People do have bad days, they are human. And some people have to deal with horrible customers with a smile on their face which is very difficult. Unless they are cheating you out of your money, not adhering to the law, or doing something against ACCC regulations, leaving negative reviews is really uncalled for. You have to learn to let it go and understand that if they are truly that horrible, they will eventually get theirs.

          • screensaver on 29/11/2020 - 23:30

            @JKM: I did get cheated and will continue to review extremely bad customer service, one place I reviewed had hundreds of bad reviews so its more than just having a bad day. Its about whether they gave me a really bad day

  • oscargamer on 22/11/2020 - 18:02
    +46

    Spam is unwanted correspondence.

    I would have thought that a REA (scum of the earth) would appreciate people asking them if they wanted some commission.

    Maybe a cheeky email to his boss telling him that you are looking to give them money and are surprised that his ahole employee is calling your genuine inquiries, spam.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 18:05
      +5

      Thats what I thought! To be fair I've never encountered this with any other REA I've contacted.

      But some REAs are massive snobs - going as fair as to say: "maybe this place is just far outside what you can afford"

      • oscargamer on 22/11/2020 - 18:18
        +7

        I guess that makes them feel better, for some reason.

        REA's - you really are scum.

  • captaincabinets on 22/11/2020 - 18:03
    +10

    Dodgiest REA I dealt with pretended to be a neighbour so I would open the door to him, so he could then hassle me to sell my house.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 18:05
      +1

      Jeez that's awful!

    • cameldownunder on 24/11/2020 - 11:53
      +1

      My neighbour is selling, and the way they treat her is a disgrace. Trying to shove a contract down her throat, less than a week before auction. And more.

    • TheBird on 25/11/2020 - 23:33
      +1

      OMG. Are you kidding? Why would I sell now!?!? I just met my neighbour!

  • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2020 - 18:07
    +18

    Being in porn is far more reputable than real estate

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 18:11

      HAHA!😂😂😂😂

      • Kangal on 22/11/2020 - 22:34
        +1

        I don't see why they have to be mutually exclusive :\

    • Randolph Duke on 24/11/2020 - 17:23

      What about those real estate porn videos where the attractive sales agent convinces the buyer/renter they really need the property?

      Or so I’ve been told.

  • screensaver on 22/11/2020 - 18:10
    +6

    I would say in the Review, I will nor be doing business with this office, they called me a spammer after I made enquiries

  • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2020 - 18:12
    +30

    some of the responses here are utter ridiculous. Seems like the default response to any questions on the forum these days is "OP's an idiot".

    You want something so you contacted the people who sells what you want and they told you off for asking the wrong person.

    When there's more supply than demand, these agents would be constantly calling/texting potential buyers. I think you should write back to let them know you weren't spamming and genuinely thought you were contacting agents with a valid inquiry.

    I bought my current place a year ago after a REA I've never met sent me a text about an off-market property. She got my number from her colleague. This is how business is done these days.

    A normal person can call or text. I think OP did nothing wrong.

    • Silvosis on 22/11/2020 - 18:17
      +3

      Thanks for supporting OP, feel a little more sane now.

      I did respond to him later, but in a apologetic manner clarifying I wasn't aware which SMS's were to his colleagues. His response was:

      "No stress it's Sunday just relax"

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