It's probably that they relocated from out of the area, that is the number they've always had an the one their family and friends have and they either don't understand the importance of a local number or don't know about virtual numbers or don't know about or can't get a second number on their phone.

If they don't have a local number, it may reflect on the public's perception of their local expertise. 

I'm still waiting for a chick from another town and yet another area code to return a clearly detailed call (or text back) with a showing instruction that she has in her listing 'call LA'  . . . SINCE YESTERDAY. 

Maybe she needed to drive back to CA to get her messages. LOL

Although the local numbers are being spoofed so much now, it's hard to know who is on the other end to begin with!

If my phone rings, I answer it. If it is spam, it is marked and blocked. All other calls are marked with the caller's name.

I have two phone numbers, and they both ring into my cell phone.

And I'm so happy NOT to be talking about that little dog!!

A little investigation beyond the numbers may reveal much.   

Practically speaking with cell phones and relo a frequent thing  these days ...it matters not.

Brand-wise it's a torpedo to the reputation for localism.

It also will hinder your business in San Diego even with local numbers- we have three area codes and  (North) 760's don't want (South) 619's in their area working and vice versa. I chose 858 because it's Central San Diego and tends to be most flexible.

Yes I do and it appears they haven't changed it yet or don't care to change it.  A young newbie agent called me the other day on a listing that she wanted to hold open and she had an out of state code, almost didn't answer. I thought after talking with her a little bit....good for her, she's new in town and trying to drum up business.

Many of the people who live in our area lived elsewhere when they established their cell phone service and were given what was a local number at that time. A subsequent move does not make them suspect in any way due to an area code that is not a "local" area code.

I rarely answer my phone if the caller id does not show that the caller is someone in my contact list. If the caller is not known to me, they can leave a message. If the caller is legit, they will get a call-back ASAP. More there likely, the caller is a spammer.

It is absolutely of no importance to me. The number only indicates where the original cell phone was first obtained and connected; sometimes people move and keep the same number.

Chris Ann,

There are some exceptions I have encountered.  One of our clients lives in the private club market she serves.  She has an out of state number that she uses, and in this case does not reflect on her expertise.  For the last 10+ years we have worked with her on marketing and strategy, she has been #1 go to agent, and ranks 23 on the top list of agents in her state.   This year alone, she  has surpassed many once again...

In other markets, yes I would want someone with a local number, however. I would also inquire as to why.  We met our graphic designer in Napa.  She moved to Oklahoma and kept her Napa number.  She also does the graphics for the the Napa publication every month.

So I do not mind, I would question an agent with a local number as vehemently as an agent with a non-local number...A

I see those on occasion and find it odd... but it's not my monkey, as they say, so I don't give it much thought. I answer all calls regardless of area code... so often it's a potential lead. If it's spam it doesn't take long to hang up and block.

 Lots of people keep their cell number when they relocate.  

There are ocasional exceptions as with every rule.

Out of state phones are not uncommon in markets that are on the border with another state, or cater to commuters and remote workers from out of the area.  In our markets many agents have come from such locations.  For some clients it gives a sense of relatability with that agent, "they know what I'm going through moving here from out of state, or buying a vaca home in a market so different from our home market."

Within a week or so of my moving to Montana, I visited my cell provider and found out I could have two numbers on my phone. So I got a local Montana number and kept my NY number. I can get calls from both on the same device.

I think if we are going to practice real estate in a specific location, we should have a local number.

I do not get many calls from agents with non-local area codes. 

My sense is that those people are not helping their business with an out-of-state or out-of-area phone number. 

Unless you are an international traveler, you should have a local #. 

Here in Chicago we have 6 local extensions.

I have a local number, and feel it is very important along with your caller I’d being correct.  just my opinion, I don’t loose sleep over it.

They are potentially missing out on a large segment of the local market. I told an agent that in a FB group and she snapped at me - other agents backed me up and she ended up deleting the post.

Wish them well and focus on your own efforts.

Not seeing it and only a handful of agents in small rural real estate markets. If someone moved to our area, wanted to start listing and selling real estate, a local number would be a good idea. You can't tell from the number where they are from these days.. folks with a Texas number from two moves before don't look like they already live in Southern Maine. One area code, 207 for our entire states tells you Maine is small, spaced out and less people, less problems.

The agent I brought on late last year had a Tennessee cell phone.  She has been an agent for 5 years, but convinced her a local number was a better idea, she got a new number.

I would think it's a bit of disadvantage, but less so now than 10 years ago. It also depends where it's from/how well known.  I live in NYC metro area, so we have a bunch of area codes (moreso than when I lived in DC.  So, while 914 is my county, 212, 917, 646, 845, 718, and others are considered local.  Even Long Island.  Ironically, CT which is only 20-30 minutes from me seems less local.

People often keep their same number when they move, for years even.  So it's not always fair to think of them as recent transplants.

We have 3 'local' area codes in my market... If it's not one of them on my caller ID I do not answer it.

Not sure it is a big deal today. Now living in Chicago I still have a Ft. Myers area code and find many in the city with area codes from all over the country. Maybe more of a factor in smaller places.

I've had many a conversation on this topic with those who have the out of area number...  They're emotionally attached to it.  IMHO they would do well by their business if they got a local one. 

Fascinating as I just got back from some traveling and my number was foreign to those in the area but not to me. You never know for sure who is calling and why. I google more before returning out of area call....

It's so easy to get a second phone with a local # not sure why new to area agents don't get one. People do think out of area #s are usually spam, google, auto warranty, spam, etc calls. I just answer, and if it's spam, i've been blocking the #s. Soon we'll be seeing " Neighborhood Expert" sign riders, with phone #s like 917-555-1212

I don't care what your area code is.  I care if you answer the phone when I call, or return the calls when I leave a message.