Home > Blogs > Richard Weisser > Coweta County Real Estate Facts and Info by Richard Weisser

Maybe they should call the current plethora of real estate programming “UNREALITY” shows.

By Richard Weisser

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

March 30, 2011 02:11 AM

There are quite a few real estate themed television shows on the flatscreen these days. And one might think that this programming would help educate and inform the viewing public about real estate transaction.

However, the fact of the matter is that most real estate transactions are boring, and in order to engage the audience, the producers seek packing the product in a way that appeals to the mass market.

And since the technical aspects of the process vary by jurisdiction, the viewers are often left with misinformation about real estate transactions in their local market.

Fortunately the local real estate agent knows about the specific market in which they work. Unfortunately many buyers ignore their advice and take a television tact towards their transaction.

The result is often confusion, chaos, and a lost opportunity.

Re-Blog

Comments(22)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA

Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Ruthmarie...

But you also broached one of my local issues in your comment. Georgia is not an escrow state. Even the phrase "in escrow" is confusing to our buyers and sellers here.

I also wonder why people comment on the color oif the walls when they are paying $300,000 for an 800 square foot house. Sort of missing the big picture, aren't they?

And while many of my deals get me stirred up, I don't think that others would want to see me in action! It gets pretty ugly some times!

Thanks so much for the comment.

Gary...

Yeah, you can spend $1000 on stuff and make an extra $50K .... NOT!!! Thanks my friend.

Mar 30, 2011 02:27 AM

Mitchell J Hall

Manhattan, NY

Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Richard, These shows are entertainment rather than educational.

New York is not an escrow state either. NY is a title state. I'm suprised Ruthmarie is using the term "in escrow" We usually refer to it as "in contract" or "contract signed"

As opposed to "escrow states" once a contract is signed in NY, while it's not always boring, other than a financing contingency or a coop board turn down it's really difficult for either party to back out. Due diligence, inspections, etc. are all done before the buyer signs the contract.

Mar 30, 2011 02:40 AM

The Scott Loper Team Bux-Mont Premier Properties

Keller Williams Real Estate - Montgomeryville - Lansdale, PA

Hi Richard,

So true! Those shows are carefully crafted and edited but not very realistic at all.

Lisa

Mar 30, 2011 02:46 AM

Mike Carlier

Lakeville, MN

More opinions than you want to hear about.

The problem with the reality real estate shows is that they are entertainment disguised as information. If you want real estate entertainment, watch 2 1/2 Men or one of the other sitcoms that have real estate agents as one of their characters. The low budget reality shows are about as informative and informational as Animal House is a college education.

Mar 30, 2011 03:23 AM

Patty Purdue Laforte

Realtypath LLC - Salt Lake City, UT

I do love Million Dollar Listing though when the agents get yelled at by their sellers for their house not being sold. My favorite is "what exactly have you done to sell my house". LOL Doesn't matter the price point, the seller thinks they can overprice it and the agent should still be able to force a buyer to buy it.

Mar 30, 2011 03:34 AM

Ginny Gorman

RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI

Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Richard, i concur...most of them just don't get into the nuts & bolts that are key to being a great agent...no flat screen here..we're on the same wave length in verbiage today..i used plethora on commenting on BarbT's blog & then i came here & saw your post!! BTW, you need to get back into blues playing.

Mar 30, 2011 03:37 AM

Craig Rutman

Helping people in transition - Cary, NC

Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

What? You've never sold a home, complete with drama, in 30 minutes with 3 commercial breaks?

Mar 30, 2011 03:37 AM

Liz and Bill Spear

Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH

Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Come on Richard...can't we just show them 3 and tell them to pick 1?? :)

Mar 30, 2011 04:02 AM

Doug Rogers

RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL

Your Real Estate Resource!

I love how they plaster the agent's potential commission all over the screen. Yep, do two open houses, unlock a door, and make 117k bucks! Sign me up!

Mar 30, 2011 04:06 AM

Rene Fabre

ARFCO Media - Renton, WA

Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

What, transactions aren't timed to commercials? What's with that? :O)

Mar 30, 2011 04:32 AM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Richard, they have to spice them up in the name of "entertainment" of course.

Mar 30, 2011 04:39 AM

Tammie White, Broker

Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN

Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Although, I like some of the HGTV shows for what they can teach sellers about staging, there's not much else there of value. You don't get a clear sense of how this really works. That's why it is best to seek out the help on a local agent.

Mar 30, 2011 05:21 AM

Kim Inman

Mountains to Lakes Real Estate, Inc. - Harriman, TN

CRS, Broker/Owner

Richard...another problem along with the reality type shows is just the audacity of the media and the way they portray the real estate market in general. You can't compare Harriman, Tennessee to markets like Detroit or Las Vegas. So, in reality you can't make a general statement as to how much a seller should be willing to negotiate on the sale of their house. It depends on YOUR market.

Mar 30, 2011 06:38 AM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

"Most Real Estate transactions are boreing" HMMM, I find most are a pain in my tu tu!

Mar 30, 2011 08:37 AM

Don Rogers

Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO

Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Richard,

The information that is put out there in these programs should have a disclaimer several times throughout the program letting folks know that all real estate is local and to check with their local REALTOR.

Mar 30, 2011 08:58 AM

Gay E. Rosen

Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY

As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Richard - I confess, I love "Million Dollar Listing.." They make it look so easy - just a phone call... when we all know it is so much more blood, sweat and guts more than that... but I can dream! Gay

Mar 30, 2011 09:25 AM

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA

Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Mitchell...

It's pretty easy to get out of the deal here ... and it happens a lot. THX'

Lisa...

I watch them, but only to see how ridiculous they make us look.

Mar 30, 2011 09:34 AM

Diane McDermott

Realtor®, GRI, Landis e2 Real Estate, LLC - Charlotte, NC

Charlotte NC Real Estate Market

Those shows aren't educational they're entertainment but that distinction is often lost on the viewing public!

Mar 30, 2011 10:25 AM

Liz Lockhart

Riverbend Realty, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape Girardeau, MO

GRI, Cape Girardeau Real Estate

These "reality" shows are just like a 30 minute sitcom or a one hour drama, which can present the conflict and then resolve it within the timeframe of the episode. If only...

Mar 30, 2011 05:38 PM

Broker Patty Da Silva Da Silva

Green Realty Properties® - 954-667-7253 - Cooper City, FL

Top Listing Broker

"Unreality TV" - love that Richard, great title and so true.

Apr 02, 2011 07:38 AM