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Step right up folks!! See why REALTORS(R) suck?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC BK607690

Want to buy a house?Jeff Corbett wrote a post recently titled Survey Says...Realtors Suck.

His post was about a California Association of REALTORS(R) survey that was released in July of 2008. If you have the time give it a read. The post and the survey.

So......why is it that so many REALTORS(R) suck? They’ve all been through very intense (joke) licensing requirements and passed a very difficult (more joking) multiple choice test. They’ve also jumped through all the bureaucracy at the Board of Realtors (wrote a check) and have had numerous training sessions with their Broker on how to complete purchase contracts, sales techniques, customer service and so forth (now I’m cracking myself up!).

So what is it that’s wrong? What’s missing? Could it be that the lure of big bucks and large commission splits is blinding REALTORS(R) and keeping them from seeing the importance of proper training? Should they be asking about training instead of money?

I mean let’s face it, if you are not properly trained there will be no commissions to split. This business has always been difficult and in this changing market it is even more so. It would make much more sense to take 50% of something than 100% of nothing. But hey, the almighty dollar and the dream of getting it is a very alluring carrot. Dangle it and they will come.

Or maybe, it’s the popular Real Estate business model where the entire plan is to rent desk space. Got a license? Come on in. You can use our name for the low, low fee of $1,200 per month. We are world wide and you can’t help but to succeed. Step right up and sign on the dotted line and bring your friends. The more the merrier. We have more REALTORS(R) than anybody. Don’t pay now, pay later! And pay and pay and pay and pay and pay.

They forget to tell you that 6 months later you will be broke, beaten and spit out. But that’s OK they have a line of people waiting to rent your desk.

Now I am a firm believer in Real Estae Companies having the freedom to work with whatever business plan they choose. Freedom of choice is what makes this country the greatest country on the planet. However, in my opinion, these high split, low training companies are not for the novice REALTOR(R). For a new REALTOR(R) training is everything. No training, no money. It’s as simple as that.

My biggest pet peeve is this: The consumer, when hiring a REALTOR(R) should be able to assume, at a minimum, that their REALTOR(R), is knowledgeable, professional, ethical, competent and able to guide them on what may be the single largest financial transaction of their lives. To be anything less than this, should be a crime.

What can we do about it? I just don’t know. It’s going to be very hard to tighten up Sate laws. People have the right to pursue a career. It’s hard to regulate incompetence. How about our REALTOR(R) associations? Could they require training? Could new REALTORS(R0 be required to attend several weeks worth of contract law and ethics classes prior to becoming a REALTOR(R)?

I think so. I truly think this would help. It would certainly be better than the current system of just writing a check. We are REALTOS(R). We do not need laws to change to be able to step up to the plate and train our members. Let’s make being a REALTOR(R) really mean something to the consumer. The consumer should not have to assume anything. They should be able to know for a fact that their REALTOR(R) has at least the minimum requirements to perform their duties.

So step right up folks. Let’s get it right. Let’s turn our side show into the main attraction! Come one, come all to the greatest show on earth!

Are you a Florida REALTOR(R) looking for a change? Check it out. http://TTRealtyNet.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA REALTOR(r) OPPORTUNITIES

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 Tutas Towne Realty, Inc handles Florida real estate sales, Florida short sales, Florida strategic short sales, Florida pre-foreclosure sales, Florida foreclosures in Kissimmee Florida Short Sales, Davenport Florida Short Sales, Haines City Florida Short Sales, Poinciana Florida Short Sales, Solivita Florida Short Sales,  Orlando Florida Short Sales, Celebration Florida Short Sales, Windermere Florida Short Sales. Serving all of Polk, Osceola and Orange Counties Florida. Florida Short Sale Broker. Short Sale Florida.

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Comments (139)

Gina Zimmerman
North Eastern Group Realty - Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne Real Estate

Very thought provoking post!  I have been in the business for two years -- RE/MAX RESULTS has a great training program and their agents are professionals.  I am surprised, though, by how many agents I do deals with who do not know how to write contracts or be bullish for their buyers.  Perhaps the standard is low and the states should make licensing more difficult.  But in the meantime, I would like to dedicate myself to rising above the fray and being dedicated to excellence.  Thanks for pushing all of us in that direction. 

May 20, 2009 02:39 AM
Ed Vogt
Midwest Properties of Michigan - Grandville, MI
Grandville, MI Midwest Properties

Referring to Karen's comment above - it's basically that same way here in Michigan.  Our Agency requires on-going training when you're new in the business (Mentor/Trainee) which is so important.

May 20, 2009 03:15 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

The commission split has little to do with the amount of training you get.  The first broker I worked for recruited me with a 50% commission rate. His training involved telling me to talk to people.  He felt the Internet was useless.  I worked there 6 months.  Then I closed 4 escrows in one month (a fluke I admit).  He then tells me how surprised he is, he did not think I would make it in this business.

It took me very little time to find another broker.

May 20, 2009 03:17 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

BB, I applaud your post, what I don't applaud is realtor bashing by those that are not licensed that you made reference too! There has been too much of that lately by people that don't know the business or make assine assumptions about our value to a transaction.

Obviously we have to get more professional and training helps. If your a newbie and your company doesn't offer you significant training you are going to bury yourself in debt or disappointments.  Real estate is too tough a business for those ill prepared.

Red spandex is a nice color for you, you borrowed TLW's outfit again didn't you?

May 20, 2009 03:53 AM
Anonymous
Mike Fair

Great Post!!!!

I too, share your pet peeve and question.

As the owner of a real estate school, I am a firm believer in education, however also believe that more education, by itself, is the answer.  You can "educate" someone, but it is up to them as to whether or not they apply the education.

I have heard real estate agent's say, "I don't care what the law says, I've been doing it this way for 20 years and I'm not going to change."  We need enforcement to weed this type of individual out of the profession, and we need to bring in and encourage those who are ethical and view real estate as a profession.

The answer really lies in the individual.  You, and many others who have posted believe in ethics and professionalism and probably have the success that goes along with it.

It does work, one can be a ethical and professional and succeed in the real estate business.

I started out in 1974 as an associate with a multi-office firm.  The firm was well respected in the region and known as an excellent place to work and to work with, and there were reasons.

Every office had a non-selling broker manager that was responsible for the operation of the office, including training.  Potential licensees were interviewed and tested, and were only hired if they fit in with the company philosophy.

The company had weekly sales meetings and tour, weekly manager meetings, and all associates met with the manager on a weekly basis to discuss written goals and activities.

An associate had to complete an 8 week training program including role play prior to meetimg with a prospect.  All contracts had to be reviewed by a manager prior to presentation and a manager accompanied a licensee on his first three presentations and more if needed.

The company was a leader in the marketplace, had very low turnever and associates who remained on board for years

All associates were proud to be REALTORs(R) and many served on committes and and as officers of the local Association.

The owner of the company modeled what he taught, and served as a State Assocition President and National Director. I am proud to say that that man was my father, who taught me and many others the business principles that we live by.

The industry needs more licensees like that, who believe in the industry, ethics and professionalism.
And for those who do'nt?  Kick the bums out!!!

Mike Fair, Director
IllinoisAcademyofRealEstate

May 20, 2009 04:43 AM
#126
Tim Bradley
Contour Investment Properties - Jackson Hole, WY
Commercial Real Estate Expert in Jackson Hole, WY

Dead right, once again! The churn and burn desk fee model of brokerage is doing nothing to improve the professionalism of the business, and the very low requirements to pass the tests is a joke.

May 20, 2009 05:59 AM
Randy Landis
Living in the Pacific - Tupelo, MS
Life is Good in the Tropic Shade!

YES! YES! YES!  My Super Hero!  I seen a license plate recently that said "Everyone has the right to be stupid.  Some AGENTS just abuse the priviledge."  Of course I substituted one word here, but It does drive home a point.  Thanks.    

May 20, 2009 06:22 AM
Jessica DeCastro
Williams & Stuart Real Estate - Cranston, RI

Without a doubt there should be more training in real estate before beginning your career. But with the laws and regulations are currently it is up to us as Realtors to get all the education, training, information, etc.... that we possibly can. We determine our success!

May 20, 2009 06:30 AM
Anonymous
Olga Diaz Potter

Bryant, great post!  There should definitiely be more training!  So much new information constantly...

One needs to be up to date with information toprovide the best service to our clients.  The classes that are required to renew aren't quite enough.  Thanks for your post.

May 20, 2009 07:02 AM
#130
Dan Evans
WEICHERT, REALTORS - Advantage Plus - Knoxville, TN

I think that this market is helping some with this problem.  The average experience of agents still in the business has gone up significantly.

That said, new and experienced agents should look to associate with brokerages that have excellent ongoing training.  If not, they need to plan on investing heavily into training on their own.

May 20, 2009 08:38 AM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

I agree with much of what's been said here already regarding increasing education requirements to obtain a license.  I wish it would have been much harder to pass the licensing exams.  However, it seems to me that what we learn in the course doesn't even come close to the things we'll encounter in the field. 

My broker enrolled me in training classes at their expense and I took advanced training immediately following that.  At that time, I felt I had a much better skill set to benefit my clients.  Interesting enough, the instructor cautioned us not to be intimidated by long time agents as many of them might not have formal training at all.  Those classes gave me the knowledge and confidence to get that first listing, that first buyer and do a great job. 

It's great if you work with a brokerage who supports and promotes training.  But if not, I believe should have the initiative to take ongoing education classes to keep on top of our game (not just the ones required for renewal). We owe it to be informed about the industry and our market.  With the online resources available to everyone, it would be a shame for our clients to be better informed that we are.

 

May 20, 2009 10:12 AM
Pat & Wayne Harriman
Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499 - Wallingford, CT
Broker/Owners, Wallingford CT Real Estate

TLW,

I watched that NAR video in complete amazement. Did they read everything from a script? They sounded way too rehearsed and the whole scenario seemed forced. I bet if you look at their backs you'll still se the wind-up key sticking out! I wasn't even listening to WHAT they were saying, I was too hung up on HOW they were saying it. The most interesting part of the whole video was the purple vase of flowers beside Dick Gaylord's head...<Thank ya, Dick!> <You are very welcome, Charles!> [Danger, Will Robinson!] What a hoot! Sad, but still a hoot.

 

May 20, 2009 11:19 AM
Harold "Hal" Benz
Transformative Action Coaching & Consulting, LLC - Westfield, NJ
Business & Life Coach For Agents & Entrepreneurs

Hey Bryant,

In a previous life I became licensed as a clinical social worker. It took a Master's Degree and over 2000 hours of supervised (and unfortunately unpaid) internship. You needed to really want it because the bar was set pretty high. Now I am a licensed real estate broker, and well...we all know what that took. But I for one think that the higher qualifications should happen at the licensing level, and not at NAR membership. It seems to me that the reason a license is required is because the state has a responsibility to protect the public from incompetence. A plumber or electrician is licensed because if they screw up, people get hurt. The same holds true for our profession whether we want to believe it or not. Everyone has the right to earn a living, but not to hold a license. 

 

BTW...cool suit.

May 20, 2009 11:39 AM
Bryant Tutas
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL
Selling Florida one home at a time

WOW! You guys have really out done yourselves on this post. Really great comments. I guess I'm pretty much preaching to the choir on this post.

I really don't have any thing else to add to this discussion.

Great job!!! All of you.

Now of we could just get the folks that need it to read this post.

May 20, 2009 11:55 AM
Lynn BEHLENDORF
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ

I think the industry as a whole could use more professionals and then we might gain more respect Peer to peer respect is key as well. I've had interactions with several Realtors who'd I hire in a mnute if I owned a business where I had to hire people and I've come across others who are a detriment to the industry. I think if the training were more intense and the cost of getting a license were more, you'd have more professionals in the business. Also, lawyers and doctors charge upfront fees and retainers and we often work for free. When we start changing that, we might get more respect and be recognized more as educated professionals as well. You're right, we're often helping guide people with the biggest purchase of their lives and we need to be up to the task.

May 20, 2009 04:36 PM
"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

Pat & Wayne...

I'm really glad you watched it. Some of the Members think I should take over NAR. I could crack my whip at them or on them. Or I could just break off those wind up keys :)

TLW...ROAR!

May 21, 2009 04:35 AM
Pat & Wayne Harriman
Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499 - Wallingford, CT
Broker/Owners, Wallingford CT Real Estate

Heh, that's the ticket...a hostile takeover of the NAR by TLW. We know you could "whip" them into shape! :-D At least your videos would be worth watching...

May 21, 2009 05:15 AM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

You make excellent points here -  training is optional depending upon where you hang your license. One of my pet peeves is the lack of professionalism I have encountered.

May 24, 2009 03:41 AM
John Grasty
for real estate results in the Tri-Cities. - Port Moody, BC
Your Tri-cities REALTOR, neighbour and volunteer.

My biggest pet peeve is this: The consumer, when hiring a REALTOR(R) should be able to assume, at a minimum, that their REALTOR(R), is knowledgeable, professional, ethical, competent and able to guide them on what may be the single largest financial transaction of their lives. To be anything less than this, should be a crime. What can we do about it? I just don't know.

With your indulgence I'd like to suggest that our industry recognises and rewards some of the very behaviour being discussed here. One way we measure success is by the number of listings taken when the more important metric is the number of expired listings.

Being an ethical REALTOR(R) means fulfilling our legal obligations of performing in the best interest of the client. Our goal isn't to take a listing! Our goal must align with the goal of the seller; to sell. So how do we account for so many expired listings?

The next point is commission splitting. Is paying less to a Buyer's Agent in the best interest of the Seller?

Jun 09, 2009 08:57 AM
Anonymous
Jaime D

Realtors need to get educated or lose out.  We want to call ourselves professionals but act stupid to our clients and to each other.  

Feb 23, 2010 09:49 AM
#141