Recently, we had an agent that experienced someone stealing her listing data, and turning her occupied listing into a property for lease elsewhere on the internet. Sadly, this type of fraud is not unusual, and takes advantage of people who believe they are leasing a home, as well as exposing the property owner/occupant to unnecessary risk.
This risk can be mitigated by doing one quick activity. It’s free, easy, and your listing clients will appreciate that you are taking the extra attention to protect their security. What is it? A Google Alert.
Simply go HERE and complete the short form by plugging in the address of your listing, and you will be notified anytime it pops up in the internet. Just add this to your listing process for all your leases and sales, occupied or vacant.
If you find someone has pulled your listing, notify them to remove it, and make sure you give Ken a heads up. In some cases, a call to the police is advisable.
Reputation Management
Set up a Google Alert for your name, and nicknames or maiden names. Anytime you’re mentioned on the internet, you’ll have a notification sent to you. This is an important part of monitoring your reputation online. Know what people find when they Google your name.
To your success!
About Linsey Ehle
Linsey is the Career Development Coach at Better Homes & Gardens|Gary Greene in The Woodlands and Magnolia markets. Previously a broker/owner in Southern California, as well as a coach for Tom Ferry, Linsey is here to support the careers of both new and seasoned agents. Whether the goal is to launch a successful real estate career, increase production, or help agents create efficiencies, Linsey is committed to helping the Gary Greene team achieve their individual objectives.
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