There are more and more websites out here in the Cyber-World where the general Home Buyer or Seller can ask a question.  Eagerly, Real Estate Agents, other consumers, anyone really can answer the question.

What scares me is this : Some / if not Many of these Answers are DANGEROUS. 

Of course some of the Questions SCARE ME, as well.

On one site; Truila, people ask questions many times a day.  I do answer some of these; but many I have to pass on.  One thing that worries me is the Question:

The Question Asked:  Many of these questions are from Home Buyers or Sellers who current HAVE a Realtor representing them with a transaction.  Why are they asking a public forum and not their own agent?

Danger: Do they not trust their agent enough to ask them?  Does this question asked have all the details?  There are many details in a Real Estate transaction; does the person asking the question have them all?

Danger: Does the person answering the question know what they are talking about?!  Can or should a Realtor in Texas be answering a question from Virginia?  Does some Brand-New agent understand that they cannot be stating things like "Commissions for homes is _ %".  Is the guy who sold 10 homes in Florida the expert for Maryland Real Estate?

Danger: Does the Buyer/Seller asking the question; take these answers too seriously?  Do they consult with the Realtor on this advice they received from strangers?

Buyers/Sellers: These websites provide a valuable service to you by allowing you ask questions of others, fairly anonymously.  It is a natural thing - even a good thing to want & get a "Second Opinion".  Or if you do not have a Realtor representing you; to learn more about the Home Buying/Selling process.

Word of Caution:  Ask YOUR Realtor FIRST.  If you don't like the answer; ask to speak with their Broker.  If you don't trust your Realtor or are not able to to work well with them - THEN DON'T.  Find a NEW REALTOR!

If you don't have a REALTOR - get one and ask them face to face!  It is always better than asking a question out into cyber-space.

Any answers to your questions; should be thought about carefully.  Who IS this person answering the question?  Do they live in the area?  Do they know the area?  Are they a professional with experience?  Take all of these into account before taking action based on these answers.

When Asking Questions; every detail is important when answering a question.  Be as specific as you can.  If there are many details; try calling another Realtor or Broker and ask them - a phone or face to face conversation allows the professional answering your question to ask for more details - which will give you a much more accurate answer.

Call James for all your Real Estate needs and questions; servicing Montgomery County,Prince George County, Arlington and the rest of the Surrounding Washington DC area.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW  Suite 100
Washington DC 20016
202-351-5800 Main Office
Licensed in DC,MD,VA