Real Estate Industry

November 15th 2007

SHARE THE SLEAZE

The used car salesman's gimmick.

Dear Neil�

The letter below recently came to me in the mail from a nearby estate agency.�

Needless to say, I am certainly not a client ("valued" or otherwise), nor any sort of friend of this agency. I am a suburban solicitor and sometimes newspaper columnist.

Just like many unsolicited offers, which constantly bombard us all, this letter had something cute attached to catch my attention.� It was an attractive plastic gift card from the agency to a value of $500.00.�

The reverse of the card clearly stated, however, that this card had no value until "loaded".�

I find this form of marketing worse than just tacky. It's plain sleazy.

Tim O'Dwyer

A REWARD FOR YOUR GOOD WORD

Dear Friend

It is with great pleasure I offer you, my valued client, a reward for your good word.

If you refer a friend, neighbour, family member, colleague or anyone for that matter to me, they list their property, it sells and settles - I will activate a debit card up to the value of $500.

You can use this card at your leisure wherever you want or you can even give it to someone else!� This is my way of saying thank you.

Thank you for your business, thank you for your good word and thank you for thinking of me when it comes to achieving results with buying or selling real estate - my business!

For more information please see our website, or call me anytime.

If you pass your card on to someone and would like another - give me a call and I will have another delivered - share the joy!

Much appreciated

Scott Wagner, Principal

In some states (maybe not Queensland?) an offer such as this would be illegal. Agents are not allowed to "share commission" with anyone who is not licensed under the appropriate Acts.

This is the sort of idea that car salesmen have been using for years. They more honestly refer to it as a "spotter's fee".

But, these days some agents are sleazier than the sleaziest car salesmen.

If you wish to send a question or comment to Neil Jenman you are most welcome. Neil tries to read every e-mail and respond personally. We have posted some of the common questions together with those we feel may help you. Thank you for your interest.

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