Hello all, I just recently got licensed and all that good stuff, and I went to an open house with little success, (it was during the Bears game) but I do have one lead. I had a buyer come in, but they said they were looking with another agent already. However, I was told 9 out of 10 times they are not under contract with anyone, so I was wondering how should I go about approaching the situation.

I was thinking of sending them a list of homes that meet their criteria, however, I dont konw if I should try to get them to sign with me first. What do you guys/gals think?

Well it is a question of ethics. I would call them and check in once more to see if their agent is finding them what they want. Ask them if they have signed a buyer's brokerage agreement.

If they still express they are happy with their agent, leave it alone. Remember, you will have these things done to you with your clients one day. Treat the situation as if you were on the other side of the scenario.

If they told you they were working with another agent... DROP IT

Actually a better way to handle this is to call them and ask for their agents name and number so you can follow up with their agent. Now if they tell you they are really now under contract with or working with another agent you are free to try to convert them to a client.

I would call them and pursue it. Before I got into real estate, went I used to go to open houses, I always said I had an agent so the agent would leave me alone to just look.

If someone goes to 6-8 open houses in a day, they are being asked the same question 6-8 times. It's easier to just say yes I do have an agent. Conversation over.

If they say they have an agent I do not follow up. Do a few more open houses and you'll start meeting people who aren't already working with someone. Most people are more than happy to accept your offer to e-mail them more listings, and that will give you a way to follow up with them later. No poaching!

If they seem really interested in the house but are already with someone else, follow up with their agent as Paul Oaks mentioned. Never hurts to remind people!

Build your database of email addresses and become automated. Open Houses are great but wow them with value added services that are automated. I use my personal website that I purchased from www.Birdview.com it has automated email drip marketing and Free Home Updates that are sent auto to my prospects. I enroll everyone and let the system do the work of following up and converting the lead.

(I am also a sales rep for Birdview but only in VA. That is not the point of my post... Just want to clairify)

Sherry