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Broker "Bubba" Bryant speaks his mind.....again!

By Bryant Tutas

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC BK607690

April 11, 2007 09:35 AM

OK, I just survived my first five days of being 50. It wasn't too bad. Business is good and I was able to get out of bed every morning. I guess at 50 just getting out of bed is a good thing. So life is grand.

I must say though, I seem to be bringing out the "best" in folks this week on Active Rain. I wrote a couple a posts this week that were in response to consumer Emails, that I had received, and another awhile back on buyer rebates. As usual I addressed the issues and tried to come up with a few solutions to help my peers and myself come up with solutions. As a listing Broker, feed back from the consumer is very helpful to me in my business. Their complaints may not always be valid but to me it doesn't really matter. It's their perception of an issue that I want to try and change, if I'm able. As any one knows that's in our business, "perception" is everything. We deal with issues related to real estate every day but the consumer doesn't and the smallest thing can be the difference between a successful sale or one that falls through. Our very minor issues can be a major deal to them.

So, it's important to not make light of their concerns. Instead we must try to refocus them on what they are trying to achieve. I have found the best way to assist a consumer, who may be loosing focus, is to first, let them get it out of their system, secondly agree that their concerns are valid and finally suggest solutions. Ultimately it's their decision to make but it's my job as their REALTOR® to try and guide them as much as I can into making a decision based on facts not emotion.

OK, sorry about that. I'm rambling. This post is about why I address these consumer issues to begin with. When I write on ActiveRain I have several goals in mind. First, I want people to read it. If they don't read it then I've wasted my time. I also want to facilitate a discussion or debate. I love a good debate. I also feel that one of the greatest things about ActiveRain is that we can have a conversation directly with the consumer and together we can share our knowledge and help them understand what it is we do. We can also learn from each other. I for one, am not hesitant to voice my opinion and I would hope that you also feel free to voice your opinion on my posts. You do not have to agree with me. If you feel I am wrong then prove it to me. Change my opinion. Debate me. Debate the topic. I am willing to debate anyone at any time when it comes to real estate. I do not take offense to it and who knows you may just change my opinion or we may both learn something new in the process.

Finally!! I made it to my point. This week I have several posts that are still getting comments and seem to have taken a turn for the worst. Here are a few of the things I have been called or accused of being this week.

Judgmental
Self indulgent
Ignorant
Condescending
Self righteous
Uninformed
Disrespectful
Uni-browed (my personal favorite)
Misinformed
Misleading
Undermining
Cheap
On a high horse

There are actually quite a few more, covering quite a few posts, that I have written over the ten months I have been a member of ActiveRain. Names are not important. The writers always have the option of deleting their comments if they don't want to stand behind them. It really doesn't matter to me either way.

Now folks, I'm a firm believer, that anyone should be able to voice their opinion. I'm a big boy and I can take it. It will not make me pick up my toys and go home. But wouldn't it be better, for your cause, to try and sway me around to your way of thinking by debating the topic? Do you have the desire or the ability to debate? If not, then why waste my time and yours commenting? Do you really think it adds to the discussion? My posts are public, is this really the way you want the consumer to see you?

This too is a public post. I never hide who I am behind "Members Only" posts or profiles with no picture. I am who I am, whether on the Internet or with a consumer. This post is my opinion, if you don't agree with me, then have at it. The topic is how to debate a topic without making it personal. I'm ready. Are you?

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Neal Bloom

Brokered by eXp Realty LLC - Weston, FL

Realtor CRS-Weston FL Real Estate

BB,

Anytime...but I will have to figure out how to ruffle your feathers......I am not sure how and why I would, your a good guy and your opinions are well documented, but I like you too much to want to rile you up! HEHE!

Apr 12, 2007 12:40 AM

Laurie Mindnich

Centennial, CO

Broker Bryant, broker Bryant...

You add value to the community NOT because you are a real estate God (unless it is your wife who is asked about your status, God bless her) but because sometimes, your posts raise ethical questions that are worthy of a response. No one would WANT you to pick up your toys and go. I am hoping (and smiling) that the CHEAP comment was mine- it IS cheap to belittle other agents without full facts from BOTH sides. I recall reading one of your blogs whereby you commented that you post-date listings from customers that are unhappy with their current agents (if this is incorrect, please advise) and thinking...HUH? We make it hard enough on one another without advertising tactics that can be misconstrued by newer members to the real estate community- while your (or my) experience may well justify this action, newer agents could develop some pretty bad habits by following your lead without understanding that this should be done ONLY in extreme circumstances, if at all (just one example). The reason that your blogs are followed (uggh- I admit it- I'm a fan) is because they are thought provoking. It's nice to have a good person (I have picked up that your intentions appear to be good) making mistakes, and then welcoming response. In an equal measure, you have blogs that offer value, insight, and humor- the photo above is priceless. Just know that there is no embarrassment in being quoted or referenced on MY END- it's absolutely OK to be...self righteous, undermining, and...cheap, as well as informative, compelling, interesting and funny, and it wouldn't be posted unless it was a sincere opinion. I'm jealous- self-righteous and undermining were good. Just be sure to add: funny, sincere, occasionally misguided, but completely open minded.

Apr 12, 2007 01:22 AM

Laurie Mindnich

Centennial, CO

CORRECTION: I think that the post dated listing was a response that you provided on someone else's blog- not the subject of your own. My apology for a poor recollection!

Apr 12, 2007 01:47 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Laurie, I enjoy debating with you. My goal on AR is to start discussions. It's how we learn...maybe:) And yes I have post dated listing agreements on many occasion. It is 100% legal and ethical to do so. Aggressive? Maybe. But certainly acceptable(in my market). However, I am the Broker and that does make a difference. Agents should always refer to their Brokers before doing anything out of the ordinary. My problem is I assume they know to do this first. And I probably should not make that assumption. Your comments are always welcomed. BTW Stan moved forward with his purchase.

Apr 12, 2007 01:49 AM

Ryan Hukill - Edmond

405home @ ERA Courtyard - Edmond, OK

Realtor, Team Lead

I too have noticed quite a bit of tension between bloggers lately and it reflects poorly on our overall professionalism and personalities. I have, once or twice, struck back at a commenter on a blog of mine but I try to take the same approach that we're all entitled to our opinions and we don't have to agree on everything. I guess the times I've lashed back have been when someone makes a comment directly toward my character or my business ethics. Those will get me hot under the collar. Otherwise, I stay pretty calm and neutral to a point. I just don't see the necessity for us to air our dirty laundry on a public forum. It doesn't help anyone, rather it just makes us all look low-class and unprofessional. Thanks for another great, thought-provoking post BB!

Apr 12, 2007 02:52 AM

Laurie Mindnich

Centennial, CO

Broker Bryant-

It is likely largely your input that compelled Stan to move forward. If, in the fixation of a perceived flaw, your contribution to the success of the transaction was minimized, let me say this: losing sight of the BIG picture is probably one of the most recurring (and costly) mistakes realtors make. Your advice to this buyer, while flawed in the little picture in this readers opinion, never lost sight of the BIG PICTURE- HE GOT THE HOUSE THAT HE WANTED. HE NEEDED, AND REQUESTED YOUR INPUT TO DO THIS. I hope that the agents involved understand the value of a thank you note...

Apr 12, 2007 03:46 AM

Laurie Mindnich

Centennial, CO

But waiiiiiiiiiiiit just a second: you're generalizing with the 100% ethical part of postdated listings- ethical is more complicated than that. It is NOT customary in many markets to post date (if it is customary in yours, then your interpretation is correct...for YOU). Ethical is subjective. GO AHEAD- pat yourself on the back (when your wife is finished- lucky guy!) for having elicited another response- I fully acknowledge that I'm reading you! On another note, good advice for newer agents to learn the local ethical practices. Or lack thereof, in some cases! In my area, the real estate community JOINED THE MLS...TWO YEARS AGO! Unbelievable, but just goes to show you that areas vary, and ethical standards vary...(how ethical is ignoring a major real estate tool, in the interest of keeping properties out of reach of outside agents- and not informing sellers as to the value of the MLS)?!?

Apr 12, 2007 03:57 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Laurie, I guess I'm basing my ethics on the REALTOR(R) C.O.E. There may very well be individual MLS rules that would over ride taking a post dated listed. All though I don't know why they would. It is NOT interfering with an existing contract. Sounds like I need to write a post:) Actually, I guess this is a good example of the proper way to debate, so we are on topic with this post.

Apr 12, 2007 05:01 AM

Laurie Mindnich

Centennial, CO

Not local mls rules. Local unwritten code of conduct rules, or expectation of integrity. LOCAL, UNWRITTEN, and without judgement on areas that have, for whatever valid reasons, adopted different methods of acceptable behavior. Don't get me going- this, in a location where the MLS (never mind, already ranted).

Apr 12, 2007 05:10 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Ok now I got you. The good ole' unwritten code. We have those too. They don't work for me though. In my area we have many "good ole' boys" that think they can dictate how we are supposed to do our business. Personally I just ignore them But I am the dominate REALTOT(R) in my limited market. I don't do boxes. But you probably figured that out already.

Just to clarify when I take a post dated listing it is only because the seller has contacted me first and has invited me over to discuss taking their listing once it expires. If they are agreeable we do the listing at that time to go into affect after the other listing is finished. I do not contact sellers to ask when their listing is expiring. Just want to make sure we are debating the right issue.

Apr 12, 2007 05:21 AM

Laurie Mindnich

Centennial, CO

OK- I'm liking this renegade thing.

I think that I would be comfortable being a renegade in the market I've found myself in- MLS, ANYONE?- but my life in real estate was in Denver- completely different, sort of overwhelmingly ethical. Must be a mid west thing. NY has more current areas. Long Island has more current areas. But, the North Fork? It is the dreaded environment for many agents outside of the area- they think it's BIZARRE.

THEN AGAIN, opening a (GASP) discount agency- chic cheap- will create its own set of problems, as this real estate community is tiny. Sean started out here and I (joining him from Denver 4 years ago) was absolutely stunned at the lack of MLS, the control of the brokers, absolutely NO mailings, no names below advertised listings in the paper, etc. Just...WEIRD. And, a 70-30 split is the TOP TIER. No way for someone from Denver to make money and enjoy autonomy!

So, Shrink- I mean, Broker Bryant, I am espousing some Denver ethic, from the eastern vineyard laden North Fork of Long Island, opposite the Hamptons (Corcoran got on the mls in the North Fork A MONTH AGO)and just now figuring out my own ethic. As the significant other of the owner (poor Sean, right?)you are provoking THOUGHT. I APPRECIATE THAT.

Apr 12, 2007 11:39 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Laurie, Is the MLS just coming to your area? Are there other discounters in your area? Would you like me to get the couch out and put on some soothing music so you can release the MLS demon from your head?:)

I've always tried to do things different. I started using Range Pricing about 10 years ago and it really upset the status quo. What a battle that was and still is. But it works so I use it. My mind set has always been that I work for the best interest of the consumer period. I don't work to please my peers. I also used to catch a lot of flack for not doing 50/50 splits on my co-brokes. I charged more and I took more. Their split was still market average but for some reason when they would see what I was making it p..... them off. Of course they never complained when they got more. So I truly have no issue with doing my own thing as long as the consumer is happy. After all they are the ones paying me.

Apr 12, 2007 11:52 AM

Jeff Dowler, CRS

eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

The Southern California Relocation Dude

Another good one, Bryant. I got a laugh out of the list, since I can't see these applying to you. Yes, your posts sometimes challenge readers to think differently, or contrast what they already believe. But isn't that part of why we are here? If everyone agreed with what everyone said and did, then there is no point to participating.

Readers have the option to read what you write or not, and in doing so can agree, or can disagree. Inappropriate comments, name calling or other innuendos don't, in my mind, contribute in any way other than to rankle, insult, attempt to control, or otherwise attempt to hurt the writer. We, then, have the option to ignore, or respond in a manner that enables the commenter to hopefully think differently and realize their actions were not appropriate. If not, so what. You cannot own their feelings any more than they can own yours. And rwhen we respond in kind it only reflects negatively on ourselves.

We should all keep in mind that what we write here, or anywhere on the Internet can, and likely does, become a record that endures for ALL to see at any time in the future. Imagine that!! Who knows who might see the negativity, slander or name calling we have engaged in publicly. Not something I want someone else to see.

Jeff

Apr 12, 2007 11:59 AM

David Smith

Fillmore Realty - Brooklyn, NY

Hey Bt- I won't repeat all the great stuff that was already said. Just want to say Happy belate 50th. i hear dreams become much more vivid as you get older. Any truth to this or is it still far too soon to tell?

Apr 12, 2007 12:26 PM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Jeff, You definitely get it. I think some folks think our words will just dissapear from cyber world. What they should do if they disagree strongly and don't know how to debate is simply write a post with their own opinion on the same topic. Use a disagreement for blog fodder instead of uncivil commenting.

David, the dreams are definitely more vivid. Thanks for the Bday wish.

Apr 12, 2007 12:48 PM

ARDELL DellaLoggia

Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA

I'm happy to debate with you anytime BB, but first we have to find something we don't agree on :)

Apr 12, 2007 05:54 PM

Kaye Thomas

Real Estate West - Manhattan Beach, CA

e-PRO, Manhattan Beach CA

My My you do seem to stir up a lot of trouble for a Country Boy.. fortunately that's why TLW packs her pistol.. I'd like to say I'm stunned that people in our community would leave those types of comments on anything you wrote but the truth is I'm not... I'm seeing more and more of it not just in featured posts... but in all the posts. It seems as the community has grown we may have lost our small town values and are now playing with the big city types who play much rougher then we do..

Apr 12, 2007 09:08 PM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Hey ARDELL thanks for stopping by. I think we could have a good debate. We would probably be better on the same team though.

Kaye I read a comment thread yesterday on some else's post from a few days back and it was insult after insult. I guess folks don't get how petty it makes them look. It turns me off big time and I'm sure it would a consumer reading it as well. You are right though this place has outgrown small town USA. The town I live in has a population of 3500 AR has over 25,000!!!!

Apr 13, 2007 12:29 AM

Bryant Tutas

Tutas Towne Realty, Inc and Garden Views Realty, LLC - Winter Garden, FL

Selling Florida one home at a time

Well that's a great compliment. Thanks!!

Apr 13, 2007 09:56 AM

Anonymous

Jeanne Breault

Hey, you're scaring me! What do you mean, "I guess at 50 just getting out of bed is a good thing."????

I'll be 50 in June, and in my mind I'm still 25 (ok, maybe 35!) and sometimes I'm surprised when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I don't really look like that in my mind's eye!

Of course, the arthritis in my thumbs reminds me often that I'm not 35 anymore, but I sure expect a lot more out of 50 that just getting out of bed! In fact, I plan to get better between 50 and 70...I've gone way too long not eating and exercising the way I should, and not tending to my spiritual self the way I used to...blame it on real estate!!! :-)

So I hope you are only kidding about the getting out of bed thing, 'cause otherwise you're going to make me really depressed!

Apr 15, 2007 07:25 AM

#78