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Are real estate agents and brokers public figures?

By Richard Weisser

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

January 24, 2013 10:43 PM

Having taken the plunge into politics, I was alerted to the fact that I am now considered to be a public figure.

Ostensibly, that means that I have waived my rights to privacy and that my life is now an open book and available for scrutiny,

And I say to that: “Big Deal!”

As a real estate agent and broker, my goal has always been to make myself as much of a public figure as possible. I want to be visible AND transparent. I have spent years making my name recognizable and the nature of my business obvious to any that would have a look.

And so the “official” transformation to the public sector has little or no impact on me whatsoever.

To be honest, it can’t hurt my business!

Note: Richard Weisser is a candidate for GA House District 71.

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Lenn Harley

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA

Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I suspect that, under some circumstances, it could hurt your business, but there's not a dang thing we can do about it.

Jan 24, 2013 11:20 PM

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA

Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Lenn...

I sense in some cases that may be true, but I consider this to be an opportunity to give something back to the community.

Win or lose, as this is a special election under extraordinary circumstances, I feel that I stepped up to the plate when the other guy went down.

Jan 24, 2013 11:56 PM

Jordon Wheeler

The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA

J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey Richard,

To a certain extent we as agents and brokers have to have some level of 'being in the spotlight.' Have a great weekend!

Jan 25, 2013 12:18 AM

Anna "Banana" Kruchten

HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ

602-380-4886

Richard good for you for stepping up to the plate and taking it on. Your community will be so fortunate to have you working for them. And....what is that you're running for? Awesome!

Jan 25, 2013 02:01 AM

Rene Fabre

ARFCO Media - Renton, WA

Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

I think being in real estate, you've been public for a long time... especially when you decided to go online. The advantage I'd say you have is your story is online and very visible, so it won't take much effort for the people of your fine state and district to get to know you and find out who you are, what you do, and how you do it!

Jan 25, 2013 02:22 AM

Suzanne Strickler

Realty Mark Associates - Havertown, PA

School is never out for the Successful.

Richard - Good Luck. Real estate and politics go hand in hand. Make the best of it.

Jan 25, 2013 10:50 AM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Richard, running for public office will certainly increase name recognition and it will make you a lot more interesting than the run-of-the-mill agent out there. We're rooting for you!

Jan 25, 2013 10:17 PM

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty

Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL

Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Hey our local U.S. Congressman, the Honorable Bill Posey is a local real estate broker and business owner. Good luck!

Jan 26, 2013 01:29 AM

Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Good for you, Richard. I'd run for public office, but I'm not sure I could pass the media anal exam (if you'll pardon the expression). I trust you'll be an asset to the community.

Jan 27, 2013 01:04 AM

Dr. Paula McDonald

Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX

Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Way to go Richard. I am anxious to hear how it goes.

Jan 27, 2013 01:22 AM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I think that real estate agent and brokers are definitely public figures. We have to watch what we say even when not involved in a real estate transaction, especially when we make ourselves publicly visible with things like a blog.

Jan 27, 2013 01:51 AM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Hey Richard! I included this post in Last Week's Favorites. Enyoy the rest of your weekend.

Jan 27, 2013 02:28 AM

Brian Rayl

Home Value Leads - Highland Park, TX

Active Agent and Co-founder Of Home Value Leads

I wonder if being a "public figure" and involved with politics has any affect on CoE laws as far as talking bad about another REALTOR. Can they NOT talk bad about you even if they disagree with you? LOL. Everyone likes to badmouth politicians. ;)

Jan 27, 2013 10:18 AM

Jeanne Kozak

RE/MAX In Action - Martinsburg, WV

REALTOR and Broker/Owner in WV and VA

Running for public office is something I have never given any thought to...I am not sure I ever would. But I wish you all the best and we always like have someone in our corner if there is a real estate issue

Jan 27, 2013 11:13 AM

William Johnson

Retired - La Jolla, CA

Retired

Good Luck Richard, I think it is so important that those who have the best understanding of communities are the ones that should win their elections. People dedicated to real estate and protecting private property rights are too few and people need to understand that you are so much better qualified to serve the community's interests. I hope you win your position.

Jan 27, 2013 11:51 AM

Tammie White, Broker

Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN

Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Richard, the truth is you've already put yourself out there for public scrutiny. I have no doubt you can weather the storm.

Jan 27, 2013 01:17 PM

Gary Frimann, CRS, GRI, SRES

Eagle Ridge Realty / Signature Homes & Estates - Gilroy, CA

REALTOR and Broker

Richard, yes, you are now a public figure. That's what happens when you toss your hat into the ring, or make millions making movies. I suppose it will help your business. At least your name will be recognizable. Keep us posted on your campaign!

Jan 27, 2013 02:51 PM

Ridhi Raheja

Movement Mortgage (Illinois) - Naperville, IL

FHA, 203k, VA, Jumbo, PreApproval, Jumbo Home Loan

There are a lot of pro's and con's of being a public figure..Make use of your vantage points, but be mindful with public scrutiny. ;)

Jan 27, 2013 09:59 PM

Steve Warrene

Your Town Realty - Lower Burrell, PA

Pittsburgh Realtor North and East Pgh.

It's funny that we as Realtors we try like crazy to get out names out to the public and more politicians try to keep there names out of the public.

Jan 27, 2013 10:01 PM

Pat & Wayne Harriman