Today's market is largely based on the information highway or the internet if you will.  Many Realtors have realized this and have taken every opportunity that they can to ensure that their internet presence is slowly built and nutured.

In the Real Estate Market, we receive many leads via our website www.cashsofclarksville.com and via our various blogs.  We have also received leads via Twitter and Facebook among some other sites out there.  I would say that of the numerous leads that we received in 2008, only a fraction have turned into clients. 

Getting a lead and capturing the lead as a client is not an easy task by no means as I have found.  While we all wish that every prospective buyer or seller was pinging us exclusively for Clarksville Real Estate or Clarksville Homes for Sale, the truth is many times they are pinging numerous sites believing that 'MORE IS BETTER'.  Sometimes I suppose this is true, but not always.

In the case of Real Estate, more RFIs usually will lead to numerous emails offering the same listings and same information from various Realtors - all thinking that this lead is exclusive to them.  If you are a buyer or seller of Real Estate, keep in mind that Real Estate Agents only get paid by providing services to you.  This means that they want to do everything possible to earn that paycheck (Yes Realtors DO work for their commission).  When you place a request for information into a particular website, more than likely you are going to get a quick response (within 24 hours).

Now, one request for info does not constitute anything other than that - a request for information.  Quite honestly, 40 or 50 hours of work by a Realtor on your behalf does not 'Legally' constitute anything other than wasted time if you, as a buyer or seller decide to go with someone else - but alas it does happen.

There have been three occasions in the past year in which Pam and I spent an enormous amount of time via the internet and telephone with potential clients for them just to fade away....Now, one may ask, what did you do in that time - well let's see:

- Get them Prequalified

- Extensive Searches of properties

- Answers on particular questions on homes

- Contact with other agents on particular properties

- and the list goes on...

Now before you type it - Yes I know you should always establish agency before going to the lengths such as mentioned above, but that is easier said than done as most of you who are quick to type such know.  Especially when dealing electronically and verbally.

Now this post is not about my woes or crying over spill't milk - it is more for the consumer out there who may be searching the internet right now for a Clarksville Realtor, or Homes for sale in Clarksville, etc.

I don't care if you choose to go with my good friend Roland Woodworth, or whether you take The Last Train To Clarksville with Thea and Art Agnew - nor any other Realtor in Clarksville as long as they take care of you and your needs.  What I hope that you will get out of this is the following:

- Go with the Realtor or Real Estate Team that you feel comfortable with and give them a chance to earn your business BEFORE querying another Realtor or Team.

- If you decide not to use the Realtor for one reason or another, do them the courtesy of a simple email informing them so that the will (1) stop emailing you or spending time running searches (2) know that you have moved on (3) can focus their efforts elsewhere. 

Why?  Because it is the right thing to do, and something that you would want if you were on the other end of the line.  I guarantee they will appreciate it and it costs you nothing but a few moments.

Not sure what spurred me into writing this tonight.  Pam and I have been blessed with a great 2008 and 2009 is already starting off with a bang.  I suppose that while it did have a major impact on us this year, I am mindful that there are those out there that it did impact in a huge way.

In a time sagging sales in Real Estate, everyone is scrambling, and every lead is valuable.  That said, you can rest assured that if you are in the market, you will have no trouble finding a Realtor that will provide you the services you need - just give them an opportunity.

Alright - off the soapbox...

Tim Cash
Crye-Leike Realtors
931-338-1375 or 931-436-7617


The Cash Team - Making dreams come true one home at a time. Proudly serving the citizens of Clarksville and the Soldiers of Fort Campbell. To view available Clarksville properties, please visit our website at www.cashsofclarksville.com or email us at thecashteam@cashsofclarksville.comand we will run a custom search for you. Finding you and yours the perfect property in Clarksville Tennessee and surrounding areas is our goal.