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Public Perception...Who Are The Experts?

It hit me today like a slap in the face after having yet another conversation with a consumer about real estate! Every day I have real estate conversations outside of working...then again...in my mind...its my profession...I am always on...let them ask me rather than one of the other "so called experts."

Today's conversation hit me hard, I told the gentleman, "If you do not have to sell to buy then yes it is a great time to buy!"

In his mind, he was waiting...waiting until 2009 to see what happens with the market because that is what the so called experts are saying!

In my mind I wonder who are the experts he is referring to?

Is it the reporter who works for the newspaper or is it the newscaster that just reported the late breaking news that the sky is falling? Maybe its that unserviced seller or a seller's kids who are the experts. Why?

We are licensed, we are in the trenches everyday..we report the real estate lives we lead, so if you are portraying to the public poor poor me....Nothing is selling in my state......why would they look at us as the expert?

Take a look at your marketing and the way you are portraying what's happening in your market place. Are you the expert or is it the newscaster reporting late breaking news that the sky is falling?

I did ask the gentleman the question...Who are the experts you are referring to? It's obvious based on this post who he is referring to as the experts...

Let's just say once I got finished talking with him...he has my card...and is considering buying vacant land.

The lesson here is....We are the media!...if you don't believe in what you do...who will...if you do not believe in your profession...why should anyone else.

Yes Newspapers and T.V. News sell stories...yup I expect that from them...but from the true experts...The real estate professionals... we don't sell stories.....We sell real estate and in most instances we do an awesome job at it. Ask yourself....are you the expert?

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Posted by Florida Real Estate Trainer | Daytona Beach After School Training | Midori on 12/08/2007 04:36 PM

Comments (61)

public perception of real estate professionals, the experts, consumer real estate questions, daytona beach florida real estate, midori

Originally posted at: Daytona Real Estate Training: Public Perception...Who Are The Experts?

61 Comments on Public Perception...Who Are The Experts?

DEC

2007

I love the "they". I swear I'm going to get a T shirt or button that says I'm not "they". When you ask people who are the "they" the conversation is revolving around the other person doesn't have an answer. I've know a few of our local TV newscasters. Although very nice people, the newscasters can't intelligently talk about the stories "they" report on. I couldn't agree more- WE are the experts on our areas!

Midori, I hear this all the time from people who own a home and sell 1-5 homes their entire life. It just gets me. Here we are living and breathing the market, selling tons of houses and "they are the experts".

Midori - Good news does not sell - sensationalism does. My grandmother use to say if you believe 1/4 of what you hear, 1/2 half of what you read and 3/4 of what you see, you may be close to the truth. Everyone see's things from their own perspective or through their own particular shade of rose coloured glasses.

They are the ones who are on the airwaves trumpeting doom & gloom. They are the pundits who don't have any credentials. They are the ones who can't sell so they talk (can't do, teach).

Hi Dena-I love it and its true...They who are they? We often report the same things as the media...but the upside we can add the reality.

Missy-yes I see it and hear it everyday. Recently I told the owner of the company...I am going to promote and get out in the public and talk about the benefits. I am doing just that...we are the experts...we sell based on facts..We all have to promote the true value of our services and why its a great time to buy!

Kathy-you are right but the point is we don't sell the public...we sell real estate and we provide the service. If we don't toot our own horns and yell from roof tops it is a great time to buy...buyers will miss the opportunity by listening to sensationalism...In my mind the media is not the problem...its the way the public perceives us and if you think the media will be helping us...you are mistaken...its our job...its part of our job...its marketing and providing a true service.

Hi Matthew-it comes down to us having the bigger mouth, standing taller and being wiser. We have to believe in or profession and the buying and selling process. Also, FYI, I really don't sell anymore and I do teach and I am very capable. We have to do our part and forget about the media ...we are the experts!

We are the ones who are perceived by the public for our profession. It is up to us to portray all that we are ...a personal touch to our professional attitude. I for one have confidence in my business and myself. If not for me voicing ...who else will?

It's hard when clients look at national news and try and apply it locally.

Midori - I just had the opportunity to have one of those conversations. I shared the fact that a buyer I currently represent is reeping the benefits of this Buyer's market by purchasing a home at the same price it sold for back in 2003. That's pretty cool for a first time buyer just trying to get their foot in the door. I think we need to share more of this good news.

Midori, Great post yes if we keep up the doom and gloom then we shall reap what we sow.....

Sally-Yes we write our own tickets in that respect! 2008 is a year that we show true value and maximum value and you are right...its all on you!

Melina-that is our jobs to make sure the consumer knows that its national stat's...make your own local stat's..market reports. In our market our challenges are different from others BUT ALSO THE BENEFITS... We have to educate the consumer...if they do not hear it from their real estate professional they will never know.

Linda-who knows what prices will be next year? and who knows what the gov. will do to assist...all that has not been revealed...fortune telling is not part of our license...it seems rather than present the facts, we tend to throw our opinion around too much...so much it hurts us...You are right ...the time is now...the time is now to let the public know its a great time to buy real estate.

Doug-You are right..and can be a scary thought. We need to speak up and speak out about the benefits of homeownership.

You have hit the nail on the head here. I love my market, because it is what it is, unbelievable. Most market places are seeing a decline, but the sky is not even close to falling. I am very passionate about Real Estate and spend a lot of time educating myself on trends, market, and the politics; so those I interact with can make well informed decisions.

DEC

2007

Good post. I have seen signs of a good 2008. The media will be busy with the elections and may not have time to talk about real estate.

Midori - Are you kidding.....I thought everyone was an expert at Real Estate :)

Midori:

Your post is true on so many levels. I also think that Gita is right that the media will be busy covering the elections that the RE Market will take the back burner. Which will stimulate more activity when all the "doom and gloom" isn't being broadcasted 24/7.

Great points and well written.

Last week I was talking to a potential client and she stated that her "friend the realtor" said the market wasn't going to improve for at least 5 years. Nice way to promote business! We all thank you!

Why is this not featured?

I'm flagging it!

I think when we provide accurate information to the consumer we are doing everyone a service. One of the things I spend the most time talking about letely is that the national news is not the local news! In some cases we do have pockets of distress but we also have very healthy zip codes that still sell well and areas where we'll need to pay particular attention to condition because of the inventory.

In asserting the fact that we know our local markets better than the national press, we become the experts and take the power back. Sounds like you did just that to your client you'll help take advantage of an opportunity for him that he wouldn't have otherwise seen!

Midori

Powerful examples for a powerful article. Thanks for sharing.

Tony

Vickie-you got it girl! Keep promoting...that's why your market place percieves you as the expert. The market is what it is..accept it....go forward. I am not sure whether the person I gave my card to was really considering buying land now but I can tell you it let me know how the public does percieve the experts...it led to a extremely interesting and engaging conversation...sometimes we as professionals need the reminder!

Gita-great point...yes next year we will be off the hook...thank the elections for that ....my point...we can turn things around...It's up to us is how we speak, act and write! Thank you...

Bill-but of course...what was I thinking!

Jessica-Yes, Gitta did get it...we didn't have any hurricanes this year...hmmm...sure didn't see that in the news right? To me that is so exciting and something we can remind the public why it's so great to live in Florida! Thanks you.

Laura-I wonder how active that professional is. Yes we do have to combat our own BUT if we show true value and are the experts..we would have tools to show them otherwise. What we say does have a direct bearing..I just wonder how many real estate professionals in my area portray the doom and gloom. I don't really know...I am to busy screaming off the roof tops...its a great time to buy!

Lysa-thank now that is nice on my peaceful Sunday morning...I am tired...but energized! I hope you are enjoying your day....

Josette-I am a big mouth...really I think I am part over achiever...my mom. In my mind...I fight for our profession more so for myself. You are so right...real estate is local. There are lots of factor's to consider...in different areas.

I think your response says it all. We have lots of new construction and have lots of vacant land to compete with our resales. Important factors that do not affect every single market. Thank you...

Tony-so nice to see you :) Geez, where you been or has it been me? I don't visit like I should...I have just been busy blogging...blogging and more blogging...you just put a smile on my face!

Midori - Very well put. We live this. Thanks for stating it so well.

Tom-oh, I was so inspired...and have been pumped up for 2008...

I'm sitting in the backyard with a bird on the feeder watching me :) I've got 3 blogs getting ready to go. Oh and I sent the flag my friend! I hope others did too!

We are the media should be our mantra for 2008. That's a powerful phrase. I like the way you think!

Hi Midori,

Part of my business practice is educating my clients of what is happening in our market. Our local association publishes quarterly economic and market watch report. This is what my prospective clients receive from me prior to our meeting. They then realize that the media exaggerates on a lot of things. It is not as bad as what they portray it.

You brought up a good point ~ we are the experts!

Catherine

"We are the media" is a great perspective! Agents who take control of their market data and consistently share it with consumers will thrive in any market. It's all about education.

Norma-Thank you...now if we can get the others to play along...we might actually get somewhere!

Catherine-I do believe most boards offer stat's and market reports. Do most people utilize them? I believe Market reports and stat's from various sources will quite useful especially in 2008. Truthfully, they have an idea that yes media does exaggerate at times but most often when it comes to selling their house....hmmmm...the other so called experts have the answer.

John-Thank you...that is just it...we educate the consumer...not the news...not the CA reporter in a Florida newspaper...the markets are local..

Midori, I'm so happy Lysa N. told me about this particular post. I had a related experience and needed to read this. You go girl!

Natalie-I think we all have had this type of experience over and over again...and it drives me crazy...

Midori- I have had this conversation more than once.Not too long ago I was working with a buyer that was getting advice from a friend that just loved to look for houses on line. It drove me crazy when my buyer would tell me "Mary" said I should offer this because she read... I wanted to scream. I finally had to tell her that "Mary" doesn't know what she is talking about and that "Mary" should let me do my job.

Sally-oh yeah...love the friends too! See I ask questions like are they licensed through the state and regulated by the association of realtors? What makes your friend the expert? I would have asked her if Mary is licensed! and yes dag nabit...Mary should let you do your job. LOL

"They" are trying to sell papers or get ratings. People seem to want to hear the bad news and not the good. All you have to do is watch any evening news. How many uplifting, human interest stories??? Hardly any.

We know what motivates the media but what about the real estate agent? I am sure I am not the only one tired of hearing non productive agents complain about the market. For some it is an excuse to not get to work. I look forward to the market correction reducing the number of agents who are sitting around the average office having a continuous coffee break instead of prospecting.

Houses are selling and the agents that are selling them are them will do well in 2008!

Katheryn DeClerck, Prudential Rand Realty, Warwick, NY

LOL YES . . we are the experts but the publics sometimes feel we are infected with phoney optomism. Perhaps because of some of that crap they teach new agents in some of those classes. I like honest agents who don't mind saying. "Yes, our market is challenging" we are professionals not motivational speakers. Some agents feel they always have to talk like the market 'they' are experiencing is better than the one of all the other licensees. I simply say "Times are tough, I am working twice as hard for half the money.. but thank god I am working and selling homes, so many people in our industry have bailed. It leaves those of us that are commited to our industry to have an oportunity to be committed to selling your home. "

Katheryn-In Daytona we only had about 75 realtors leave the board. Its suprising to me but then again dues are here again let's see what the numbers will be!

Mary that is a great response! Yes I am pretty direct...I think we have to do what we can and more! In my mind its all up to us!

DEC

2007

I have seen some of the most misleading press in the last two years. A couple of months ago we had a headline that foreclosures are way up. As I read deeper in the article they then happen to mention that our local foreclosure rate was among the lowest in the nation. All of the quotes about foreclosures were from other markets like California. It seemed like they were trying create a disaster.

As real estate agents and rpofessonals, we are relly the experts an it is up to us to sell our story...maybe not at 50 cents a story - we don't charge for our opinions and advice, do we? Unless you sell or buy!

great post........we are the experts in our field. The country is so media driven I think we forget that it is the numbers that count and the economists can't even agree what they think is going on!!!!!!!!!!!!

Randy-in my mind they sell stories...and the public needs to be reminded we are the experts.we sell real estate..real estate is local even if there are worldwide issues.

Gary-isn't that funny our advice and our words often times are FREE...we just have to yell a little louder.

Ann and Eddie-you are so right...we get sucked in as a country. Can't agree with you more. Is real estate up there with Brittany Spears...only the downside!

Midori,

I hope the slap to the head didn't hurt too much!!!

Midori -I did get your point and was in fact agreeing with you all I was saying is the "press" only see the half empty side (sensationalism of bad news) because it sells, the half full side that we are selling (the positive or good news) is never an easy sell. People only see what they want to see and we have an enormous marketing job if we are trying to educate the masses.

Kathy-Yes I did enjoy your comment very much...I had nothing to add except the number of realtors in our area that have left and it was not as many as I would have expected! Yes I am all about marketing and self promotion and you are right....we got our work cut out for us...I just thought I would start practicing now! :)

Martin-those are the ones that hurt the most...One of the things Nancy Dance the owner of our company and the newly elected President of the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors..decided that one of the priorities is to promote homeownership in a positive light...for what it is....Homeownership a lifelong dream! I am right with her on that.

DEC

2007

Midori, Great post. Don't you love the experts. I know I hear all the time "Boy I would hate to be in your business" WHY?? I am having a great month right now. I think people love to be negative.

Hi Matt-hmmmm the real experts. I don't think it's negative..it's worry...I learned a long time ago...it aint going away unless you make it different in your world. Focus on generating new business...let the news do what they do best...we the experts need to do our part and more. Work extremely hard!

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