Do You Return Calls From Direct Sellers That Are Realtors?

[Burt L.]

In mailing direct marketing, I often get calls from sellers who are also realtors. I usually check before calling back and have thus far not called realtors back to see if they want to sell their property to me. Some have left 'less than positive" messages as well.

I wonder if other direct mailers return these calls, though most people likely don't screen before calling back - I like to learn a lot about the property/situation before calling and I cant do that on the thousands of mail pieces up front. It's sometimes amazing how much info people will provide in a voice mail.

Maybe others do other checks before calling back as well, including whether the caller is listed as a realtor? Some of the checks I make include checking public records, driving by on-line (or in person if its really good), seeing if its currently listed for sale, and google the phone number, and whether spouse a realtor. I used to see if it was in foreclosure but don't as that will come out quickly. I didn't have to drive by many properties that turned out to a realtors sign in the yard to learn to check for this first. If I've seen the property in person, I can have a much better conversation with the seller, but there are time limitations to consider.

Maybe others can add others - at the risk of doing too much research/time before returning a call.