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This post was inspired by the recent Agent Genius article entitled "Realtor matching Ends- Are Agents Just Insecure Posers?" The article examines the circumstances around the Houston Association of Realtors program that (shutter) disclosed how many homes member agents sold in a given locale. Very transparent move if you ask me. But the program was ended. But why? What is so taboo about asking the question 

"How many homes like mine have you sold in the past year?" 

It is a simple question, but all too few agents will give you a number. Oh, they'll tell you they  have been a Triple Micronium producer or on the top team, whatever that means. It all sounds great. But here's the deal: 90% of all the listings are sold by 10% of the agents. I'll put it another way: In my zip code we have 3 large companies with offices of 40 or more licensees and another half dozen with anywhere from 1 to 20 licenses. That is over 200 salespeople. In the month of July, those 200 salespeople sold exactly 5 single family homes in this zip code.  

There are 51 active listings, so there are plenty of people who listed with someone who somehow finessed the fact that they haven't sold much of anything in a dog's age. They might have stated that they work for a big company, productive office, or some other larger truth that obfuscates the reality on the ground that they themselves are not doing very much. 

The problem here, and take it from a guy that lists dozens (probably 75 or so) of expired listings a year, is that all that flowery gibberish breaks down when the seller realizes that the 2004 top office producer award means nothing in 2010, or 30 years in the business can really be one year repeated thirty times. Sad to say, but many agents flat out stink, and they refuse to admit it isn't 1986 anymore. 

I am in the top 10 agents in my MLS of 7000 for transaction totals going back to 2007. A large part of my marketing is trading on that production, and it does make a difference. I also work bloody hard to do that in this market. This doesn't mean you have to sell 50 or 100 houses to get hired. When we sold my mother's townhome in another market, we selected an agent who sold about 15 homes annually. She knew what she was doing and she was very good with us. The so called "top dog" put me off. But I did know my agent's track record. 

It does astound me, that as the largest trade association in America, that we haven't encouraged the public to ask for a verifiable track record, references, and other factual, transparent credentials they can hang their hat on. They just say to select a member. That's not good enough. 

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43 Comments on Should REALTOR Sales Statistics be Public?

AUG
12
2010
680,088 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think the number of homes sold may be very misleading.. It may have very little to do with the professionalism of the agent.  I just had a transaction with a listing agent that is great in marketing, but had very few skills. I really had to step in to save this deal.  So I think this information often doesn't tell the entire story.

10:29pm • #1
980,970 Points 81 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

J. Philip,

Not sure the statistics mean really something. For one, it may not reveal what we think it does, and on the other, it can so easily be manipulated.

There is a broker in the area, a huge company, and he somehow manages to end up as the first lister on his agents listings. Huge number of listing, but is it true?

And even if it is, what does it mean?

10:34pm • #2
1,304,461 Points 314 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Philip - I think it makes sense to share this information. But there is more that bears watching. What percent of your sales have your sold? If you list 100 but sell 10 thgat is not too impressive. And what about the sales price/list price ratio. Good for you for bringing this to the forefront. Look foreward to hearing what others have to say.

Jeff

10:38pm • #3
314,804 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi J. Phillip. It would be great for customers to know. Some do ask but that is directly. It would differ if they had access to a database which can open a Pandora's Box.

10:38pm • #4
603,394 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Seems like a grear idea.  I know some others in the area that do that.  I suppose if you're talking abt lstings, it's # houses sold andi fit'ssomeone buying a home, then # bought (or whatever the correct real estate term is)

10:53pm • #5
195,507 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The number of homes listed or sold in the MLS is very misleading.  Some agents sell homes that are new and in subdivsions not listed in the MLS, some are foreclosures not listed in the MLS, some are listed in different MLS systems.  How do you really get an accurate figure???  I have had people list with us instead of the agent who sold a billion homes, because they wanted to have someone who was hands on and that they could reach.  The rest is just hipe anyway!!!  It has nothing to do with today.

10:58pm • #6
1,480,497 Points 275 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Philip, I would just love to see an agent who would just say, "Well, I haven't sold anything in a dog's age!"  They'd probably get the lisitng.

11:31pm • #7
751,907 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Phillip, very interesting topic and would like to hear more comments from the community...suggested for a feature.

11:46pm • #8
396,346 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It seems that in the information age, it may come along, and there will be nothing we can do but accept it.

11:47pm • #9
AUG
13
2010
584,729 Points 69 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

JP - I don't know how your MLS operates but here in Los Angeles & Ventura counties, an agents production is supposed to be posted.  However, I'm told that depending on which MLS it is (we have several local MLS boards here), the numbers aren't always correct.  I guess it's better than nothing.

12:17am • #10
608,296 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Phillip, it would certainly take away the puffing of some agents in our area who stretch the truth so far it almost pops! I think Chris is right - eventually it will be a matter of public record. That will probably weed out another whole bunch of agents who are bluffing their way through life...

12:44am • #11
613,054 Points 139 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Phil, If all the sales were apples to apples I could perhaps see the logic in making those numbers publicly available.  However, a few flaws might present in the consumer using the data, and the result might not be in their best interest!

Perhaps it's a bit different in your market, but my wife and I work our county (average DOM over 90).  There's a pretty good mix of rural and small to mid sized towns here.  Whether or not we've sold a home in someone's neighborhood is absolutely no reflection on our ability, but instead simply a lack of opportunity to do so!  We also work Expireds, so more often than not, there is a physical reason the home was rejected by the market the first time (model home with streets on THREE sides of the lot, a steep hill, etc.).  These generally take longer to move, but all do eventually sell if the seller will come to the appropriate price to make it happen.  We do have the necessary skills and experience to get the job done & a track record to support.  We keep our listing total under 25, the number we're comfortable being able to properly service without needing to hire help.   So on a pure numbers basis we aren't going to make "top dog".  Quality of service can't be represented by MLS stats alone.

Further, stats may not be representative of the whole picture.  The agent's average DOM is 1/2 of everyone else.  Woo Hoo!  Fantastic!  Oh wait, the agent got 20% less than market value to make the home disappear quickly! 

Extend the stats further and that newer agent with loads of potential will be hard pressed to find opportunity because there are little to no stats to support skill level, unless they start working for bargain rates to get their foot in the door.

Sorry, went on way longer than usual, but believe "full transparency" might not serve anyone other than an area's biggest hitters.

6:21am • #12
502,137 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

A lot of people are number one at something. That may be their niche.

It's true that much of the business is done by a minority of agents. 

Many agents/teams are great listers.  But in my area the very best (in single-side dollar volume) have high listings sold and comparatively few buyer-sales.  They let those "other people" do the work of selling.

And, while it's true they sell a lot of listings, for some it's also true that their ratio of listings-sold to listings-taken is no better than many low producers.

There are a lot of measures of success in this business. 

Maybe the lawyers can start giving us their box scores first.

7:03am • #13
781,702 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Phil I love this quote "they have been a Triple Micronium producer or on the top team, whatever that means". You should copyright that. It is almost as good as being a million dollar producer selling 3 homes.

7:40am • #14
1,545,555 Points 416 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Any such reporting system could too easily be manipulated by agents and brokers who know the system.

There are many "team leaders", brokers, husband and wife, etc. entities that use a single member of the group on contracts and when reporting SOLD info to the MLSs where the information is aggrigated. 

Broker sells one home in a year, but has 27 reported sales under his/her name for agents in that office. 

Team leader lists/sells one home in a year, but 2 other team members sell 21 homes in that team leader's name.

It won't work.  It's too often a false factor when determining experience. 

7:50am • #15
147,617 Points 6 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Statistics can be distorted so easily, as a Comparative Market Analysis can be.  The public is confused enough on who to choose, and showing them all the unprovable statistics only enhances that.  Numerous sales are not even reported such as new construction, lot sales and so forth.  Our MLS is starting to clamp down on the time table allotted to get them entered in system or there will be fine imposed.  John Q. Public needs to look at each individual on their own merit.  Past statistics in no way dictates future success.

8:43am • #16
173,204 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I agree they should be published, because it makes us look like we are hiding something if not,  but volume does not speak to efficacy.   There are some of these teams here who sell like 100 million a year, but don't do it well, take have a low list sold price to list price ratio and make minimal marketing effort.   They continue to get listings because sellers don't ask the right questions of their agents.   They assume that signs in the yard = success.    I recently wrote a blog telling prospective sellers to ASK their prospective agents what their production is AND the success rate.  How fast did you sell it, what percentage of list price did you get and what do you do to sell - that is far more important than volume.

8:55am • #17
769,069 Points 60 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

There are too many variables here for it to work properly.

Anyone with a good sense of statistics would know how to manipulate the numbers to their favor.

9:41am • #18
Attended Rain Camp

Jeff Dowler #3, is right on the money. Particularly with short sales, close % means a heck of a lot. I understand that even the best SS agents lose a few here and there, but I see FAR too many agents in my area that must market well, but are clueless or lazy when it comes to closing them. So often, I will look an agent up in the MLS and they will have 40 SS listings in the last 12 months, but only 6 or 8 closed, and the rest were expired or withdrawn. No one can convince me that the agent knows what they are doing with those poor stats. The sellers are counting on you to help them through a very difficult situation, and you are taking on a task that you are clearly not capable of handling. I find this to be incredibly unprofessional.

EDIT: I do not approve of a public display, mainly because the logistics would be difficult. Also, as a few have mentioned, many agents do a lot of work, but may not get the MLS credit. I do think that Sellers need to ask, and then demand to see the pdf's of the listings with the agents name on them. That will not work to determine expired/withdrawn however.

1:40pm • #19
550,743 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I've read all the comments & I'm torn on a few things.  Like Lenn said, stats from teams are very misleading because it is grouped to one individual.  I really can't see throwing those numbers out to the public because how would they decipher them? Sounds like Zillow doesn't it? Publish numbers that mean??? what???  Besides to a computer (MLS) you are just a number that does X.  I know there are plenty of agents not doing anything because I know my market numbers BUT do we really need to embarrass them?  I also look at it as if I sell one, that's one better than you.

I'm going to go spit polish my miconium award now.

1:44pm • #20
Attended Rain Camp

Phillip, it's rather obvious as to why such a list doesn't exist - the powers that be don't want to discourage their agents from simply giving up.

Case in point . . . . there's a local RE office that takes out huge full page ads in the local paper and boasts about how many agents they have = over 44.

Truth is, over 50% of them do less than 3 transactions per year!

I know what would happen if they put out the type of list you are advocating = he would lose the 50% that are not producing because people would want to do business with only the top dogs because they would be perceived as the situational experts.

 

1:46pm • #21
214,785 Points 5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Wow .... you are soo fantastic at getting a point across ... have you looked into coaching????

Love Lenn's quote "they have been a Triple Micronium producer or on the top team, whatever that means".

1:47pm • #22
223,131 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am not so sure about this.  I have established myself as the go to guy for a condo community.  How?  They see my signs there.  And they see that my listings close.

Anybody who really wants to know our track records just has to ask, no?

In my area we have a Listing Machine.  When I was flipping houses in the early 2000's  He sold me on listing with him.  However, he was only a listing machine.  He depended upon the MLS to sell his listings for him, as well as his highly motivated salaried staff.  Salaried REALTORS®?  Really?  Learn something new.

1:54pm • #23
393,119 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I certainly would want to know that information if I were choosing an agent.

"Show me your sales" and be prepared to explain them. 

If you don't have many sales, tell me why and why it's to my advantage to still use you.

2:21pm • #24
Outside Blog

A good sales person can always make the numbers look good for them in some form or fashion. Should the selection of the person you choose to sell or help you buy your home only be based on sales numbers? How would new agents ever get started in the business

Some things, such as personal traits, are hard to put numbers to i.e. enthusiasm, personality, friendliness, etc. 

2:51pm • #25
243,085 Points 17 Featured Posts

Most of us have access to sales information in the MLS and the ability to export records. It's not very hard to create your own report about listings and sales. I have used reports I generated myself to debunk claims from another office that they are "the best" in the area and can bring in clients from out of the area. Even if your association doesn't publish sales records, there is no reason you can't create your own version (accurate of course) to share during listing presentations.

On the other hand, I think sharing testimonials of recent transactions gives a much better insight about what kind of agent you will be. People hire agents not so much for their records as for what they will be like to work with. I'll take a small stack of glowing testimonials about hard work and good communication over a statistical report any day.

3:01pm • #26
1 Featured Post

I think that this kind of transparency is the future, no matter what agents decide.  There's a long history of "disruptive technology" screwing up industries just like ours .. and here's what I propose: someone will find a way to force this information out into the open, on a national level.  

Some clever kid is going to find a way to get ahold of these statistics, organize and package them in one tidy little app.  And then all of a sudden all our debates on this subject .. will be moot!!

3:10pm • #27
937,108 Points 361 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

A list of my sales goes in my listing package. I pull it out and go over with my potential sellers. I want them to see how many homes I've sold and how long it took me to sell them. It definately works to my advantage.

BUT...MLS stats are not always accurate. I personally have sold several properties this year that were not in my MLS. They were out of the area. And as others have pointed out some folks work on teams where they may not get creidt for any sales. And of you are on both sides of the transaction do you count the sale trwice?

Too many ways to manipulate the numbers.

So I'm not a fan of a forced system. I am however all for consumers doing their own homework. But unfortunately most consumers shop by convenience or cost and not experience.

4:36pm • #28
861,446 Points 76 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think it's a dangerous system. You can make numbers say anything -- break it down by zip code or neighborhood or county stats. We're #1! How? Number of agents? Number of listings? Number of closed sides? Percentage of listings that sell? Dollar volume? Client satisfaction via survey afterward????

 

5:16pm • #29
Outside Blog

I got my lic in the fall of 2006 by feb of 2007 I was # 1 for total sales volume and transactions closed (51 in a 3700 population area). I have held the transactions closed for 3 years running now and it does matter. People want to know the agent that is working for them have ambition and a go getter attitude...

I specialize in land sales which requires knowledge of GPS and good navigation skills for finding things in the woods. Allot of my clients say they know when they call me by the disclosure of amount of deals on my website I do; I should have the knowledge to service them well.

I can say from doing as many deals as I do I have more direct knowledge of surveys, cc&R's and easements that concern property just because I do so many transactions I learn about so many properties and the areas surrounding them through the process.

It also has helped me establish a good working relationship with title companies and county offices I work with. We have done so many transactions with title companies I catch errors on title reports and closing statements and such. County officials tell people to call me when people call them and are frustrated and confused about property details if they cant help them. 

Figure every person you service has 5 friends times that by 50 sides thats 250 people who will probably hear about me in word of mouth just from the 2007 sales.

I maintain over 60 listings at any given time and my phone never stops ringing.

Thats doing business!!!!!!! A Realtor track record does COUNT, it says allot about their natural drive to "GET R DONE" 

Janeece Smith

Broker, Realtor

http://www.klickitatcountyland.com, Cell 509-261-1618

Klickitat Valley Realty, Inc  Goldendale Washington

5:22pm • #30
579,083 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I'm not so sure Phil..

Stats are as stats do.  (as in stupid is as stupid does) In many cases stats are pure spin. From my years in the lab I can tell you that an amazing amount of pretzel logic can be used to justify stats that are virtually meaningless because their proper context has oh so surreptitiously inadvertantly been ommitted.  Stats can be spun any way you want.

For example.... I listed 7 properties last year.  That's right, only 7.  BUT - THEY ALL SOLD.  So I could go out there and tout myself as an "expert" because of my very low median DOM to contract and a 100% track record.  Does that make me "better" than someone who listed 50 homes but only sold 25% of them?  Depends....what type of listings. Were they short sales? Were they in difficult locations? If someone is doing short sales in a difficult location they are going to have more expireds than those working a prime area.   I know several agents who do very low volume, but they are very professional and the get the job done in a timely way. I know big names who have 50+ listings and just stick a sign in the ground and pray. 

People do not have enough KNOWLEDGE to evaluate the numbers that agents spew out...so no - I don't think this would work.

 

5:32pm • #31
344,027 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The answer to your question in my area would be NO. We have too many teams under one name/broker.  Team members do not get the credit on the MLS.  The team leader does.

6:15pm • #32
298,413 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Some great comments on this post. I come down on the side that all to often the numbers can be manipulated.

I also agree with Ruthmarie. There are agents who have a low sales volume who are very motivated. There are others who have 50+ listings and just put a sign in the ground and hope for the best. Numbers don't really help. Tough to be a consumer faced with those options. How to figure out who walks the walk is a tough one for them.

7:29pm • #33
258,711 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Not that it matters to me, but it always seems that those who have the biggest boat (most solds, huge team, etc) want to compare their boat to all the others. Same with full time agents vs part timers, and I won't even mention the "We gotta raise the bar!" initiative. (well, I guess I just did, but I'm sure you get my point).

I don't think the stats transparency thing will work, mostly for the reasons everyone else mentioned. Easily manipulated and difficult to prove. Do you think someone will be able to come up with AgentFax, like they have for cars?

8:26pm • #34
723,991 Points 223 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joan- True, the numbers don't tell the whole story, but neither does NO numbers, no? 

Jon- anything statistical can be manipulated. 

Jeff- we may be in the minority after a quick skim of the opinions. 

Lana they should know but few ask. 

Debbie- I think it is a good idea myself. 

Mary- I'm for including any sale, MLS or not. 

Patricia, the lady that sold my mother's townhome opened out meeting with "if you are looking for a bigshot or super agent we will have a short interview. If you want someone who serves a small number of clients well, you'll like me." We listed with her and she did a great job. 

Rebecca- I think it is an under discussed topic. 

Chris- Probably inevitable. 

Donne- it isn't published here. 

Bill, I think it is all in how you present the numbers. You don't have to be number 1 to get the job. Some people don't want the uber producer. 

Jim, as long as the listing sells I don't care who brings the buyer. 

Bill- we have a lot of those. 

Lenn, if the team sold 21 houses, as long as mine is in that 21 I wouldn't care which team member actually did it. Would you? 

Don, nothing is guaranteed, but my chips are on someone with a track record and references. 

Coral, there are many variables and they can be manipulated. But you have to have something to be manipulated, right? 

Craig, so long as they have numbers and references the consumer is in better shape aren't they? If an agent has only sold 3 houses in the past 2 years, how could they manipulate that? 

Mike- those are terrible ratios, and a transparent system would weed those guys out, wouldn't it? 

Lyn, would you want to protect agents from embarrassment more than protecting the public from pretenders? I know a good micronium polish, by the way. 

Harj- The rich get richer. They always will. 

Daniel, I'd refer to what my mother's agent said in our interview. Sometimes the top dog isn't the right one. 

Tim- my point exactly. 

Gary- I have an answer for that but it is a whole different post. 

Dave- testimonials are very effective. And I do MLS reports on my laptop right with my clients. 

Mike- it is going to happen. Absolutely. 

BB- I do also. I wouldn't force anything if consumers would ask the right questions. 

Erica. Anything can be manipulated, but I'd rather an agent manipulate their numbers than an agent with no numbers who basically lies about being a big hitter because there's no way to expose her. 

Janeece, that's great. I think a track record is important. 

Ruthmarie, not everyone wants a guy who sells 100 houses a year. 7 for 7, presented honestly, packs a punch. 

Barbara- as long as the house sells I wouldn't care if it was sold by a team of donkeys. 

Denise, what about keeping the agents who lie honest? 

Eric, I think an Angie's list for agents is an eventuality. 

10:44pm • #36
AUG
14
2010
164,134 Points 4 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Since we accept a listing with a professional obligation (fiduciary duty) to our sellers to sell it, I believe the most important statistic for the consumer is how many times we failed.

There are already a few comments here suggesting a comparison between listings and sold. This comparison should be published by every board and for every member with no exceptions.

The only REALTORS® who might resist this would be the "highest bidders" (that everyone complains about "buying" litings)!

4:17am • #37
142,559 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Philip I'm not trying to be contrary, and I do understand the point you're attempting to make. However, statistics have remained relatively unchanged for the past 10 or more years. It used to be 20% of agents sold 80% of the homes. Perhaps that's 10%-90% today.

Your statement that "200 salespeople sold exactly 5 single family homes in this zip code", does not indicate whether any of these agents sold homes in another zip code or if merely 195 salespeople had no sales transactions. That makes a difference; one agent can be with a Broker in Zip Code A but sell in Zip Code B.

In your next statement, "There are 51 active listings, so there are plenty of people who listed with someone who somehow finessed the fact that they haven't sold much of anything in a dog's age." Your statement seems to indicate the Listing Agent is required to be the Selling Agent. I've worked many markets predominantly as a Listing Agent, but I can only recall on one hand the number of times I've had the buyer for that listing. In my experience, a Buyer's Agent actually brought the buyer, and I would hope, as a result of my marketing efforts.

This goes to my next point that it's the MLS that overwhelmingly creates the sale. More and more consumers are locating homes on the internet. This exposure is mainly due to the MLS data feeds. Ads, flyers, virtual tours, open houses, etc. all provide 'exposure', but I would venture that the MLS plays the more critical role in acquiring that buyer. Gone are the days of "Just Listed" post cards and newspaper line ads. Technology is doing away with what used to be 'traditional marketing'.

As for expired listings, it's not necessarily a reflection of the agent's capabilities as you seem to hint at. How many of us, at least in our novice days, took overpriced listings, or worked with difficult sellers? I can recall an abundance of sellers who: made showings difficult limiting the times for viewing, refused to pen pets, smoked heavily indoors, wouldn't de-clutter, wouldn't repair, wouldn't neutralize strong paint colors, etc. Those listings typically lingered and in some cases, the listing was transferred when the sellers erroneously assigned blame to the agent.

And while transparency is a good thing, those just entering the profession have no "verifiable track record" or references. While you're the "Top Dog" now, imagine if such transparency was in place when you initiated your career. Who knows, there might not be a J. Philip LLC, if such was the case.

6:11am • #38
1 Featured Post

Comments here have been awesome!! Really grateful for all the detailed discussion here...

1:18pm • #39
723,991 Points 223 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

John, it's an intriguing idea. But who cares how many times Babe Ruth struck out? 

Mike- You make a number of points so let me address them. The 195 agents may have sold listings in other zip codes. I certainly did. But those other zip codes have their own offices, and the 90/10 cycle continues. Who brings the buyer is a non -issue to me. If you are the lister or the selling agent on the deal, it still counts for a transaction side. This could mean that it is only 190 agents in my zip code who did nothing. Expired listings- true, not all listings go unsold due to the agent's expertise. But if you want to find a fertile place for people with legit beefs with agents, speak with some ex clients who expired unsold. Lastly, with transparency, I think it is good for all, including consumers and new agents. When I started my firm in 2005, I hadn't sold a house in 5 years. I leveraged other things, such as my ownership in the firm, my marketing plan, experience, and my web page. My first 2 deals were representing buyers, I parlayed that, and it snowballed through hard work and a plan. 

Mike- It is good brain food. 

Thanks for all your comments. I would state to all who voiced a concern about manipulation of statistics that such a scenario is exactly what we have now- gaming of statistics, manipulation of numbers, and obfuscation with awards, terms, teams and firms. If there were a CarFax or Angie's List for agents, people would know the bottom line- who listed/sold what, where, when , and for how much. It is coming, and the people who hide behind their 1992 accolades or office accomplishments will not be able to play the game they currently play.  

2:33pm • #40
437,333 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

No......it is a tool of the trade and the trade players are licensed which to me includes privileges to certain data. I know my point is arguable, but as you journey through life, you have to choose sides...so be it......

Thank you. J. Philip Faranda......for posing a good post

4:22pm • #41
AUG
15
2010
164,134 Points 4 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

J Philip, with all due respect, Babe Ruth striking out is not a good analogy at all.  Try this: "...how many times is it acceptable for the doctor who delivers babies to drop a baby at birth?"

Personally I find it frightening that so many REALTORS® frequently FAIL to fulfill their legal and ethical obligations to their clients (the goal being to sell) and are not held accountable in any way, which is why it is important for this information to be public.

I believe this is at the heart as to why our professional reputation as REALTORS® and as an industry is so fragile.

Many of the so called top producers and award winners are also prolific top producers of listings that didn't sell; I see the expiries every day.  IMHO measuring and recognizing performance by volume alone is a harmful metric that encourages a listings, listings, listings, mentality, when the client expectation is for their home to be sold, and not just listed.

 

1:23pm • #43
AUG
16
2010
271,533 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I heard from a real estate coach that if you don't do at least 25 transactions a year you shouldn't be able to renew your license, that would really get rid of a lot of the people who don't really have the experience necessary to be in this business. 

4:16pm • #44

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J Philip Faranda, Broker-Owner

Briarcliff Manor, NY

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J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY

Address: 522 North State Road , Suite 100, Briarcliff Manor, NY, 10510

Office Phone: (914) 762-2500

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J. Philip Faranda is based in Briarcliff Manor, NY. His market covers Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, & Dutchess counties. Almost 100 clients and customers had closed transaction in 2009-2010 from his efforts. Ever the high-producing listing agent, he counts among his specialities hard to sell properties & short sales. You can reach him at (914) 723-8900.

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