Value Your Privacy? Don't Do This!

On the surface, it seems like a great idea.

Listing agents are streamlining information to home buyers with new products that allow them to provide on the spot property details via text message.

This is how it works - you see a great property in a great neighborhood. The sign out front prompts you to text to an automated system for property details - number of bedrooms, price, etc. Seems innocent enough, and you don't have to talk to sales rep!

But keep in mind, the service exists more for listing agents than for you. While you happily cruise along, finding out instant information on homes for sale from the comfort of your front seat...your cell phone number is being transmitted to listing agents. This is a fantastic form of "lead capture" for them...they know they had someone interested in the property. Now, while I do not begrudge them this opportunity - we are all, after all, in business - it is important a prospective home buyer understands that their information is being recorded and they will be contacted. Text for information on 10 homes? Expect 10 phone calls.

As buyer agents, we have long educated folks on the fact that listing agents are obligated to represent the seller of the property - even if they are acting transactionally (for both parties) they cannot fully represent YOU.

Write down the addresses to look up later; or carry a buyer agents phone number with you, they will be happy to give you all the information over the phone. At my brokerage, we will not call you if you request we don't. But we certainly hope the unbiased information we can provide is of value to you, and you will continue to seek our assistance.

While these new automated systems are convenient, you may find yourself besieged by agents hoping you'll buy their home.