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Consumers Really Like Us?

By
Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway Drysdale Properties

Even though real estate professionals have been miss understood by the general public and the news media.  It seems that 68% of consumers view real estate professionals favorably according to a recent study by The Consumer federation of America*.  The survey found that most people did not know much about the real estate process unless they had worked with a Realtor® within  the past five years.

"Home sellers and buyer who think they understand a complicated industry, yet in fact do not, are at a disadvantage in obtaining effective representation, reasonable commissions, adequate redress and, for buyers, complete information about listings," says Stephen Brobeck, executive director of Consumer Federation Of America.

Misunderstanding what real estate professionals do for consumers is nothing new.  A recent episode of 60 minutes did not even give Realtors® a chance to explain our services.  Many unfair accusations flew and a lot of misinformation was dolled out by CBS*.  No wonder it is difficult for the general public and many consumers to get an accurate picture of what Realtors® do.

It is just nice to see a survey that actually proves what we Realtors® already know.  We offer invaluable services that can save consumers money, a lot of grief, and even time in court when completing a real estate transaction.  Most people that have worked with a Realtor® understand how important we are.  In my experience I have seen buyers and sellers extremely happy and confident when have a Realtor® on their side.

*Click here to read the Consumer Federation of America's Findings

*Click here to read the N.A.R. response to 60 minutes

Visit Damon Savoia and get free MLS searches for Boise, Sun Valley, Idaho and San Francisco Bay Area at www.insideoutrealestate.com

Show All Comments Sort:
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector
My experience is that, generically, people are critical of real estate agents, lumping them in with salespeople in general. Yet, almost every one I know who is buying or selling thinks their own realtor is really good, honest, etc.
Jun 13, 2007 04:20 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

GREAT POST.  I LOVE IT.

About 15% of homes are sold without the help of a real estate broker.

That leaves, MMMM,Let's see, 85% ARE sold with the help of a real estate broker.

THAT'S AN 85% APPROVAL RATE.

Congress, the news media, 60 minutes, the FTC, the DOJ should have such a vote of confidence.

Folks, ordinaly folks who have a home to sell or want to buy one USE OUR SERVICES because they know that we offer value for what we charge.

Jun 13, 2007 04:22 AM
Jenny Croshaw
South Florida Structured Real Estate - Miami Beach, FL

Great logic Lenn....98% of Americans pay their taxes therefore 98% of Americans love the IRS / 84% of couples use a divorce lawyer...therefore...

I think the 68% statistic masks a rather large perception problem...time for NAR to spin some RE love stories :-)

Jun 13, 2007 04:42 AM
Jenny Croshaw
South Florida Structured Real Estate - Miami Beach, FL

By the way Sun Valley RULES!!!

I love the skiing!

Jun 13, 2007 04:52 AM