Real Estate Agents make too much money.

Real Estate Agents are an unnecessary "middle-man".

Real Estate Agents and Boards hold sellers and buyers captive.

Thoughts taken from a post from Jeff Jarvis at Buzz Boost.

It was written a long time ago, as far as the Internet is concerned, February 8th, 2006 at 11:53 am, "There is nothing new under the sun".

Sales people will always be somewhat despised.  But today, very different from the past, we have communication from all sections of the world that is immediate and gratification does not have to wait to get answers and feedback to all types of questions.  Trulia is a great example of this service.

There are a lot of issues that are not spoken about on this post.  I suppose that they will be.  In his book, "What would Google Do", Jeff is brilliant - However, he does devote some of his critical focus on Real Estate Agents.

Mike Ferry speaks about "handling the objection".  I think that might be better suited by, "answering questions".  Each point taken and each response to the questions posed does not have to be adversarial.

I was speaking with my beloved of 18 years about our Business.  We have our daily debrief after the kids are in bed and we have a moment of clarity, And Quiet!!!

I was explaining about what I was reading and listening to with regard to marketing and how Real Estate was brought up as you might a lover that has broken your heart.

I talked about my response and comment to Jeff's post.  Paris paused, stated simply, "who will show the homes and who will be responsible for inconvenience, missing property, and access."

Not taking it for granted, but I don't think we as Real Estate Agents were where we were when I first started in the mid-late 90's.  The Internet was a small part and with regard to Real Estate almost non-existent.  I speak of my time in the business very humbly, understanding that some of you (active rainers) have more time on code-7 than I have on the job. (a saying made on the LAPD - Code-7 is the Lunch Period, the "old timers" would say this referencing to the new recruits)

The consumer was not utilizing this "new technology" in the accessing of Multiple Listings and property for sale.  But things are much different today.  87% are searching online for real estate. 

You can attest to this by all of the Vendor calls you field on a daily basis.  A company has a better widget.  They say things like, "if you don't jump on this not, your competition will leave you behind".

Active Rain has been a blessing for Paris and I.  We learn so much about client interactivity and the trends within Real Estate.  These Relationships on Active Rain service provide more dimension and value to our clients.

Jeff Jarvis, seems like a nice guy.  I Don't know, we have never sat down for a cup of coffee, he has not shared with me his personal "Real Estate" pain, so we could both grow stronger for the sharing.  But I am forever hopeful :-)