FreshSuperCool.com

I have no problem people soliciting business online, as long as they are legitimate. Especially with real estate, because there is no way in hell I’m going to drive to every possible deal that might flow through me.

How do I tell if they’re legitimate? If they’re willing to:

1. provide a real phone number/address

2. give me information up front without requiring me to sign all kinds of stupid bullshit documents

3. if #2 is  a must, at least show me the information / make a request before asking for my private information

Here is a perfect example how NOT to solicit. Let me know if I am overreacting.

A broker from a WHILE back (to be honest, I don’t even know when or for what purpose) emails me back saying:

[Broker] You sent me your email, with one of my REO posts as the subject.  Do you have an interest in purchasing REO assets?

So I reply:

[Me] depends. can you show me a list of your inventory…

Now, he makes this BRASH request (keep in mind, i’ve never met him/talked to him/gotten any real information out of this guy):

[Broker]

I would need 3 things prior to getting you an inventory list.

1.  An executed Non-Compete/Non-Disclosure between you/your company and Aspen Investment Group

2.  Along with the NCND I would send you a very brief questionnaire for you to identify your criteria (type, location, size)

3.  Proof of funds letter matching the price range you are looking for

And yes, they have commercial properties.

WTF? Do I know you? You want me to give you what? Do I owe you rent money? Was I supposed to fax you directions?

So not to be one of those annoying internet pricks who think that they can be rude just because internet makes things anonymous, i sent a short but to-the-point reply:

[Me] good luck

Of course, instead of just deleting my email response, he had to throw me something to chew on:

[Broker] Ok, I get it.  You  are a disrespectful smartass that isn’t interested in legitimate business.  Don’t contact me again.

First of all, you contacted me. Second, yes, in fact my ass is pretty smart. Smarter than you.

Let me guess. This broker has NO exclusive deals because they don’t want to risk their neck taking on inventory they can’t sell. So, get a sucker buyer lined up first then back into the commission because they’re afraid the buyer might go around them and screw them out of their precious commission. Boy, what a great way to do build up your reputation in the business world.

This person’s name is Ireland MacBradaigh from this company Aspen Investment Group, LLC.  Here’s what he looks like.

Lex Luther’s a realtor now.

[EDIT] - June 25, 2009

Here’s another reply from Lex Luther realtor:

It is correct that I could have just deleted your ‘good luck’, comment. You’re right in suggesting that I lacked in my professional courtesy when I fired off a negative message, I’ll give you that. So regardless of your intentions, I owe an apology for my rudeness. I wasn’t expecting you to be so hurt by my calling you a smartass, as it appeared being a smartass was exactly the intention of your ‘good luck’ message. One of the problems with email is that there is no tone of voice included, and it is too easy to sum up your perspective of a person with a misunderstanding of a typed message. I probably didn’t give you enough credit, and I am sure you in turn have come to a conclusion about me that lacks in evidence. You are letting my poor choice to send a negative message get to you enough that you are neglecting some legitimate points.
#1. You contacted me by sending me a message with your email, it was not I reaching out to you with a solicitation.

#2. I didn’t blindside you with a request for proof of funds. The post you responded to, which I assume you read, stated clearly that these deals ‘were for buyers only’, and that ‘proof of funds’ is required. And that is the case with all the sources of REO product, they require some evidence of who their buyer is.

#3. Non circumvention is par for the course in all of these arrangements. I didn’t ask for your SSN. All other parties I have spoken to have had no problem signing a non circumvention, just as I have signed it many times in forging new relationships.

#4. You use the word ‘precious’ to describe a commission, as if commissions were a bad thing, or in some way inherently wrong. All transactions have language that protects the interests, financial included, of all parties. You know that.

#5. Tell the truth: Even if you trusted me, you don’t have the proof of funds, do you? I have obtained that from many interested parties, because A) they do have the money, and B) they understand they have to show they are qualified if they want these assets. I have been wrong before, and I will have to stand corrected once again if I am wrong here, but you came across like you can’t actually buy any of these packages, and that you just want a list to shop around to your contacts. Am I wrong? If I am, I can accept it, but if I am not, you must accept I can’t just hand you a list for you to go advertise to your clients.

I’ll read your reply, and I’ll listen to your counterpoints if you care to make them.