In New Mexico the question of Dual Agency begins with the definition of Agency and its ramifications and responsibilities. There is a BIG difference with Agency and Transaction Broker. I don't like Agency whether single or Dual. I work as a Transantion Broker with all of the proper disclosures provided by our State Association. Many buyers come directly to the Listing Agent for any number of reasons. Ultimately it is about professionalism, fairness, and Disclosure, Disclosure, Disclosure!! After all we are not, unlike attornies, intended to imbarke on adversarial and litigious deeds. First and Foremost we are Servants striving to meet wants and needs of the parties and bringing trasactions to a successful conclusion. That is how we earn our daily bread and our respect!!
When you list homes and work with buyers the opportunity on occasion will present itself, both sides of the transaction. Such is the case for me, I have a home listed and received a sign call that developed into an interested buyer. What a fantastic opportunity but one that needed to be treated with caution.
In the state of Texas we have the ability to work on both sides of the transaction through what is defined as Intermediary Relationship. There are many responsibilities of this relationship but one clear defining line; you must act as a mediator for both parties, no advice regarding negotiation decisions. You also cannot share any confidences and you must respect the price the seller has the home listed with no suggestion of the value being less. All parties must agree to this relationship and advised of their other representation choices (buyer & seller agents).
This is a very difficult balance responsibility when you are on both sides of the transaction. As an agent you have a responsibility to self reflect as to your comfort, knowledge level, ability to strictly adhere to the responsibility of this type of agency. Also this is probably one of the top reasons lawsuits develop over this form of agency and the perception of how the agent professionally handled the transaction.
Initially when the opportunity knocks you feel a moment of celebration, commission counting in your head, etc. Step back and reflect ... are you informed and experiencedenough to properly handle this type of transaction? If there is any moment of a deep breath and hesitation then you best refer one of the parties to be independently represented by another agent. Make sure both the other agent and the party interview each other for comfort and acceptance. Sometimes that separation of relationships is absolutely the right thing to do. Also you need to keep your broker in the loop for counseling, appointment of other agents, etc.
Understand what your state law allows, what your agency stance for what agency types are permitted and become very well informed and comfortable with your professional responsibilities. This is a very sensitive and debated topic in our state for a good reason ... watching out for the best for our consumers.
What side of the fence do you feel is best or are you in the middle?
I had an office mate in a real estate office who could not complete a sentance without using profanity. From time to time he would mention my personal religious beliefs and kindof aplogize. I basically told him that regardless of my own beliefs I thought that a professional with a college degree should have a broader vocabulary and the words he used didn't properly describe property or the services he could provide. Ultimately his low level of production reflected his low vocabulary and high use of profanity.
Maybe I've just been catching ActiveRain at the 'right' time lately, but it seems that there is more and more profanity creeping into posts and comments. Initially I thought this would be addressed by AR's Terms of Service or the Guidelines. Seeing no mention there, I reasoned that maybe the AR Team considered this a free speech issue because this site is essentially a public forum.
How do other social media sites address this issue? In the Facebook Terms of Use, users agree not to:
"upload, post, transmit, share, store or otherwise make available any content that we deem to be harmful, threatening, unlawful, defamatory, infringing, abusive, inflammatory, harassing, vulgar, obscene, fraudulent, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, hateful, or racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable"
"don't upload, post, email, transmit or otherwise make available or initiate any content that is unlawful, libelous, abusive, obscene, discriminatory or otherwise objectionable"
Twitter takes a slightly different approach in their Terms of Service:
"We may, but have no obligation to, remove Content and accounts containing Content that we determine in our sole discretion are unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party's intellectual property or these Terms of Use."
Exactly how big of an issue is this on ActiveRain?Do a search for any common obscenity and you may be suprised at the results. While a majority of these are found in non-member comments, there is still a sizable amount in member's posts.
The line between ActiveRain being a real estate network and a social network is blurred, and is different for everyone. How far should we pull back the curtain to let people see us as we really are? For each member, that answer is unique.
What the ActiveRain Guidelines do say is this:
We encourage free speech and defend everyone's right to express unpopular points of view. But we don't permit hate speech, which contains slurs, or the malicious use of sterotypes intended to attack or demean a particular gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or nationality ...
... Let ActiveRain staff and other members know what you are thinking. Member feedback is essential to our continued growth and development.
Should ActiveRain ban profanity? My answer is Yes. I think eliminating profanity will present a better overall image of our community. If someone can't express a thought or emotion without profanity, then they're probably not that good of a writer to begin with. That's my personal view. Whether or not the AR community or individual members agree with it, I can still vote with my mouse to read or not read a post. Consumers can vote with their wallets by working or not working with an agent.
"Let ActiveRain staff and other members know what you are thinking." Take the poll, and leave your thoughts in the comments. Should ActiveRain ban profanity?
(Reminder: Although there may be strong feelings on both sides of this topic, remember to discuss the issue, and not particular individuals or posts.)
La Entrada Realty Gateway to Bernalillo Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
Bernalillo
Bernalillo is a smaller town origionally located on the east side of the Rio Grande. In the last few years its growth has taken it the only way it could grow, to the West, and now it appears to be merging with RR. Bernalillo is the county seat of Sandoval County, New Mexico. Bernalillo real estate is north of Albuquerque and east of Rio Rancho. Bernalillo is the historic center of the state of New Mexico with occupation reaching back over a thousand years. Its neighbor to the north is the Santa Ana Pueblo, which is home to the Hyatt Tamaya Resort and golf course, New Mexico's largest soccer complex, and the Santa Ana Star Casino.
Bernalillo also hosts one of New Mexico's finest wine festivals, which is held on Labor Day weekend. Bernalillo real estate offers many non-tract homes in a broad price range. Much of Bernalillo real estate is suitable for horses and farm animals. For Bernalillo real estate check SWMLS area 170.
La Entrada Realty Gateway to Rio Rancho Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
Rio Rancho Real Estate is HOT because Rio Rancho is Hot! Rio Rancho, which touts itself as the "City of Vision", is "on the grow". Rio Rancho real estate has caught the attention of investors for many years. However, in the last few years Rio Rancho residential and commercial real estate has experienced rapid appreciation as the city is developing a new downtown, government district, sports arena (Santa Anna Star Center). Both custom and tract housing has been developed. If you missed out on an early investment in Rio Rancho real estate it's still not too late as the city continues its boom. There are several areas that can be searched in SWMLS for Rio Rancho Real Estate. They are 140, 141, 150, 151,152, 160, 161, 162.
La Entrada Realty Gateway to Belen Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
BELEN
Belen real estate is approximately 40 minutes south of downtown Albuquerque, along the east side of the I-25 corridor. Commuting for work to Albuquerque is common, and now more convenient as the New Mexico rail runner makes a stop in Belen. Although Belen is a town in its own right, many people choose to work in Albuquerque and live in Belen because it may be more affordable and is more rural. It is also 45 minutes north of the School of Mines in Socorro, New Mexico. The price of owning Belen real estate can range from under $100,000 up to $500,000. Homes may sit on a few acres, and have irrigation for farming.
There is a sense of community in Belen as it was founded in 1740 by two Spaniards who named it Belen, which is Spanish for Bethlehem. By the 19th century Belen's economy expanded into sheep herding and the town began slowly growing. Some of Belen's real estate includes the Belen hotel which is on historic State and National registers. The land was purchased by Bertha Rutz for $850 where she built a red brick hotel she ran until her passing in 1953. Belen real estate is comprised of a lot of history surrounding the southwest. Nowadays it is still quaint and full of charm. For Belen real estate look up SWMLS area 741.
La Entrada Realty Gateway to North Albuquerque Acres Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
North Albuquerque Acres
North Albuquerque Acres real estate (NAA) is an extremely popular and consistently growing area. Residents enjoy the Sandia Mountains in their back yard to the east and the ambiance of the of desert sky to the west. North Albuquerque Acres real estate is part of the northeast heights real estate and runs from as far south as Tanoan Estates to the Sandia Pueblo Reservation buffalo preserve up north, and yes, there is a herd of buffalo.
North Albuquerque Acres real estate gives the sense of rural living as some residents sit on a few acres separating themselves from their neighbors. This is also a horse friendly area. North Albuquerque Acres real estate is also known for its excellent school districts. Almost all homes in North Albuquerque Acres are custom built and absolutely gorgeous. For North Albuquerque Acres real estate check out SWMLS area 20.
La Entrada Realty Gateway to Tanoan Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
Tanoan Real Estate
Tanoan is built around one of Albuquerque's finest private country clubs. Located in the Northeast Heights its exclusivity and beauty is only about a mile from the Sandia foothills.
Whether you are in East Tanoan or West Tanoan (separated by Eubank Blvd) you are likely to see residents driving through the neighborhood in golf carts, walking the dogs, riding a bike or enjoying a jog. Tanoan residents appreciate the privacy this gated community offers, the immaculate golf course and the incredible mountain views. Resort style real estate in Tanoan begins in the 200,000 range up to near 1 million. Look in area 30 in SWMLS for Tanoan real estate.
La Entrada Realty Gateway to Corrales Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
Corrales
Village of Corrales real estate is a small, treasured oasis located within a large, fast-growing metropolitan area. Corrales real estate is bordered on the east by the Rio Grande and, across the river, by the Sandia Reservation. To the south is the City of Albuquerque while to the west and north is Rio Rancho real estate. You will see residents on horse back or bike riding throughout the Village of Corrales. Corrales was founded in 1712, and incorporated in 1971. Corrales got its name as it was a great place to stop and put livestock in "corrals" before the last leg of the trip to the Albuquerque.
In 2007 Corrales real estate was named #19 on www.cnnmoney.com top 100 places to live list for income brackets, school districts, cost of living, and even though the village is right in the middle of metropolitan life, it is a sanctuary for residents and wildlife alike. A strong sense of community comes with Corrales real estate as it offers country style comfort with the convenience and eclectic culture of neighborhood restaurants, shopping, small farms and a couple outstanding wineries. If you desire country living with convenience visit SWMLS area 130 for Village of Corrales real estate.
La Entrada Realty Gateway to Cedar Crest Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
Cedar Crest and Sandia Park Real Estate:
Cedar Crest real estate has a very special appeal to the more mountain type folks who like country, trees, snow and generally more moisture and a more verdant landscape. Being on the leeward side of the Sandias it generally benefits from more precipitation, and consequently, more vegetation. An altitude in access of 7,000 feet ASL hosts an environment friendly to conifers, oak, and wildflowers, and wildlife typical of a mountain environment. This area is also generally cooler year round than is Albuquerque and other lower climes further east on I40 (old Route 66). Cedar Crest real estate resembles more of an Alpine community than the pueblo styles of Albuquerque and even Plactias.
Minutes to Sandia Peak Ski Area, snow recreation in winter and great hiking in summer, are all reasons why people chose Cedar Crest real estate and other communities in the greater Albuquerque area. The smell of wood burning in a fireplace is to be expected year round. Two relatively new developments, PAAKO and San Pedro Ridge Estates in the east mountain area offer quick accesses to downtown Albuquerque and a sort of short cut to Santa Fe. Owning Cedar Crest real estate is like owning access to a piece of Heaven and several of its neighborhoods, like PAAKO and San Pedro Estates, all within just minutes of each other and Albuquerque. Meanwhile, it is gaining more and more of its own amenities and conveniences of town without having to drive there. When searching SWMLS search area 220.
La Entrada Realty Gateway to Albuquerque Southeast Heights Real Estate and the magnificent Southwest!
SE Heights/ Nob Hill / UNM
Nob Hill and the South East Heights sum up the history and eclectic style of people brought together by Historic Route 66. It's just east of the University of New Mexico and has the natural influence of college lifestyle with trendy shops and restaurants while maintaining the History of Route 66. With the influx of the movie industry to New Mexico it is likely you might see a celebrity strolling down Central Ave (historic Route 66). The Nob Hill neighborhood is perfect for people who enjoy an urban lifestyle with many businesses and a grocery coop a block or two away. Check out area 71 in SWMLS for Nob Hill real estate.
The picture on the right is at a US vs. Honduras soccer game at the UNM Stadium in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, NM.
"Why & How" we should buy real estate. Build and preserve wealth while enjoying the the benefits of your major investment in a meaningful and tangible way.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Cedar Crest real estate has a very special appeal to the more mountain type folks who like country, trees, snow and generally more moisture and a more verdant landscape. Being on the leeward side of the Sandias it generally benefits from more precipitation, and consequently, more vegetation. An altitude in access of 7,000 feet ASL hosts an environment friendly to conifers, oak, and wildflowers, and wildlife typical of a mountain environment. This area is also generally cooler year round than is Albuquerque and other lower climes further east on I40 (old Route 66). Cedar Crest real estate resembles more of an Alpine community than the pueblo styles of Albuquerque and even Plactias.
Nob Hill and the South East Heights sum up the history and eclectic style of people brought together by Historic Route 66. It's just east of the University of New Mexico and has the natural influence of college lifestyle with trendy shops and restaurants while maintaining the History of Route 66. With the influx of the movie industry to New Mexico it is likely you might see a celebrity strolling down Central Ave (historic Route 66). The Nob Hill neighborhood is perfect for people who enjoy an urban lifestyle with many businesses and a grocery coop a block or two away. Check out area 71 in SWMLS for Nob Hill real estate. 
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