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Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude (eXp Realty of California, Inc.)

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2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

 I am done with "off topic" posts.  I got a call the other day from a man in another state, wanted to know how to get a fire permit.  He had found an old blog of mine on how to get a permit for fires here in Talllahassee and Leon County, and assumed I was the go-to person on fire permits.

Nov 17, 2016 10:35 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Yes.  One that I wrote about an emergency room that opened up in our area made my phone ring off the hook.  Went back to the post and put the ER # in bold at the top and bottom.  

Nov 17, 2016 10:53 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

We used to, but they were too time consuming and distracting, so I stopped publishing them a long time ago.  A more focused effort for me works much better.

Nov 17, 2016 09:50 AM
Rainmaker
746,373
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

It happens occassionally. But not so much as to be a bother. I can usually answer, but if I can't I provide a contact at the source.

Nov 17, 2016 01:01 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,595
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I occasionally get calls because of a geographic farm website - people think I am the property manager - I just send them to the right person

Nov 17, 2016 11:43 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,567
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

So glad you saw my blog, How can I help you.

 

Nov 17, 2016 09:42 AM
Ambassador
3,587,835
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Yes!!!

Nov 17, 2016 12:49 PM
Ambassador
3,854,786
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

I remember getting calls trying to order corned beef sandwiches and crab cakes and the hours of some of our local attractions. 

Now I am getting calls for Baltimore Condos, trying to reach the front desk or asking about the rules and documents.

 

Nov 17, 2016 11:32 AM
Rainmaker
900,108
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Yes, I do! Refer them to where they can find the answers.

Nov 17, 2016 11:23 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Not from posts but from community websites I have up. I just tell them who I am, that I'm a real estate broker, but would love to help them if I can. Make some good connections that way.

Nov 17, 2016 11:15 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Not very often, But I am friendly as they may call for Real Estate in the future.

Nov 17, 2016 09:54 AM
Rainmaker
529,983
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

Absolutely! Sometimes, the caller thinks that I am the restaurant hostess.

Nov 17, 2016 09:40 AM
Rainmaker
424,200
Julie A. Black
KAUAI DREAMS REALTY Kauai Real Property Specialist - Kapaa, HI
CLHMS, CRS, GRI, Realtor, Broker

YES! I mostly only write real estate posts now but when I entered an AR cloudburst contest and had to write 30 blogs in a month I expanded my subject matter. The calls I got on my non real estate blogs were some of my favorites. Callers let down there guard as I was not trying to "sell" them a house and the connections were more genuine.

Nov 17, 2016 09:18 AM
Ambassador
5,229,439
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

YES Jeff Dowler!!!  ALL of the time!  

I also get those searching or a specific HOA - insurance agents, lenders, underwriters - looking for HOA info for upcoming Closings.  I don't know why they don't phone the listing or buyers' agents on the Contracts!

Nov 17, 2016 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Maybe once or twice a year... I try to be as helpful as possible.

Nov 17, 2016 07:54 PM
Rainmaker
855,474
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Hello Jeff.  In all my time in Active Rain I have not had a single call or referral as a result of my blogging or commenting.  So to receive ANY call would be welcomed.  

Nov 17, 2016 07:47 PM
Ambassador
3,169,477
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

It used to happen frequently when I wrote more local event type posts.  I pared those back significantly over the last few years as I focused more on pure real estate topics.  When I get those calls, I try to point them in the right direction and of course mention that I'm a real estate agent.

Nov 17, 2016 07:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Hi Jeff.  You know what I write about so no I haven't received any calls

Nov 17, 2016 07:28 PM
Rainmaker
2,462,740
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Jeff: Yes, quite frequently. Our annual Mistletoe Market starts today and I have received 3 calls this week asking about it because of a WP article I wrote several years ago (and refresh each year). Gotta love the brand exposure that comes with it. I answer what I can and direct them to the event coordinator for specifics I do not know.

Nov 17, 2016 06:56 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Jeff Dowler - oh yes, I have - when I wrote local Indian event posts here - they think I am the organzer....lol!

Nov 17, 2016 01:45 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

No, I have not.  And I would engage them in conversation and would ask if they are interested in selling or buying real estate. A

Nov 17, 2016 12:30 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I got a call right before the election from a lady asking if she could come vote in my office. I was good and didn't laugh. I regularly get calls from closing agents asking about the HOA's.

Nov 17, 2016 11:44 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

If I wrote more good local posts, I might!

Nov 17, 2016 11:24 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I do get these calls. I try to help out the folks with information as best I can. Iet them know I'm not the pizza place and I can't make them a pizza. 

Nov 17, 2016 10:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,176
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Oh absolutely, for such a long time. And also with hyperlocal posts I would get calls for the HOA. I quit posting anything except listings and some informational posts long ago. The others don't help me hit my target demos.

Nov 17, 2016 10:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,586
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

NO, but I've been called on to do interviews on other blogs, magazines & Podcasts for specific posts on product reviews, credentials & technology. AR has lead me to some amazing opportunities outside the box...including cohosting the Real Estate Agent Podcast Show on itunes now the last 2 months.

Nov 17, 2016 09:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I get calls about wanting to know the mgmt company for certain subdivisions from lenders. I do not followup with an answer. 

Nov 17, 2016 08:54 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Consumers love Localism

Nov 17, 2016 08:13 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

no

Nov 17, 2016 07:39 PM
Rainer
6,173
LORI D. SOTO
Realty Executives Associates - Knoxville, TN
Realty Executives Associates Knoxville, TN

In real estate, being a resource is what puts you over the top. 

 

Nov 17, 2016 05:40 PM
Ambassador
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Yes Ihave.

Nov 17, 2016 02:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I haven't in a while.

Nov 17, 2016 11:25 AM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Our brokerage sometimes gets these calls.

Nov 17, 2016 09:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I haven't seen that happening so far. maybe I should do more non real estate posts.

Dec 17, 2016 10:41 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,333
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Sure do! I refer them to the right person. I had someone call me back once thanking me for getting them in touch with the right person. Then said we are looking to sell our home in 3 months..you might just be the one we need to talk to! I met with them and listed their house and his sisters house. I made the phone ring..when it rings they expect service..give it to them what goes around comes around..you never know..take the call and make the most of it!

Nov 19, 2016 04:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,888
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I received one from an insurance investigator in regards to a post I wrote about a brush fire I worked wanting to know if I had some info he needed.

 

Other than that, I have not received calls/emails re: non-RE posts.

Nov 18, 2016 11:37 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

From time to time, I just try to  flip it into a real estate lead....

Nov 18, 2016 04:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Yes, I'm amused when I get those calls and try to answer the question reminding them that i do something else for living:) 

Nov 18, 2016 03:42 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

All the time.

Nov 17, 2016 11:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

i DO NOT ANSWER OUT OF THE AREA CALLS. I ONLY ANS vm AFTER CHECKED THEM OUT.

Nov 17, 2016 11:39 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I used to get calls so now I do not write such posts.

Nov 17, 2016 11:23 PM
Rainmaker
4,571,917
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Occasionally.   

Nov 17, 2016 10:28 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Oh, yes and I had to tell a neighbor I didn't own a particular restaurant in town as she saw my posts about it. LOL

Nov 17, 2016 10:25 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Absolutely!

I don't care how or what compelled the call, the purpose of all marketing it to get attention and have a conversation.

The craftsman in sales will know how to cultivate a seed into a crop with the proper care and feeding.

Call me. I'll chat with you about 'solar' or 'applebutter.' I'll get to where you live or should be living soon enough.

Nov 17, 2016 10:21 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,347
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Have experience it in the past. Not lately!

Nov 17, 2016 10:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Not a one; guess you are missing your calling!

Nov 17, 2016 10:07 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

LOL - Just got one yesterday on a post I wrote 7 years ago LOL

Nov 17, 2016 09:58 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

OMG, yes.... I wrote a post many years ago and it's still on the first page of the SERP about an Italian market..... I get calls about the cold cuts and brasciole....

Nov 17, 2016 09:36 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No I have never received a call from one of my blogs trying to sell me anything.

Nov 17, 2016 09:28 PM
Rainmaker
757,885
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I had a contractor call us repeatedly while we were out on an appointment. When we called him back he mentioned a property we had for sale, said he couldn't buy it & then he went into a sales pitch about his business. 

Nov 17, 2016 09:17 PM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

All the time. Sometimes I try to help, other times I just have to tell them politely to try again with another number. I also get calls from people looking for HOAs for various subdivisions that I've blogged about. HOA contacts seem to be the hardest to locate.

Nov 17, 2016 09:13 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,323
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have received some unusual contacts over the years.

Nov 17, 2016 09:08 PM