Certainly, we have several FSBOs that could use the assistance of a Realtor, but I have a hard time finding out if their phone number is on the Do Not Call, so I have not contacted one yet.

I tried to download software that was supposed to tell me if any given phone number is on the list, but of course it did not work.

I am game to call any FSBO. How do I make sure that they're not on the list?

Have you tried, perhaps mailing them something, or leaving a tag or an information packet on their door?

No. That I haven't and that is a great idea.

I've mailed a few expireds and done some flyering in my neighborhood to start but not a FSBO.

I will do that!

Thanks.

Many state Realtor Associations provide access to the DNC, if not your own broker. Check with those two first.

Have you received *any* training or guidance from your broker? If you aren't you might be in the wrong place. Speak up now and ask for the help you need!

Yes, why not go pay them a short visit? Unless you have hundreds you want to contact, a Face-to-Face encounter is probably far more productive. There is no such thing as a DO NOT VISIT List.

Even if you had dozens to contact, a Face-to-Face gives you the opportunity to get immediate feedback on how your material is being received, and looked at, or just crumpled up and put in a pile. Plus you can evaluate the Owner and make a judgment as to whether you would ever be able to work with them. It's hard to believe, but there are some people that I take an immediate dislike to . . . . like Oil and Vinegar. I'd just as well they walk down that lonely path of their remaining lifespan without me being a part of it.

You can also size the place up and determine IF this is even something you'd want to have your name or Firm associated with . . . . is it even a good place for a sign? Does the Owner appear to have enough equity to pay your commission? Often that's one of the reasons people elect to be FSBOs . . . . because they have to.

Anyway, this can be a terrific confidence builder . . . . far better than making telephone calls and being repeatedly rejected. Very few people have guts enough to reject you to your face. The perceived anonymity of the telephone gives many people a backbone that withers up in a Face-to-Face encounter.

I will try my State Realtor Assc. to see if they have a list.

I've had some training w/broker. Was advised to see if anyone was on the do not call list online. Can't find a do not call list online.

And I will pay a FSBO a visit. That's a good idea too. Very good idea to size up the property first and be discerning about whether it's something I'd want my name or Firm associated with.

Go back to the broker and ask the question. Are they expecting you to pay for access to a list or do they already contract a service? Sounds like the broker passed over many of the details in your training....

Michly, there are various paid services to scrub the DNC list. Most Realtor assoc. have advice on where to start. OR just call them all...if you get a huge fine, you'll KNOW that person was on the list! Probably not the best business strategy, though.

My BIC gave me the following information.

https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov

We also have a company specific DNC list in our office. I guess that's a list of people who we have called and were asked to never call again. Before we call anyone, we have to first check the national DNC list (above) and then check with our designated DNC compliance person in the office.

You can be fined $11,000 per call for any agent who makes a call to anyone on the national DNC registry or the company specific DNC list in the event a lawsuit is brought by the FCC or FTC, state attorney general or a private individual.

[quote=TB in TX][quote=Michly]I will try my State Realtor Assc. to see if they have a list.

I've had some training w/broker. Was advised to see if anyone was on the do not call list online. Can't find a do not call list online. [/quote]

Go back to the broker and ask the question. Are they expecting you to pay for access to a list or do they already contract a service? Sounds like the broker passed over many of the details in your training.... [/quote]

That's what I'm starting to suspect. If so, then for right now it's up to me to learn how. At any rate, I could ask again, but the feeling I got was that there was not any information about any no call list. Just for me to go online and get it. (?)

But I'm new and the time is coming for me to become more proactive and untilize the sources that may be available to me. Thanks.

Thanks CraigBell. I saw this before when I was looking for "Do Not Call" software on the web. I am going to bring the possibility of getting a no call list for our office. I really don't think that there is one there.

For "organization information" I don't know if I need broker's permission for this so I will ask.

This should be a good thing so I am definately calling it to my firm's attention and should I see any FSBOs that look worth while in the meantime I'll just go to the door with an info packet for them.

I don't know, so maybe someone who studies this stuff can enlighten me. If a FSBO puts an ad in the paper or a sign on the lawn with his phone number, hasn't he granted you a license to call? If it turns out that he was selling a 300,000 house for 100,000 owner finance, no money down, wouldn't you buy it? So call him and ask for an appointment to see his house!

Nope - every class I've been in or information I have seen tells me that FSBO's still fall under the DNC Act. I guess if you seriously intend to buy his house and you only call in that capacity you can justify the call. But if that's just your schtick as an agent, you aren't in compliance.

This is what we are told up here but of course things could be quite different than what your system down there has:

A REALTORSŪ cannot contact a FSBO if they are on the "list". We presume that this means for sure that a member cannot "cold call" FSBO's. However, if the member has an actual live client that wants to view the FSBO, surely that is an activity contemplated by the FSBO. Does their intention to sell the property now make this a "business" telephone number? The reason they have their number on the sign is to attract buyers.
REALTORSŪ call FSBO's for 2 reasons -to try and list their property or if they have a potential buyer. The first one is prohibited if the telephone number is on the DNCL as it is clearly solicitation within the meaning of the Act.
A REALTORŪ could, however, contact the FSBO if they have a potential buyer. The purposes of the unsolicited call in that case would not be "solicitation". That assumes, of course, that there is a REAL buyer and it's not an excuse to sell services.
REALTORSŪ should also be aware of the existing business relationship exemption. If this FSBO had at some time in the past contacted the REALTORŪ to make an inquiry about his fees or services, the REALTORŪ can call the FSBO within 6 months of that inquiry, even if the FSBO is on the DNCL.

Can anyone who has solicited FSBO's give feedback on their results? What percentage is responding? Out of the ones who respond, how many list with you?

I contact FSBO's daily.... I do not check and see if they are on the list.... When I first call I basically tell them I'm an agent and I would like to view their home so I can add it to my personal database (which is true) and hopefully in the near future I can match their house with one of my buyers...

We schedule a time for me to see the house... I bring my camera and ask for their permission to take photos (of the outside only)

We talk as they are showing me the house at the end of the meeting I ask if it would be okay for me to stay in touch with them ... I haven't had one person say no yet....

Also with that I am not violating the DNC because I am not soliciting their business

Response has been great.

Some people (realtors) may see a problem with what I do but the FSBO do not... If you can your value to them they would be happy to get your call but if your like 99.9% of agents who call only to get a listing then of course they will be mad...

Yep! The general rule with FSBOs is that we are not allowed to call unless we have a buyer wanting to put forth an offer. However, there is more than one way to skin a cat so to speak. The workaround when dealing with a FSBO, check to see if there will ever be an open house, go for a visit and think of a 90 second lead in without it sounding like a sales pitch. As a FSBO, they're already wanting to avoid alot of us, so sit down and make a plan to convert them into a solid prospect...not any one particular FSBO, but a real plan that operates ahead of their timing so to speak