I've found many executive assistants calling for their boss and they usually say the same thing when I answer:  "Oh, I thought I would be leaving a message, I didn't think you would answer!" 

What does that say about our reputations?

Perfect answer, David. Fortunately I don't get call like that. The only time I did it was a son calling for his mother who is deaf. I don't know sign language and was glad he accompanied us on all the showings. 

David,

I wholeheartedly agree with Michael Jacobs on this subject.  However, there is also the call that says, I am calling for my boss/agent/etc, and they are running late and will be there in 5 minutes.  Those calls I like.  A

I think your response was exactly the right thing to say David Barr.

As for why they do it, I'll quote the title of the The Doors song People are Strange. 

I pretty much say the same thing David.

We get this all the time with our student rentals, be pleasant to mom and she will make sure junior treats your place well.

I'm looking at properties for my daughter... another one that makes no sense. 

David Barr I've gotten these calls for commercial real estate all the time. It is always someone who is not the decision maker.

That was the correct answer...

I get those calls, too and say pretty much the same.  Someone that is serious does not make their "mother" call for them, and those that will, are not my kind of buyer.

Eve

If you are talking about a person calling for their "buyer" friend or relative, I would state I appreciate your support for their search, but I need to be in touch with them, since there is confidential information that may be discussed and I would need to speak to them directly. 

I receive these kinds of calls as well.  For me -- it's typically a quick call -- wham bam, thank you, ma'am.   I forget about it and move on.

I will see this a lot when people apply for a mortgage. They will list the phone numbers of others who don't even appear to be related to them, and the same for emails. And then they never answer or return a voicemail or email, so I feel like I'm kind of at a loss here...

David, that is a good question. Perhaps they want the actual name of the Tenant remembered/noted, possibly someone is calling for a disabled relative. Or..Perhaps like Ron and Alexandra Seigal, said, maybe somebody is calling in behalf of their Boss, giving a courtesy call?

No idea why people do this, unless it's an assistant or someone communicating on behalf of someone that needs help (medical issues/mental disability)....outside of that, like you say, get these time wasters outta here!

Typically they are time wasters but there is a certain culture that does ask their kids to call and inquire about homes as they don't speak English. They are always sincere and genuine.

I'm with you on this one. People do strange things.