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We'll always need Realtors - The MLS won't go away either...

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty World Wichita

About 2 months ago, I was writing on why Realtors would be around.  I think that MLS listings will be more available, but I believe that as soon as a member of the public was rooked out of money, people would start screaming for the government to protect them.  I say that NAR, MLS, and Realtors should share the info (Point 2, Trulia, etc), but we still need to filter the "garbage" out.

Today, I recieved this email (as well as several in my office, and I bet across the country):

Greetings,

I am Senator Udoma Udo Udoma the senate committee chief whip with the upper legislative council in my country, please I am interested in purchasing a good  living home for my family  as we are making plans to relocate to your country due to political threats and also establish good estate investments in your country where my research shows there are growing business opportunity, please let me know if you can do this for me.  

Thank you and looking forward to your responds.  

Regards,

Senator Udoma Udo Udoma.

72 Asu Drive way.
Senatorial Quaters,
Apo
.
Federal Capital Territory,(FCT)
Roman">Abuja.
Nigeria.  

I know that lots may not bite on this.  I know a few Realtors who may "Wonder" if this is a true letter.  I also know that more savvy con artists will get better, and I know that some member of the public will bite.  Some artists will list homes that people will "buy".  With Realtors gatekeeping the MLS entries, we can offer some authenticity to the homes on the market.

Keith Stonehouse
Franklin Title Agency, LLC - Rochester, MI
Franklin Title Agency

We'll always need Realtors - The MLS won't go away either...

I sure hope so - or I will not have a company anymore! lol

- Seriously though - I see cons all day everyday come across my computer and on various websites. This appears to be the same but you will never know unless you check into it. I myself, would leave it for someone starving.  

Aug 08, 2007 02:04 PM
Blank Blank
Maxwell, CA

There will always be people that want someone else to sell their house for them... period.

Aug 08, 2007 02:18 PM
Jeff R. Geoghan
Coldwell Banker Realty - Lancaster, PA
REALTOR, Marketing Manager
I like the address they used.  Wonder if it's a real one in Nigeria...probably not real either.
Aug 10, 2007 07:30 AM
Paul Moye
Benchmark Realty - Franklin, TN
Broker, GRI, SRES
Stock brokers went through this years ago when the SEC deregulated the industry and allwed the discount brokers to advertise and these Day Trader shops to open....Anyone see Goldman Sachs' bonus on earnings for 2006? The highest ever paid out to any investment company.
Aug 11, 2007 01:54 AM
Stephen Joos & Chris Brubaker- HouseFront
HouseFront - Denver, CO
Your title says it all Greg, people will always need Realtors.  I totally agree with that, the real estate market requires so much knowledge that its hard for consumers to know everything they need to get a good deal.  Even with companies popping up on the Internet trying to take out the middle man (aka the Realtor) it won't ever work in today's industry and market.   
Aug 13, 2007 11:57 AM
Debbie White
Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK
I Sell Alaska!
I've had cons close enough to almost touch.  You can never be too careful.  Look up "strawman" if you want to know more.  It is our job to help our seller clients find true, honest and real buyers with real money.
Aug 14, 2007 07:43 PM
Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL
Joe Manausa Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee Real Estate
I like the ones that say they have $80M that they need help putting in my bank account. I've been getting that one for about 10 years.
Aug 14, 2007 09:25 PM
Anonymous
Claudia (Broker)

Got the same e-mail and as I was curious due to some news I rcalled the name of the senator, who actually exists but the address is bogus.  I would not reply due to all the other con-e-mail that the best of us are getting immune to.  If someone was deperate enough, contact the actual senator for varification.

However, I am wondering how they got my mris e-mail as I do not have it on my business card nor give it out so the only alternative is the MRIS itself.

 

 

Nov 10, 2007 02:36 AM
#8
Matthew Rosov
Amerisave Mortgage Corporation - Laurel, MD
Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist

Great reasons why your industry will stick around. 

How did it go with the good Senator from Nigeria?

Nov 10, 2007 06:02 AM