Finally after 100 years, Real Estate agents will no longer be "Untouchable"

Really, what has changed the perception, did I miss something?

Hey Paul, now here is the way to start out a day!  Inspire!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPITHzdUUDk

there is a change in the test in Florida coming up? 

I disagree * the tests have gotten EASIER.  Having taken 3 sales and 3 broker tests in 45 years, the most recent broker exam for VA was MUCH HARDER than my first broker exam in Hawaii in the 70s and exam in CA in the 80s..,.,

Try getting licensed in Texas: 210 hours. A Broker license requires an additional 900 hours in addition to the experience.

Mike, are we in for a change nationally?

I like the Texas model.

Hello Paul:

I am confused.  Is this a headline you wish were coming true?  If this is true what makes agent untouchable?

On another facet of this be careful what you wish for.  Government intervention into anything, especially trying to limit competition, is a disaster waiting to happen.  Please, no more government involvement to control our industry.

I'm not aware of any national change. I'm not sure what Paul was referring to. It may be that Florida is adopting tougher guidelines.

Texas is, and has been, the most difficult state in the union to acquire licensing. Although I must confess, Louisiana, with its Napoleonic Code is 'unique' as it applies to real estate. I heartily endorse strong educational requirements for licensing and practice.

"Other sources of income"? You're a real estate agent; your 'source of income' involves a Closed Transaction, a successful sale.

Paul, I'll gladly debate the "kickbacks" as you properly identify them regarding home warranties. In fact, Texas removed these payments over 12 years ago and for good reason. Compensation for merely suggesting a warranty company is not "earned" and every professional should encourage their clients to consider the merits of having one. When this went into effect, the warranty companies immediately lowered the price of plans equal to the amount of the "kickback" saving the consumer money. You might want to re-read the Code of Ethics: Duties to Clients and Customers, Article 1 "...promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary..."

This is my own personal opinion.  I believe in more stringent guidelines to become a Realtor.  However, no matter how much education you need or how hard you make the test, does not make an ethical Realtor.

I think a lot of the responsibility should be on the Broker/Owner before they actually bring the agent on board. We need to stop hiring licensed people that can just steam a mirror or have a pulse.  they need to have other attributes.  I believe before the hired agent goes out on the road by themselves and starts dealing in Real Estate, their should be a probationary period and has to have a mentor for that period of time.  There are way to many agents that are left to go out on their own without proper supervision, and that is what is giving us all a bad rap. 

I relate somewhat to what is happening with the market.  You can lower the interest rates as much as you want, but if people don't have the credit scores or a job, then it becomes irrelevant.