Yesterday my cell phone rings. After a couple of minutes I thought (incorrectly) it was another agent inviting me to his open house on Sunday. I listened for a while and then let the caller know I was scheduled for office time tomorrow...but I listened.
No, he was not an agent. I asked how he got my name and number? Simple, off my sign on a property I have listed (and under contract) in the area. Apparently he had gone to a limited service broker and, in his words, "paid a little bit of money and got in the MLS." Apparently that was all he got for his "little bit."
I hesitated to get into much of a discussion because he was "represented" by an agent. When I mentioned his status he corrected me, "no, he doesn't represent me.." At least that was his understanding of his relationship with the MLS entry agent. He mentioned how important it was to be in the MLS. I agree.
Then, I got my point across and he appeared puzzled....
I told him that "most" of my clients find me through the Internet or via referral from previous clients. He felt the MLS entry was the Internet exposure. The MLS system may be accessible through the Internet but it ain't "on the internet." I corrected him and advised of about 12-14 web sites plus several blogs that provided Internet exposure. I commented pretty heavily on the marketing required in this market.
I think this guy's eyes were finally opened...being a FSBO with an MLS entry is no different than being a FSBO with nothing else. I love when I get a chance to fill in the blanks....blanks the limited service agents fail to cover.
