That's been fairly common for decades, some are genuinely looking for a specific neighborhood/house for a client. Some are looking for a deal, some are looking

That's been fairly common for decades, some are genuinely looking for a specific neighborhood/house for a client. Some are looking for a deal, some are looking to find sellers to represent. You'll also see realtors blanket mail recent sales in the area, implying that it is a good market and what you might be able to get. Some of the tactics get very greedy/nasty, especially when someone, who was an owner of desirable property, passes.