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Why have a license, no one enforces the laws

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Redwood DC-SP98366576

          I just wanted to wrap up the days work and go home. I took care of everything on my list. The only task left was to review listings for a buyer. Sounds easy enough. Sign into the MLS, enter the criteria and hit submit.

          This should not take more that 15 minutes. I only had 63 possible listings to review. Rogue agents that have no regard for the law ( or maybe they are just too damn stupid to understand the law ) certainly have turned a quick task into a marathon.

          I know I am old fashioned and I have this rediculous notion that agents that are licensed in Maryland have some sort of comprehension of the laws that govern them. If the public could see the information posted in the MLS, they would be disgusted.

          Out of the 63 possible listings, there are over two dozen short sales. That is no surprise. No, the big suprise is the large number of them that include "short sale approved" in the comments. "Hurry, everything is done. Quick settlement possible".  Unless I missed a memo from someone, a short sale can not be approved until an offer is received. Now, these lazy, half witted agents come up with all sorts of reasons why they put that in the listing. "It was approved before and that buyer pulled out" is a very common statement. Really, as best as I can determine, prior approvals have nothing to do with future decisions.  A shrug of the shoulders is not a professional reply.

          Another gem that appears often in the remarks "must use sellers title company for settlement". Now I understand that many title companies have opened their doors to listing agents and have begun assisting in the short sale approval process. They can hope that the buyer will choose them. They can not demand it.  Maryland Law (note to bozo's that have license and don't bother to read) is very clear. The buyer has the absolute right to choose the title company.

          These are just two of the issues one must deal with when reviewing listings now. My client has instructed me to preclude any properties that might be difficult to show ( another gem in the mix ) or are represented by an agent that may be difficult to work with ( i.e. see items above ). So I don't actually have to deal with any of the dolts. They just clutter the MLS with their pithy comments and hopeless listings.

          Well, now I feel a bit better and shall return to reviewing the listings.

Comments (4)

Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

John/Tudela -Love it! I always wonder how agents can state those things... Plus, I have watched transfixed how an agent has been selling a home then short sale.. and I have been wondering all along.. doesn't he realize the foreclosure process is trailing him..... I can't say the outcome but if he were cognizant of the procedure.. he should not have been surprised... After 2 years.. the bank catches up with you....  Best, G

Jun 02, 2011 01:07 PM
Anthony C. Palacino
eGreen Realty - Minneapolis, MN

Great post and 100% TRUE!

Jun 02, 2011 01:21 PM
Bruce Parker
Best Realty - Highland Park, NJ
You Deserve The Best

I have seen the same thing over and over

Jun 02, 2011 01:25 PM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

What do you mean "family friendly neighborhood" isn't a proper description to use in the MLS.  Well I never.

Jun 02, 2011 02:01 PM