Out of town leads

[ScottFicek]

I understand this may be more prevalent in certain markets, but do you deal with out of town leads differently than local leads?

Do you validate them differently than local leads?

I guess I am always skeptical when I get a call from someone in California that says they want to buy investment properties in Minnesota (and they may or may not need to see them prior to purchase).

[FairwayandIsle]

I am in South East North Caroline (Just north of Myrtle Beach) so I'd say that most of my leads are out of town. In the beginning I just send a lot of emails, I think through these interactions you can gage interest ...

[OCTeam]

We don't want or focus on "local" buyer leads as they probably already have a multitude of agents farming their neighborhood. For the most part, the only "local" leads we chase are listing leads.

Most of our internet leads don't know a "local" agent. So, for the most part, buyers from 30+ miles away works great for us! Since they have to fly and/or drive a distance to meet us, the start of a good validation is when they show up as that usually means they are serious. Initially, we respond to their requests and eventually gain their trust by being knowledgeable when speaking with them on the phone. If we take a step forward to help them.. they need to take a step forward to commit to work with us. If not, they get catapulted.

[BarryC]

Probably 80% of our clients come from out of state. I treat them all the same. I actually prefer the out of state clients because usually there is a better chance for them to have a "need" purchasing a new home.

Just do the same old thing you always do and give them the speech on proof of funds or an approval from a lender prior to writing the offer. Talk to their lender if you can. If they balk, don't spend too much time on them.

I hate when clients want to buy sight unseen. It always makes me nervous although you send them a million pictures, google and live maps, get them info on the area etc etc....

[BarryC]

If not, they get catapulted.

Please send me a link as to where I can get one of these contraptions as I have a need for a couple of clients I'm working with right now.

[ScottFicek]

Great responses. Do you find the out of state leads are using multiple agents or are they pretty loyal?

[BarryC]

I haven't had a out of state client work with multiple agents. Their trip here is usually too short. I did have one tell me she was being straight up via email saying that she wanted multipe perspectives and would be working with up to 3 agents. I told her I would pass. At this point in my career there's too many other clients to tend to than to be wasting your time with situations like that.

[ScottFicek]

I told her I would pass. At this point in my career there's too many other clients to tend to than to be wasting your time with situations like that.

Great idea.

[FairwayandIsle]

I haven't had a out of state client work with multiple agents. Their trip here is usually too short. I did have one tell me she was being straight up via email saying that she wanted multipe perspectives and would be working with up to 3 agents. I told her I would pass. At this point in my career there's too many other clients to tend to than to be wasting your time with situations like that.

No need to be wasting time with someone like that.

[Lewi]

I also have multiple out of town clients and they are usually very loyal.

Occasionally some will move to town and rent for a short time prior to buying, that's when it gets all messed up with other agents. Once they're in town day to day it's a 50/50 scenario. Often the push to find a place slows down and they want to take their time. They come across other Realtor's via a neighbor, co-workers, new construction subdivision, etc. and they loose that loyalty factor.