Search Activation Policy
Updated: Aug 25
In this article, I wanted to share my search activation policy, including how I typically won't activate searches without a face to face conversation and one of the top reasons why (catfish buyers).
I encourage almost all buyers to establish search(es) with me over Zoom or in person because those are best.
I don't establish searches with buyers who initiate contact via email, contact page on my website, or text prior to a discussion, in part due to the high volume of catfish buyers that target me, with some weeks having more catfish buyers than legitimate buyers contacting me.
I like to do video discussions with buyers prior to setting up searches for them. I get frequently targeted by catfish buyers, who pose as buyers but who are actually seeking to scam agents like myself. While no catfish buyer has ever stolen anything from me but time, any time wasted with a catfish buyer is time that is taken away from my assistance to legitimate buyers. For more details on catfish buyers, go to my article on the subject here.
When I will make exceptions for a search prior to a video discussion
1. If I know someone personally
2. If referred by someone I know personally who knows them from prior in-person interaction
Typically w/ the above I'll still encourage buyers to do a Zoom session or in-person session because searches are better that way.
3. Others
The vast majority of those who are catfish buyers also aren't willing to do a video call. There are some alternatives in the event that you are a legitimate buyer where at least one of the following shouldn't be difficult for most legitimate buyers who are unable to do video. Please provide any one of the following:
1. An email from a business, organization, university, or other entity website
(i.e. I can email you from agarrett@garrettrealtypartners.com or 1 of 3 university accounts if you wish for me to do the same)
2. A contact from a well-established social media account with relatively public settings that has plenty of tagged pictures with other people on the same social media account who themselves have plenty of tagged pictures with others.
I.e. https://m.facebook.com/adambgarrett/
3. Share a typical website with your contact info.
I.e. both of the following showing my phone number and email
https://www.adambgarrett.com/contact
https://www.garrettrealtypartners.com/team/adam-garrett
4. Share a better business bureau listing that matches with your contact info.
5. Availability to meet in person
When I won't make exceptions for a search prior to a video discussion
1. Buyers who provide "documentation" which can easily be doctored or invalid, especially if I see signs of doctoring, blurry images, & invalid documentation like I've seen before.
2. Videos of the "buyer" talking about his desired home purchase with no mention of my name (since they could be sending the same video to 100's or thousands of agents)
3. "Business Emails" where the @__ portion doesn't actually lead to a live website or if the website it leads to has a low trust rating on https://www.scamadviser.com/
What if a buyer's English is such that they don't feel comfortable discussing things over audio?
I frequently receive this objection by catfish buyers. For legitimate buyers who feel this way, I would suggest that you seek out an agent who is able to serve you best by speaking your primary language. Here's an article I've written on the subject.
What if I'm in a different time zone?
It's not uncommon for me to serve clients on the other side of the world. I'm not limited to 9-5. Here are my hours. That said, if my hours and yours wouldn't be conducive for an initial conversation, they likely won't be conducive for virtual showings.
More About Adam & His Virtual Showings
What if I Want to Work with Adam But Won't Abide by His Search Activation Policy?
If that's the case, while the search won't be as good typically as an MLS search, you can still get my recommendations on creating a search on Zillow.
Related:
1. Initial Buyer Consultation w/ Adam Garrett: 3rd Generation RealtorĀ®
2. Tips for Search Creation with Your Agent
3. Zillow Searches & Other Public Website Searches Vs MLS Searches
4. Long-Term Financial Preparations for a Home Purchase & How Adam Can Help
6. Home Elements to View Online Prior to a Showing Request