Wholesaler · Crosby, TX · Member since 2014 · 52 posts · 5 votes
I got response the other day from a letter sent out through my direct marketing campaign. The caller calls and explains he received one of my letters and wanted to know what I could offer him for his property. I was not at my office so I didn't have his property information handy. I explained this to him and pulled my ipad out to take information from him to so I can call him back with a price follow up. I get his address, name, and number and ask what he would like to sell it for? I then ask if he owes anything on it and if so is he current with payments. He goes onto tell me he is a licensed realtor and I cannot legally ask these kind of questions. Then went onto say he has my letter and is going to report me.
I just thought it was weird. He called me asking me what he could get for his property. He obiously wasn't a motivated seller. I just wanted to share. I am not under the impressions its illegal in Texas to ask questions from someone that calls you.
Investor · San Jose, CA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y
Check to see if the house is currently listed in the MLS. It could be that the owner received your letter and gave it to his realtor. The realtor might not be happy because he could perceive that you're trying to under cut his business. Just a wild guess.
Real Estate Broker · Triangle Area, NC · Member since 2012 · 587 posts · 214 votes
12y
I wouldn't sweat it too much. I agree with @Account Closed in that you should check to see if it's currently listed with a Realtor. Other than that, tell that guy not to threaten you with a good time & keep doing your thing!
Residential Real Estate Broker · Oklahoma City, OK · Member since 2011 · 114 posts · 38 votes
12y
Agree with the other posters - can't think of any law you would have broken here. I would have asked him if he's planning to go down to the police station and file a criminal complaint...
Real Estate Investor · Desoto, TX · Member since 2013 · 560 posts · 528 votes
12y
What is the Realtor going to report you for, trying to buy a property at a discount, ha ha ha? Tell the Realtor to beat it. You are free to ask the questions you presented, however, if the Realtor is the listing agent, he/she cannot answer those questions without the consent of the seller. Again, you are free to ask the questions you mentioned. I wouldn't waste any sleep over this (My response assumes you are not a licensed agent yourself).
You may have more grounds for a complaint than the Realtor has. You could almost say that the Realtor (assuming they are the listing agent) is not acting in the best interest of their client by dismissing a willing buyer.
Wholesaler · Crosby, TX · Member since 2014 · 52 posts · 5 votes
12y
@Account Closed
The house wasn't list on the MLS. A bird dog brought me the property he saw a for rent sign out and it was pretty distressed looking. I mailed the owner a letter who just so happened to be a realtor also. .
@Michael Jobe I knew nothing I did was wrong. I am not really sure why he called other then to try and get a rise out of me. I just thought it was funny.
Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer · Redding, CA · Member since 2009 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
12y
@David T. I'm not familiar with the laws in Texas. However; in California you are not allowed to do anything for which a real estate license is required, that can be giving prices, talking any kind of terms on financing, etc.
If Texas is the same way, and you were speaking as a potential buyer, I don't see the harm.
If on the other hand, you are telling a potential buyer about a property you don't own and are not a legal representative in some way, you would in fact be acting as an agent, which in California would be illegal. If you are a party to an agreement giving you any type of ownership or authority to sell, then you should be in the clear to market. But, as with everything, check with your state Dept. of Real Estate for clarification.
Real Estate Investor · Oklahoma City, OK · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 21 votes
12y
I swear you never know what some people will say or threaten to take action against you because you sent them a simple letter or postcard and asking simple questions. They really need to have some fun in their life or something, geeez...
Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer · Redding, CA · Member since 2009 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
12y
@David T. That's what it seemed like to me, and in that case, I don't see any boundaries you crossed. Inquiring about property isn't a crime .... yet. :)
Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
12y
You will hear a lot of inaccurate crap everyday in the business. I have met sellers that know much more than licensed agents and vice versa.
Just because you are a seller or broker or agent doesn't mean you know it all. You will run into all types today and for the rest of your career as an investor.