Can We Blame the Public ?....It Begins with Each of Us...

I wish that the majority of people would be able to see through these scams.  They may not truly be scams, but in my eyes, that is what they are.  The country is definitely filled with buying power for different things, I have never been interested in politics partly for that reason, money seems to rule, rather than morals and ethics.  I am currently working a transaction with a gal that claims to be one of the top agents in the state, haha.  When she told me that, I actually laughed while on the phone with her and told her that her actions should tell me that, not her words and cited at least 3 examples of things she had already done that a "top agent" would not do.  She might be one of these agents that paid for her stars, thus her numbers for production are good, but that does not make her a "top agent" in my book.

I am glad that we have people like you and David Sally that tell it like it is.  I got sucker in one time and learn my lesson, never again.

Sally and David,

Point well taken.  However, the public also is responsible for learning what is what in any thing they purchase.  A

Sally and David,

And you are opening their eyes with these posts.  The real estate industry advertizers and state associations are trying to finance themselves into profitability and they are mimicking the Public Relations Companies by placing these inflated stars...

In one instance, on of our clients bought the cover of a magazine for a luxury home that was absolutely gorgeous.  The home owner was so pleased that she ordered several copies and distributed it to friends in that neighborhood.  The result was that my clients gained 5 more listings...and sold them all.  It was a good gamble that paid off.  She does not buy stars, no need, people in the know list with her.  A

PS.  The magazine does list her as a Premier/Top agent on their own volition.  She is not paying for it.  A

Hi Sally K. & David L. Hanson - I size up people and other agents by their actions. I am always leery of those who feel they must tout their ability.  I follow the lead of Congressman Willard Vandiver who stated"...I am from Missouri, you got to show me!"

Thank you very much for sharing your observations and your advice.

We can't blame the public for being disappointed...distrusting of agents who have not been honest about how they portray their expertise.

Sally and David- excellent points. It is a shame that the professional organizations don't appear to be doing anything other than collecting dues and enhancing the status of their associations. 

Morning Sally.

We have an agent who has taken out an ad on a local station, about her abilities and attention to detail.  I looked up her production, that ad is not working.  Carol Williams here you go

                                              Thank you Sally and David. 

Hello Sally and David - perception versus reality? Prospective Buyers(and Sellers) be aware.  And possibly beware.  

Good morning and thank you, Kathy, for reposting this.  You hit the nail on the head.  It is unfortunate that some agents can get away with "fake news" basically.

Well said and congrats on the feature!  Very well worth it!

This  is a good one. You are so right, and being an "expert" is not stagnant.  We are constantly researching and staying in front our multigen niche - and since we also specialize in "rural" properites, it's so important to know the latest land use changes, and other policies that impact these properties. We may not always be able to legally advise them, but we do know where to point them for the right answers. 

Good morning Sally K. & David L. Hanson,

I'm so glad that Kathy Streib featured your post in her "Ah" moments for the week.  Very valid points. Paid lists and recommendations never bode well with me. They need to be earned and many know the difference but many consumers do not.

Wasn't it Hitler who said that if you repeat the same lie enough times, people will believe it? And, since consumers don't know the inner workings of the real estate industry, how can they even know that those stars are a lie?

People become experts by learning, doing the job (whatever it is), improving their skills, doing the job some more, etc. Saying one is an expert is not the way to become one.

Having a title doesn't make you an expert, experience and good practices do.  Someone who has been in the business for 10 years may not have done many transactions.  Getting a certification makes you more knowledgable, but not really seasoned.  I always think of someone getting a driver's license.  They can now drive, but are not necessarily experienced in driving is rain, hail, snow, ice, city driving, etc.    Good practice makes perfect.

Hi Sally and David:

You make some excellent points. While some may be taken in by false or exaggerated reviews, lots of  stars, and self-marketing, the truth usually comes out in the end.

Jeff