Special offer
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (Fred Griffin Real Estate)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

BAHAHAHAAA! Yup. Most understand when it is explained to them, however.
I firmly believe that some folks are just too butt-dumb to deal in real property.
I can deal with a-holes, slave drivers, and I love engineers, LOL. But dumb? I just can't.

Nov 10, 2017 05:06 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Sounds like a good buyer to send on to someone else.

Nov 10, 2017 06:08 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Not only fake foreclosures but also properties that have sold or no longer available and still showing available in those unreliable websites.

Nov 10, 2017 05:50 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I used to get those calls all the time. Not so much for a couple of years... I think it's because there's not much foreclosure activity in Charlotte area right now.

Nov 10, 2017 05:31 AM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

You've done your due diligence to educate this potential buyer...let the 'buyer' go and wish him or her well!

Nov 10, 2017 05:14 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

I've come across this many times Fred Griffin !  Unfortunately many buyers think that we are not doing our job while actually we are doing the best we can to educate them. If they don't have a realistic expectation cut them loose.

Nov 10, 2017 04:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Remember the wise words...

Nov 10, 2017 09:36 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,164
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Some consumers do not understand that a notice of default is not a foreclosure.

Nov 10, 2017 07:02 AM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

And it doesn't say you're the listing agent but they insist you have it listed. Then they call their Realtor who calls you demanding to know why you have it listed but it's not on the MLS

Nov 10, 2017 06:14 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

Used to be that inflated property values were the biggest issue with Zillow. Now that our fine boards & MLS have given them the run of the park there are countless problems with Zillow. Their feeds don't work- I had a listing go straight to Zillow & the cover shot was one of the Bedrooms. They also have us as the contact on multiple listings that were either sold or expired years ago. I have people calling me thinking I have the listing & am not putting it on MLS when Zillow just doesn't maintain the information. If you're not going to update it then let us!

Nov 10, 2017 05:56 AM
Ambassador
5,230,113
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Let him go and smile as you do it, Fred! 

I get these calls all of the time - from July (ish) through the January. In NC, we pay our taxes in arrears and RealtyTrac does searches of the tax sites to find that over 1/2 of our owners are in pre-foreclosure. They sell this list to unsuspecting buyers who are on a mad search for a foreclosure (for which we have less than 2% in our market). 

OH and the sites they post these 'fake listings' on? Z & T.

We get our tax bills in September and they are late on January 5, or thereabouts. Homeowners hold onto their money until JAN 5 - why wouldn't you? Mid-January is when the calls stop!

You can almost mark your calendars with this knowledge in the Charlotte area, Fred!

Nov 10, 2017 04:12 PM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Good riddance and good luck. Nope, hasn’t happened for a while. You did the  righ thing

Nov 10, 2017 07:08 AM
Rainer
427,257
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I had  a buyer asking about about similar properties a few months ago. I helped them rebuild their credit the past 18 months, dealt with their tadiness, their schedule missing out on potential homes, and in the end they drove past a home and bought with the listing agent. I'm half happy they are out of my life, the other half pissed a formed classmate did this to me.

Nov 10, 2017 06:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

No cure for dumb, dumber and dumbest!!!

Nov 10, 2017 06:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Obviously he has not schooled himself in all the finer details of going into foreclosure in FL. I have had also calls & questions in Trulia when these pop up but not in a long time. People just don't get the lispendens thing. 

Nov 10, 2017 05:41 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Yup!  You gave them the RIGHT info.  Now let them call the other agent.  NEXT!  ;)

Nov 10, 2017 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

Yes, it happens. And it is usually the cheapest, most run down houses that won't qualify for a loan and the caller doesn't have cash. Next!

Nov 10, 2017 05:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Never had the experience. Let him go! He is a waste of time! 

Nov 10, 2017 05:08 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

He sounds stubborn!  Most of the time once I explain the home is not for sale as of now people are unhappy but I haven't had anyone that pushy.  Let the next agent deal with them..

Nov 10, 2017 02:39 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Better you than me. I do get asked about foreclosures but I just don't get involved with these "clients". Unless they have already bought or sold with them, then I'll track it down.

Nov 10, 2017 01:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Of course, I have calls like this for years. Who does not? Than they also go to actual auction websites as well and get excited about super low starting bid. Yep, keep dreaming. 

Nov 10, 2017 10:01 AM
Rainmaker
508,318
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Made Easy

Yes, a lot of people visit these websites. RealtyTrac made a business out of publishing bad information to suckers willing to pay for it.

You did the best you could explaining it to the caller. Some people are convinced they can catch lightning in a bottle. I don't think you can.

Nov 10, 2017 09:20 AM
Rainer
2,975
Avi Berger
Legendary Realty - East Brunswick, NJ

Yes, it happens on a regular basis that a client asks about these.  I don't know that I would call them "fake" foreclosures, in reality, they are "pre" foreclosure.  In NJ, it means that  Lis Pendens (essentially, a notice of intent to foreclose), has been filed.

I advise my buyer that it is unlikely that the individual wants to sell, they usually hold on to the house as long as they can, and if there is a foreclosure auction, you have to be prepared to pay cash with no inspections.  That usually ends the interest in the pre-foreclosures.

Nov 10, 2017 08:44 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Another internet education at work.

Nov 10, 2017 07:45 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Count that as a blessing ... let him call another Realtor ... problem solved.

Nov 10, 2017 07:14 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Come on gang.  If it's on the internet, it must be true!  

Nov 10, 2017 06:50 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes, I do get these calls and need to explain as well. It's good this caller went to call another agent - if he doesn't want to listen to facts regarding this listing, he won't listen to market pricing facts either.

Nov 10, 2017 05:48 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

another reason we focus on listings and not buyers....you can have every one of them.... 

Nov 10, 2017 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Ha, ha... let them call someone else and waste their time Fred.

I don't get those types of calls, but I get them for regular resales that are not on the market.... or I get calls on houses under contract that still show active...

OR maybe, just maybe re-direct them to.... YOUR WEBSITE IDX for accurate listed houses they can actually buy!!

Nov 10, 2017 04:04 PM
Rainmaker
785,475
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

Good luck to that "buyer"

Nov 10, 2017 01:15 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,899
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Fred Griffin In the past, a few buyers contacted me on fake foreclosures.

Nov 10, 2017 01:08 PM
Rainer
117,135
Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

Yes, Ihave been seeing this pop up for a while now.  TOtally annoying. 

Nov 10, 2017 10:55 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Many calls just like that has been received.

Instead of spending time talking about the misreprestation of the Dominion of Evil Intent, I ask if they have an agent? Yes - you need to call them.

No - Are you ready for my representation?

"Blah, blah,, blah!"  

Ok, have a nice day.

Nov 10, 2017 08:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I have cancelled listing because of faked for sale ads in Z. Why list for so low. Z says one is listed or sold so much higher.

Actually there were lots of charges against these sites for fruadudent ads before.

Nov 10, 2017 07:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Fred Griffin Bottom line is he isn't going to listen to the other REALTOR® either. You're good to get rid of him. Life is too short.

Nov 10, 2017 07:18 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Before the Internet, people believed newspapers & radio without facts too

Nov 10, 2017 06:48 AM
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

It happens all the time although most buyers are more understanding once you explain the process. 

Nov 10, 2017 06:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I'm with you on this.

Nov 10, 2017 05:41 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Let him call. Many agents are as in the dark about how these things are handled as buyers that are chasing them. Just because it may be listed as foreclosure, doesn't mean it actually has been sold and the owner still has rights until the sale goes through.

Nov 10, 2017 06:31 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Plus they get upset when you tell them "no we cannot go see this property".

Nov 10, 2017 06:12 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

This has been going on for years.

Nov 10, 2017 05:55 AM
Rainmaker
308,814
Scott Pope
Nautical Properties - Panama City Beach, FL
You Can't Live Without Water™

Fred Griffin I had a GA real estate agent who texted me about a condo in PCB he had seen on Z. He was interested in it for a client. My client who I listed his condo in that complex also asked me about that unit. However, in the decription it did give the date that it sold (actually a true foreclosure sale sold through the clerk of court's office) which was a couple years earlier. Neither of them read the description closely but I, like you, showed them the papertrail demonstrating it had already sold quite awhile back and that it was not currently for sale. 

Nov 12, 2017 04:40 AM
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

Candice A. Donofrio nailed this one!

Nov 11, 2017 04:47 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Fred,

We should apprecciate that they are giving out false information.  It lessens their credibility...day after day!!

Nov 10, 2017 08:39 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yes I have!

Nov 10, 2017 05:25 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Yes.

Nov 10, 2017 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

That is NORMAL for many buyers to do so.

Sep 01, 2018 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Fred, yes, when Z says Pre-forclosure, buyers THINK they will get a deal.   We have maybe 10 foreclosures in all of Denver.   

Nov 13, 2017 07:26 AM
Rainmaker
529,983
Kathryn Acciari
Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA
Mortgage Loan Originator

This happens quite frequently. The general public does not undertand how the process works, and it is frustrating that such properties are being "marketed." 

Nov 11, 2017 03:42 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I listed a property for sale recently. It had been a foreclosure in the past and Zillow continued to list it as such even though it was now owned by someone else. I had to contact them and get it corrected.

Nov 11, 2017 06:43 AM
Rainer
225,526
Bob Betel
Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc. - Sweetwater, TN
President, Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc

We listed my father's townhouse and under the Price/Tax History it shows a foreclosure back in 1993. He lived there from 1971 to 2014, paid off his mortgage and owned it free and clear since 1989. Zillow needs to fix things like this and also the Zesimates. Don't give me false information

Nov 11, 2017 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

First off, when we receive a call from someone on T or Z we try to set them straight. If unsuccessful, then we have them call you

Nov 11, 2017 05:17 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

All the time !

Nov 11, 2017 03:27 AM