The lazy agents way to collect a paycheck
March 19, 2008
I was working another post and in my research came across a comment from Marc Davison (1000 Watt Consulting Blog) that really fit the exact phrasing for what I was trying to convey. ?Mmm, when did not having to work hard become the path to success? Oh yeah, 1997-2005. I wish we can scroll back time. I wish I could sit around and collect paychecks by doing little or nothing.?
The comment above was in response to a post regarding implementation of Web 2.0 services by Reactors, or lack there of. Things like this blog for example. Yes there are quite a few of us that GET IT especially when it comes to Tampa Bay Real Estate. Blogging and Real Estate seems to be a bit more lofty of a goal for too few. We, are a rare minority in the scheme of National Real Estate statistics. Ok, so where am I going with this ?
Well, besides the whole Real Estate Technology thing, I think one of the larger problems with our industry is the lack of oversight by the Brokers, much the same has transpired with the mortgage industry. No way your saying?.say it isn?t true ?
Let me share these two small stories with you to help explain my point.
1. A local Buyers Agent works with an out of town client (out of town meaning out of State or out of the Country) who wants to invest in a large home and has a set price in mind. The agent locates a suitable home and helps to buy the home at the full asking price of the seller. Where this gets interesting is that the agent never attempted to negotiate for a lower price for the buyer. This agent in doing this deal just added to the entire housing industry mess we are in. How ? because this agent was truly un-ethical, greedy and lazy to boot. In the current market, not even attempting to negotiate for your client to gain a better price is shameless, regardless of how much money the person has.
2. A seller negotiates with a client to list their vacation home at a reduced rate of 2% if the deal is split between buyer and seller agents. So this agent takes a picture from the client and lists the home on the MLS and waits for the buyers to call. What?s wrong here ? The Agent took the clients picture (which by the way was a very bad shot of the home). The agent did not take any pictures of their own or even suggest to the client that they would need additional pictures to help advertise the listing. There also, was no mention or suggestion of Virtual Tour or brochures (oh, I think the client did the brochures?) and no web marketing. Meaning the listing was not advertised anywhere except the MLS, the Brokers site and Realtor.com (with-1 photo). So now the home has little to no chance of getting a buyer in the current market.
Our industry has gotten a huge black eye lately and agents like these don?t help make it any better. A lot of the agents are the ones that are complaining that Web 2.0 technologies are too hard or complicated. They are the same lazy ones that act as I mentioned above. Those of us that really go the extra mile for our clients continue to get maligned in the media because of our industries lack of oversight in cases like this. And who is to blame ? Mostly the same lazy brokers that are allowing this to happen. Either they are too lazy to educate their teams or they have no clue? It?s time that our industry started to gain a better hand at managing the ethical ways in which we conduct business.
Our clients are getting smarter and more savvy at technology. I think it?s time for an over haul of our Realtor s ethics pledge, or rather the methodology to ensure that the agents and or brokers that allow this are sent packing.
If your a home owner that has had a bad experience like this or even an agent, speak up.
- Do you agree ?
- Disagree ?
- Maybe you have a better way of addressing this ?
- Inquiring minds would like to know ?
Please leave a comment.
Related Posts:
Why we should embrace change
MLS Data compliance and NAR vs. DOJ
DOT HOMES submits to US Real Estate BROKERS – dont worry – be happy !!
March 10, 2008
Earlier today I received the following from DOT HOMES:
New pingback on your post #117 “MLS Data compliance and NAR vs. DOJ “
Website: BYTEPLAY ? Blog Archive ? For US listing brokers (IP: 195.62.28.205 , www.ec1m.net)
URI : http://www.byteplay.com/blog/archives/57
Excerpt:
[...] [...] some of the ensuing controversy (Lenderama, CBS5.com, InmanNews, GreaterTampaBayRealEstate), I?m going to attempt here a crude recap of my conversation with Kevin. If you?ve any [...] [...]
This is related to an earlier post I made regarding the DOJ’s lawsuit against Realtor.com and the issue over MLS (Multiple Listing Service). It appears that the presence of this new venture on the scene in the Real Estate Search community, had ruffled some feathers of a few of the Top Real Estate Brokers (BLOGGERS). Some suggested that what Dot Homes was doing may not be entirely legitimate or in compliance with MLS regulations.Seems that this answer is right on the money: After you have clicked on the link above you will also see my reply:
“I think this is an excellent review of Dot Homes capabilities as well as highlighting the short sidedness of many Brokers in the Real Estate industry today. I don?t think you can explain it any clearer than this. This is a tool that Brokers should welcome with open arms?especially given the current economic climate.
Also, keep in mind that there are well over 150 MLS associations in the U.S. alone, that all have their own version of what constitutes compliance. This entire MLS issue is so overblown and in many opinions has been the major issue that has suppressed innovation and competition in our industry. Why else is the US DOJ going after Realtor.Com with such vigor? Could it be that they represent monopolistic tendencies when it comes to the MLS ? Going forward, I think this kind of makes Kevin?s entire comment on the MLS issue kind of baseless. ”
Related Post:
MLS Data compliance and NAR vs. DOJ
Clearwater Home – SOLD – Dililigence and Persistence wins
February 24, 2008
Future Home Realty and the Greater Tampa Bay Real Estate Team of Marie Becklund and Theresa Townsend announce the Sale of 2924 Eagle Estates Circle, a beautiful home in the Eagle Estates development of Pinellas County, Clearwater Florida. This Stunning Home is close to Chi Chi Rodriquez & Countryside Golf & Country Clubs.
We would like to say Congratulations and Thank You to the Proud New Owners of 2924 Eagle Estates Circle. Greater Tampa Bay Real Estate wants to Wish you many Happy and Memorable Years to come in your New Home.
ENJOY
This has been a long haul. We finally sold a home that we have worked so very hard to market for the former owner.
In any market there is always that one house that no matter what you do, short of dropping the price to a ridiculous level it does not sell. In this case the home is in a beautiful location and the home is no ugly duckling either. What is interesting is that when the former owner purchased the home in the early 90?s it had been on the market for over a year.
We gave up on counting exactly how many open house events, broker events and listing tours we provided on this home. We had received several offers over the course of the listing, but they were not serious and considered low ball offers when compared to the other homes selling in and around the neighborhood.
The new owners are ecstatic, and the seller is very happy to have sold the house. So persistence can make the sale when both parties come to together and realize they can make a deal that works for both.
I can tell you that it is interesting, that we have had listings where the owner did not head our advice and subsequently re-listed the home with another agent only to find that their home is still unsold many months later. So jumping ship is not always the best thing to do, you really have to look at what your agent is doing for you. If they are doing everything humanly possible and the home is still not selling, then the price may have to be lowered to compete in the current market. I can tell you that the owner still made a good profit over what they had originally purchased the home for.
Related Posts:
Denial will stop you from selling your home
Buy your home in Florida NOW
Central Florida First Time Home Buyers Workshops
Will you find your home on Roost ?
January 25, 2008
Another NEW Generation Real Estate Platform, joined the likes of Trulia, Realtor.com and Zillow earlier this week. I believe their actual launch was on Wednesday the 23rd.
Roost.com says they will partner with MLS?s and Brokers. They claim they are unlike other online models in that, ?Roost?s network of broker sites ensures consumers have access to comprehensive MLS listings in major metropolitan areas across the U.S., via close collaborations with MLSs and leading local brokers that can help them find their next home.?
From what I can tell they are predominantly covering the West Coast now and are in about 13 markets. It is too soon to tell if and when they will develop into the South and the Florida Markets.
From a quick overview of their platform, I noticed right off the bat that they have optimized the site for Fire Fox Browser which is great. But they may have missed a beat here. As most Realtors know, almost all of the MLS?s at present require usage of IE and in fact do not work well with Fire Fox. But then again Fire Fox is a much better browsers in my book and many Realtors could do well to add it to their tools.
Gregg Swann over at Blood Hound Blog did a really great job of describing what Roost is all about and how they intend to market their product so I would invite you to take a look at his excellent post on Roost.
If I had one initial comment to make, it would be that the folks over at Roost should spend a little more time on their blog. Using a template advertising someone else’s free WP template does not give the professional polished look you would associate with a New Technology Company that is looking to compete with some of the bigger league players. Other than that I can?t wait to kick the tires and see what this will do for us here in the South and more specifically, the Greater Tampa Bay Area Real Estate markets.
Is Roost a tool for you or your clients to use ?
Related Posts:
Newspaper ads for listings a dying breed
Zillow Newspaper advertising alliance – So What ?
Central Florida First Time Home Buyers Workshops
January 10, 2008
First Time Home buyer Workshops?Updated Calendar for 2008
I have noticed quite a few in-bound links lately from those looking for more information about First Time Home Buyers programs and classes in Florida. Our post last year had a very good response and I had been planning on making an update but was waiting for the CCCS to update their list and it looks like they just recently did.
Your local community has tailor made programs to help ensure you have all the pertinent information that you will need as you make one of the biggest decisions of your life, that of becoming a home owner.
They will take you step-by-step, from contract to closing, through the home buying process. You will learn what it takes to qualify for a mortgage, how to save for a down payment and even provide information regarding down payment assistance.
Should you have additional questions or when you are ready to start your search after completing the classes. please be sure to email either Theresa or Marie and they can give you some one on one coaching and personal advice that will take you on the next step of your journey to home ownership.
Here is the link to the work shops offered by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Central Florida
Right now I don?t see a schedule update on their site for Hillsboro County, but they do have dates for Pasco and Pinellas Counties?just click on the associated links
- Pasco County Schedule for 2008
- Pinellas County Schedule for 2008
Be sure to check back for tomorrows post covering ? why now is the best time to buy your first home in Florida !
Related Posts:
Is now the right time to buy your Florida home ?
Home appraisals – Realtors vs. Lenders what?s the deal ?