Have we become a society that expects to get everything for free?

Richard,

I think it is one thing to find free stuff, and another thing entirely to develop the entitlement mentality that whatever one wants should be free.

And I share your concern.

Oh, but you are paying to be on the Internet aren't you? I know folks who can't afford it and folks who won't because it would mean a slow dial-up connection. And look at us as bloggers, could we be adding to that mentality of entitlement because we are just as guilty of putting "free" information out there? You bring up a very interesting discussion ... I'll be back to check out the comments.

Being cheap is a big difference from being smart.  You aren't cheap Richard, you are wise to watch those dollars. 

Richard... good observation... I think many expect more things to be free... I am starting something to where if I can't do a specific loan for a consumer because we aren't licensed there, I will give advice and help place them, but for a very small fee. Hey, they usually come to me after they have been lied to or burnt, and trust me after reading several of my mortgage posts. I need to capitalize. Overall, you bring up a good point and when will it get worse or bite us in the arse..

The more the competion, the more Pro Bono's are available.  The biggest problem amny people here believe that LIFE is a Pro-Bono!

Remember when they said buyers will purchase over the Internet and our services would be a thing of the past?   At least I am grateful that the need for a professional to guide that decision is still present.  Now for technology ... rather try to solve with information obtained first by research then call in the expensive expert.  Great reminder to be wise to research before spending.

Richard,

Do you think that as a real estate agent that we give up too much free stuff to our potential clients when they are just a customer?

I agree! I have had to people (note I didn't even call them customers) call wanting info! FREE INFO! Since I knew these people I gave it to them but I let myself get into this. These guys know this is a business...not a free for all!