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Not All Realtors® Are Bad Apples

By Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Real Estate Agent with Liberty Homes RS-#62825

April 17, 2009 01:53 PM

Goodie! I can write a spinoff of Jeff Corbett's Survey Says...Realtors Suck Jeff said, "....unfortunately, a few GOOD apples don't ripen the bunch". In other words a few bad apples spoil the bunch. (and pardon the title...I was just counter copying Jeff :) I changed the title folks...the word 'sucks' was not ladylike (my mom would freak if she saw that lol)

Well, many good apples should be writing a response! Maybe the few good apples are not a minority ...maybe they are. I found out just how bad the tunnel vision of some individuals are about our industry in the recent past....or maybe it's just closed minded judgmental individuals who classify a whole different country as being a bad apple too?

It's all in the stinking thinking or cognitive perception.

While sipping my morning coffee yesterday, I got a bug...hair....sticker (or whatever you want to call it) up my behind. It kept gnawing at me periodically for the last two weeks and after an hour during my supposed coffee enjoyment time I picked up the phone. I was ready for battle!

I needed to express my feelings on attitudes regarding Real Estate and Realtors®. What got me to the point of expressing my ‘opinion' is due to many situations where I've heard many a degrading remark ....there are the people that:

Do not have a Real Estate license and ask me "is it possible to self study (and do I have any material?) and then go take the state test for Real Estate Salesperson. HUH? WooHoo! A home schooled (by home schooling self) Realtor®.
Butt in on a conversation (actually, take over the whole conversation) they are not qualified to give advice on. Real Estate.
Commence to announce that it is not a good time to buy, the market is bad, the economy is bad and yadda yadda yadda. Anyone who is in the Real Estate Industry (seasoned professionals) will be hanging their mouth open.
State their opinion anytime they feel (which is true basically) and can't figure out why Realtors® would get offended at their closed minded ‘opinions'. Uh...because we're people too.
Make statements like.....'that's why people don't trust Realtors®...they don't want to hear others opinions'. Oh, I WILL start a good debate when it comes to trust.
Another irking comment that pops up is about ‘the commission" and I just about flip at those. Real Estate is NOT JUST A PAYCHECK Did I remark about the money they make? Do they have to pay GET State tax on top of State and Federal Tax? Do they have business expenses?
Believe us Independent Contractors owe them a lunch, a gift or anything their little heart desires.....because it's a business expense for us.
Believe we get paid hourly or somehow our time and effort mean nothing.

Bottom line, it's the people like this:

That don't understand the whole concept of Real Estate and each buyer or seller's individual needs.
That do need to stay in their nine to five job and work for a paycheck and not try to get a license.
That pass around rumors with their closed minded ideas and give their so called opinions....and they do not know the whole scope of each market....and are certainly NOT FORTUNE TELLERS.
That create a larger negative attitude in the community towards the Real Estate Industry and pass around information that may or may not be true because they have only ONE VIEW. Their own.
They believe it's all about the commission for the Realtor®....so they obviously wanted to get into the industry for....the paycheck.
Do not care who they are hurting in the process of wanting to be right and only wanting to be heard. What happened to listening to others to make a real conversation?
Are not open to listening to others opinions and input ...nor do they ask. Because of course...they're right.
That DO get a license and become a real estate agent because they think they know it all....and carry that attitude into our industry. Help us all.

There are good and bad in all industries, in all countries, communities, jobs, churches, groups and so on. A few bad apples spoil the whole bunch when it's a bunch of closed minded negative individuals who continue to spread around false information and THEIR OPINION.......and push them on others. (darn, seems like half the nation now) It's these that turn into supposed Realtors® that spoil the bunch.

It's with these types of people who run around getting a license so they can peddle their false wares around to make a buck. It's with the whole scenario...that the rest who are GOOD APPLES are going above and beyond (the norm for them) but faced with defending themselves for the other bad apples.

PLEASE........LOOK AT EACH INDIVIDUAL....for who they are.

I am an individual. I am woman. I am Realtor Associate®

Ruff!

~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

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Anonymous

Geri Murray

Thank you for defending our industry and those of us who DO work on our client's behalf! Others just don't realize that those of us making a living and doing our best by our clients eat, live and breath real estate for them. Yes, I want to be able to make a living, but I also want to provide the best for my customers. And the two are not exclusive. So to those who think this is a quick and easy way to make money with no effort....WRONG!!!

Apr 19, 2009 09:03 AM

#142

Anonymous

Jackie Youngblood, Keller Williams Tampa Properties

Hi Karen,

Thank you for taking the time to put into words what many of us, if not all, feel. I have learned that, as individuals, we determine whether or not we will have a positive or negative attitude in our professional, as well as in our personal life. I, for one, have chosen to live each day with a positive attitude and, in doing so, my business has increased wonderfully. Although Mr. Corbett's article could have made me angry, I smile because, we, reading and writing these responses have been brought together. Great networking opportunity.

I believe it would be safe to say that most people who are not in the real estate industry do not understand exactly how much work, (including our time, our expenses, and our efforts) is involved in having success for a property to close. I welcome those who do not understand to follow me around for a month. Shucks, I may put them to work! Wonder how many would want to take a cut in pay! Let them do a short sale from offer to contract to closing and, gee whiz, the paperwork. Hmmm, let's see, that can take 3 months + and, as we know, although we may continue to work that short sale while waiting for it to close, we don't get paid until it does and only if it does.

We, as Realtors and agents, should never be asked to lower our commission. It is our payment for a job well done. Yes, I have been asked to do so before, but I remind my prospective sellers that my marketing level is dependent upon the commission they are paying me. For instance, if you want me to cut my commission to 4%, property will be inputted into the MLS. If 5%, inputted into MLS and on my websites. If 6%, full marketing from MLS to websites to Open Houses, etc. However, with that said, if I have people who are repeat clients and have listed and purchased several properties and referred new clients, I will discuss a 5% commission with full marketing.

Let's look at the article this way, it has certainly introduced us to each other and, hopefully, we can all work together in some way. I'm thinking referrals. YAHOO! Thank you Mr. Corbett.

Regards from Tampa, Florida,

Jackie Youngblood, Realtor- Keller Williams Tampa Properties

Apr 19, 2009 09:05 AM

#143

Kelly Sibilsky

Licensed Through Referral Connection, LTD. - Lake Zurich, IL

What is really sad is that good real estate agents feel the need to defend the entire profession!!!

Apr 19, 2009 11:58 AM

Liz Carter

Liz Carter & Team Realty-Your Real Estate Resource For Life! - Katy, TX

Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston)

Hi Sally...

I could not agree more with Karen Anne, well said! Too bad you could not overcome your aversion to using "Sucks"...Jeff's post so far got 288 comments vs this more positive one 145. Too bad, I just hope more agents and people in general will read your post as well.

Thanks for a great post, Liz

Apr 19, 2009 02:34 PM

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Folks: I just deleted another rude comment about how people who do get into the real estate industry obviously did so because of a failing life.

I do not appreciate nor condone rude comments nor even bashing other agents who get into the industry who are just learning. Another if getting into the industry just to make a buck at the expense of the consumer..... but the rudeness still does not belong in this comment stream.

Remember....the biggest gift you can do for yourself is build a good reputation on who you are and how you conduct business. How you portray yourself professionally on or off line is another avenue for the consumer, peers and friends to decide for themselves.

On another note....the ones who don't identify themselves surely have something to hide as well.

Apr 19, 2009 03:34 PM

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Geri:

.....So to those who think this is a quick and easy way to make money with no effort....WRONG!!!.....

I agree....

Jackie: Was your comment meant for Karen or me? In any case that comment definitely is worth your own post...will look forward to it :)\

Kelly: No kidding...why? Because of the bad apples...no problem...I can take time to do so. :)

Liz: That;s okay...the consumer continues to see the negative with input as that....and that's okay.... the openminded ones are ones I'll work with :)

Apr 19, 2009 03:40 PM

Anonymous

Chris Wood

Great Post. But I don't think that Jeff's post was designed to elicite that specific response. In fact, it motivated me to look at my companies training program for new and incoming agents.

While I don't believe that a few bad apples spoil the bunch, I do believe that people are less likely to buy apples once they take a bite of a bad one. Solution...I don't believe there is one. While mankind exists, there will always be individuals that take advantage of the privlages they are provided. Bottom line, there are just too many humans in the world for it to be a good place.

Apr 20, 2009 12:09 AM

#149

Anne Marie Malf

Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals - Yardley, PA

Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA

Hi Sally - you are a disco diva! I couldn't agree more - there are bad apples in every profession and industry and I like how you pointed out what differentiates the two. I think if more people focus on what THEY can offer and HOW they can offer it to their clients without focusing on what everyone else is doing or not doing we will surely shine with those that count the most - the consumers and our potential clients. You certainly took the high ride and like you said in one of your other posts - you're different now and you approach things differently and that's a wonderful way to be. Excellent post! ~Anne Marie

Apr 20, 2009 12:19 AM

Anonymous

CELESTE:

The truth hurts? Read between the lines. This is a public blog. Most Real Estate Agents. Get into Real Estate because they have failed at everything else.

Apr 20, 2009 01:19 AM

#151

Anonymous

Excuses... Explanations... Rationalizations... Justifications... Effort... Attempts... Spectacular RESULTS. Which word best describes where you spend most of your time?

"Eagles come in all shapes and sizes, but you will recognize them chiefly by their attitudes."

Apr 20, 2009 01:49 AM

#152

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Anonymous.....again.... MOST real estate agents get into real estate to help other people....I worked for a family law attorney for years and also in a structured program in admin, writing grants and teaching classes. My 'failure' was wanting to still help others....as we cannot help people that DO NOT want to help themselves. P.S. It was meant to be public....for all the public/consumers that have the attitudes I described in the post. Those examples were real life ones from MANY clients and people that have actually told or asked me those things. I've had at least three people ask me about self study and take the real estate test. I've had MANY clients say I'm rich...including a 10 year old son of a client!

Why does anyone have to read in between your lines? MOST REAL ESTATE AGENTS get into Real Estate because they want to accomplish something bigger and greater. Your opinion is yours....I do not agree with that.

It's stereotyping...again....to say that your opinion about a profession is because they failed at everything else. What does that say about how you feel about real estate agents?

Anonymous ....RESULTS....the results are in... I slept very well last night...the night before and for as many years in real estate. :)

Chris: I like to think the best. And I agree...that there are too many humans to come to a grand agreement of sorts...to look at things in a positive light or at least a learning lesson...no matter how negative that lesson may be....there's a positive....what I don't want to do?

Apr 20, 2009 04:14 AM

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Ann: You said....I think if more people focus on what THEY can offer and HOW they can offer it to their clients without focusing on what everyone else is doing or not doing we will surely shine with those that count the most - the consumers and our potential clients.

And that's what counts. Wonder what all the naysayers do for their jobs? And how they would feel about a stereotyped situation where they had to defend what they do?

I'm sure we all could have something to say....but grouping everyone together is a different story.

Apr 20, 2009 04:27 AM

allan bataiff

CoBa REMS - Montebello, CA

Hmmmmmmmmmm, Apples.

Apr 20, 2009 07:08 AM

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

CoBa....maybe the good ones are oranges?

Hey Anne...oh, goodness...I hope I'm not being labeled now lol. If everyone could take that piece of advice and figure out a better way to better themselves...instead of looking around to cut others down this world would be a better place. .... then again...there's got to be some balance somewhere huh?

Apr 20, 2009 08:34 AM

Anonymous

Celeste:

You are Great! and I mean that, you took all of my crap and turned it into roses. I’m a very successful Real Estate Agent, a Multi Million dollar producer by the way. My income is well into the upper six figures at times over $1,000,000. I also teach. I just wanted to see what kind of response I would get. I like you! I have a referral for Hawaii. I may refer it to you? I will contact you soon. How does 30% to me sound on $800.000+- Talk to you soon. You win. I got my information and you responded well. I wish that a few others had responded. I just wanted to see reaction. Thanks! :)

Apr 20, 2009 10:21 AM

#157

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

The difference is how each of us (individually) conduct our businesses. I like straightforward myself...still thinking about the 'wanted to see my reaction'.

Apr 20, 2009 10:34 AM

Anonymous

I'm trying to get data for a artical I'm working on. Don't worry be happy! I'm not that bad.

Apr 20, 2009 10:41 AM

#159

Elizabeth Benefield

Montana Country Real Estate - Libby, MT

We do have a lot of Good agents and we do need to be treated as individuals. I do get frustrated some times because you see some of the bad work some of the agents do . The public never knows about it by you do. good blog.

Apr 20, 2009 04:32 PM

Liz Carter

Liz Carter & Team Realty-Your Real Estate Resource For Life! - Katy, TX

Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston)

Sally...

I wanted to make sure that you and more importantly Jeff does not think I thought he was being rude to us on AR and Realtors, and it was great to see him comment on your post too. I think what got me more were the comments of some of the agents...and then there was A.J., whoever he is that commented on Jeff's post!

Then you get comments that are so rude you have to delete them and then was Anonymous chiming in on your post! Amazing, I think I'll write a post on "them".

I would also recommend this article to Anonymous...

Time - Busybodies & Crybabies - Whats Happening to the American ...

In all my 33+ years selling a lot of real estate, most Realtors are really good, intelligent people, caring people that are harder on themselves than any client. After all these years 75% of my business is repeat and referrals from past clients who are very satisfied. Every once in awhile you get a "Bad Apple" for a client, and when I do I fire them. Life is way to short to put up with people who are not nice!

Sally, be careful of "the referral" from Anonymous...they might fall into that category. Who ever he/she is sure went about picking a Realtor to work with in a very strange way to say the least.

Would love to hear how that turns out...I think I'll go write a funny post now. You're the best, Liz

Apr 21, 2009 05:48 PM

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman

Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI

(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

Liz: I didn't bite on that...for one..unprofessional...and anyone not claiming a name is not real and the bs behind the game playing is not someone I feel is trustworthy.

Now...as for rude stuff ..... the only rude things I saw were the comments on Jeff's post. I think half those people didn't even read it ... they just wanted to buy into a supposed negative tone by the title. :)

Apr 21, 2009 06:20 PM