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Please,..... Don't Compare Us Realtors With Car Salespeople!!!

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com

 Don't Compare us to a CarsalespersonPlease,..... Don't Compare Us Realtors With Car Salespeople!!!

 While it's common to compare real estate agents to car salespeople, they really have very little to nothing in common at all.

Recently I went car shopping in Victoria BC,  and as a long time car enthusiast, and relatively loyal customer, I startedPeter and Linda's Car by visiting the dealership where we bought our most recent sister cars (Linda's white Chrysler Intrepid and My white Chrysler Concord). As they are getting on a bit, we have been thinking about replacing one or both over the next year or so.......

Don't Compare us to a CarsalespersonMy Experience at the dealership we have bought a total of 6 or 7 cars over the past 20 some years, was so bad that with this experience in mind I was inspired to write this article and to compare Real Estate Agents and Car Salespeople......(no I won't name names, but call me and I will tell, maybe...;)

First and likely most significant difference is in the titles.......
Real Estate Agents act on behalf of his or her Principal  (buyer or seller) as an extension of their principals (this is limited to some degree by laws in each state or province) 
Sales People only work for their Employer/Contractor, and are not able to bind parties to contracts

While both Agents and Salespeople help out with a purchase and or sale of either home or vehicle, the education, accountability, motivations and expertise behind that help differs vastly.

In Victoria BC and most other Jurisdictions in North America, real estate agents are continually educated, are required to adhere to ethical and legal standards while looking to build a life-long successful real estate relationships with their clients.

In General Real Estate agents routinely get bashed by the general public for either being too pushy, or not pushy enough, and or out just for themselves and the almighty dollar.

In Reality however, when asking most recent home buyers or sellers, they will say that their agent made a huge difference in the the process of buying or selling and added substantial benefits to the experience and bottom line.

It is unfortunate to equate real estate agents with the persona of the car salesperson. You know the stereo type of the guy/gal who dresses a little too nice and talks a little too fast...all the while pushing you toward something you might not be able to afford or even like. 

While there might be a small handful of real estate agents who fall under those descriptions (as there are in any profession), the majority of real estate agents are honest, hard-working professionals who live and breathe real estate, at least that has been our experience in Vancouver and Greater Victoria BC for the past 25+years. 

Here are 5 additional reasons why a real estate agents should not be compared with a car salesperson in our opinion:

Don't Compare us to a Carsalesperson1 - Education. Real Estate Agents complete substantial education and pass one or more exams in order to become licensed. 

This isn't a week's worth of "sales" training, in fact there is little if any sales training at all. A licensed real estate agent has to learn about the laws and procedures regarding the province or state in which he intends to list and or sell real estate. 

A licensed real estate agent is then tested on that knowledge via an intensive provincial or state exam. 

And the education is not over once the agent gets his license. Every province has renewal requirements,  to complete  continuing education classes ensuring that every agent is up to date on the latest news and policy in the real estate profession.

Don't Compare us to a Carsalesperson2 - Oversight. Real estate professionals are kept in check by their Licensing Councils. 

Not only are there many license requirements that each province has but there are also disciplinary actions that can be implemented by each real estate licensing councils.

Real estate agents can get their licenses suspended or revoked by the provincial or state licensing council.

3 - Code of Ethics.  Each and every Real Estate Professional is accountable to their local board's, their provincial or state as well as their National Code of Ethics. 

CREA in Canada and NAR in the United States are some of the the largest professional organization in existence.  Each and every real estate agent who joins their national  association is obligated to adhere to this Code of Ethics, which is geared toward protecting consumers and ensuring that real estate professionals act within ethical standards. 

Have you ever asked or expected similar accountability to a Code of Ethics from  car salespeople?

Don't Compare us to a Carsalesperson4 - Requirement of Disclosure.   A real estate agent must search, seek out and disclose all material facts known about any home and anything that may affect the purchase or sale of Real Estate.

An agent can't misrepresent a home to you, its condition, etc. in the hopes that you won't find out until it's too late (and you've rolled off the lot). 

There is no crossing of fingers and hoping all works out because not only is the real estate agent's reputation on the line, but also his status as a licensed agent. 

With every single real estate transaction, an agent is putting himself at risk of legal and financial consequences. 

Why would any reputable agent risk losing his career and possibly a lot of money in court? He wouldn't. So the real estate agent will err on the side of caution and disclose everything he ethically and legally must disclose.

5 - A home is the single most important financial transaction of your life.

Professional Real Estate Agents understand this. They understand that there is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to helping you purchase or sell your home. We fully understand that the property is part of a number of events and situations taking place in your life, and will seek out to address all or most in offering their expertise and experience

While a car salespeople might find out about your earnings and push/drive you to a vehicle at the edge of your afford ability (or beyond). Conversely  your Pfanntastic real estate professional will also consult with you about,  monthly expenses, interest rates, market conditions, return on investment, financial suiteability, to help you determine the best possible fit for your new home and financial situation. 

From there, your real estate professional will encourageDon't Compare us to a Carsalesperson you to speak with a mortgage professional to obtain the most accurate picture of your financial ability to buy. Only then will the real estate agent start to narrow down your home search. Because the real estate agent understands that it's not only a financial issue. You have wants and needs that the real estate agent will evaluate in order to find you a home; you're not looking merely for a roof over your head.

Peter and Linda Pfann are very proud to be long time Real Estate Professionals in Greater Victoria BC, and with our recent experience at a local car dealership, we hope that you can understand that we really do not want to or feel we deserve to be compared with Car Salespeople.

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Posted by

 

 

 

Peter Pfann,

CPCA, ABR, SRES, E-Pro, IMSD, Master ASA, C-CREC, Associate Broker.

Text or Talk To Peter @: (1) 250 - 213 - 9490  

peterpfann@gmail.com  www.pfanntastic.com

Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, BC, Canada, @ Fair  Realty Since 1986.

Regional office: 1540 Fort St Victoria, BC V8S 5J2

 

Comments (48)

Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi Satar,

That you do not agree with the comparison between agents an car salespeople we created is entirely your right, however you might want to check your state laws and codes of conduct and those of other jurisdictions before you comment about our Canadian real estate practices.

No licensing needed to sell cars I agree, however we would love to see a dramatically higher threshold to enter the real estate industry in which licensing would be at the level of a 2 -3 year Junior University degree

in what way is a code of ethics by one self serving business and that of 250,000 + Canadian and 800,000+ American agents comparable.

how is an agency relationship and an employee relationship comparable.

Realtors do not approve loans and mortgages, but can consult on affordability, ultimately the collapse of the "American" (not the Canadian) real estate market had more to do with none existing supervision  of the lending practices of the big American mortgage lenders, and little if anything with Realtors...

If you truly find that there is no difference between car sales and being a Realtor, my suggestion.......my suggestion, become a car sales person, but that is just our opinion

Dec 18, 2011 03:53 PM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi Kathy,

we are truly so different in most of our day to day relationships and responsibilities.

Hi Cathy,

We agree that we would love to see our governance in our industry become much stricter, we can start by reporting our peers mis conduct every time we see or experience it

I am not sure about the USA but here in Canada it appears that most governing  bodies are more interested in keep the number of licencees much higher than needed, both the general public and the industry would be much better served with fewer yet 100 % accountable agents operating as single licensed entities in which no real or perceived conflict is allowable....

Not that this will happen any time soon.

But compared to many professional industries, we are far from perfect, but much better than most....

Hi Rosalie,

Agree with you all the way, we are nothing a like, (and we don't want to be either)

Dec 18, 2011 04:07 PM
Satar Naghshineh
Satar - Amiri Property and Financial Services Corp. - Irvine, CA

"That you do not agree with the comparison between agents an car salespeople we created is entirely your right, however you might want to check your state laws and codes of conduct and those of other jurisdictions before you comment about our Canadian real estate practices."

My statement pertaining to the concept of selling a car and real property is an ideological statement and is not specific to the business practices of an individual brokerage and has no bearing to the country of orgin.

"No licensing needed to sell cars I agree, however we would love to see a dramatically higher threshold to enter the real estate industry in which licensing would be at the level of a 2 -3 year Junior University degree."

I don't see how that will help nor do I see a need for a license to sell real property. Why is it that as an individual, I can sell and convey property, but if I do it for another individual, I need higher education and a license from some form of government to do so?

"in what way is a code of ethics by one self serving business and that of 250,000 + Canadian and 800,000+ American agents comparable."

Or why does one industry feel it needs a code of ethics?

"how is an agency relationship and an employee relationship comparable."

Hence my point about sub-agency. Unless we are being paid strictly from our client, we are working for the dealership (or listing broker in this case), therefore it becomes an issue of semantics.

"Realtors do not approve loans and mortgages, but can consult on affordability..."

Pray tell, you can consult on matters of financial affordability better than the actual client who will be making the purchase? There are only two parties, one being the consumer that has to make a decision on the cost of the product (including upkeep) and the financial institution that has to mitigate risk when giving credit to the individual.The Realtor cannot persuade the client from purchasing a larger property or a smaller one no more than a car salesman can convince a client to buy a Mercedes over a Chrysler or vice versa.

"If you truly find that there is no difference between car sales and being a Realtor, my suggestion.......my suggestion, become a car sales person, but that is just our opinion."

If I felt that the personal happiness, time and income was worth it, I would become a car salesperson. However, I would not partake in delusions of grandeur and make disparaging remarks about my clients, just because they happen to sell real estate rather than vehicles, especially after they purchased inferior American made products from me. However, that is just my opinion. ;)

Dec 18, 2011 05:12 PM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Satar,

It would appear that your issue is more with the real estate governing entities and if they should or should not exist.

We just compared the realities, the facts and the laws of the land   not  ideological or philosophical believes or opinions.

We clearly will not agree on any level but the facts are that the rules, laws and requirements make the differences between any sales people (selling cars or anything else) working as employees for a principal and a licensed agent and brokerage acting under an agency relationship very substantial.

We just pointed out the most common differences as they exist today in our province (and likely in most states) are not really something that can be disputed, they are the facts. You do not have to agree with the facts, but you are best to direct your concerns to your state licensing council or department

 

Dec 18, 2011 05:47 PM
Satar Naghshineh
Satar - Amiri Property and Financial Services Corp. - Irvine, CA

Understood, but keep in mind that the industry heavily regulated by licensing regulations and government oversight is usually perceived to be innately corrupt and not regulated by the free market. So I was attempting to dismantle your argument based on the points you provided as one person's status is not "higher" than another person's status, simply based on the products or services they sell.

By the way, it looks like your blog started another featured blog. That's why I like Activerain, people like you who write thought provoking blogs that stir up conversations and dissenting opinions.

Dec 18, 2011 06:19 PM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Peter & Linda, great post.  Thanks for making me appreciate a little better our profession.

Dec 18, 2011 10:03 PM
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Best Hawaii Realtor!

Aloha Peter and Linda, I can see how the general consumer thinks of us.  With only a few weeks of education, one is able to say "I am a Real Estate Agent".  I have always thought that a College Degree should be a part of the requirements to get a license.

Dec 18, 2011 10:59 PM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

HI Bob,

You are most welcome.

Hi Bruce,

Yes I would agree with you but as things go, most agents that survive in this business as true full time professionals are very dedicated to their craft.

Dec 19, 2011 01:20 AM
Debbie Holmes
John L. Scott - Boise, ID
Gets the job done!

That is a great blog...I do not know if it will help public perception of us....Most of us work very hard for are clients.... We do a great job with an inportant decision for them.

Dec 19, 2011 01:31 AM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi Debbie,

When all is said and done, it is up to us to ensure that our clients are served in the best possible way, when we take on the position as their agent, we take on a role and position well beyond of that of a sales person, it is easy to forget this distinction but it is what sets us apart most from unlicensed sales people in any other profession.

Dec 19, 2011 01:38 AM
Adrian Kindred
Keller Williams Arizona Realty - Phoenix, AZ

I like the article and showing the major differences between the two occupations. I feel many occupations get grouped together because it's easy to do so. Thank you for posting.

Dec 19, 2011 03:59 AM
Raymond Kennedy
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Orland Park, IL

Sales profession wil always get bashed no matter how much we care about our clients. It comes with the territory unfortunately and there is always someone who will be unhappy, perhaps the person on the other side of the deal because they weren't represneted or represented by a weaker party. This business is not for the faint of heart, you have to have thick skin and accept that some will not like you and may stereotype you. This is not a business that making friends is the priority, we have a job to do and many will disagree with how we do that job.  I appreciate the article because I believe your points are well stated. Keep in mind, there are some car sales people that have just as much integrity and suffer the unfortunate stereotype we do. I agree with your point where they are not held to the same standard as we are.

At the end of the day, people are entitled to their opinions and I will gladly let them keep them.

Thanks or the post!

Dec 19, 2011 06:06 AM
Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Peter and Linda:

We are nothing like car salespeople and I resent the comparison.  You accurately stated our education, code of ethics and all the other requirements we must meet.  No comparison. We are professionals.

Dec 19, 2011 06:26 AM
Curtis Van Carter
Better Homes & Gardens Wine Country Group - Yountville, CA
Your Napa Valley Broker Extraordinaire

Hi

Unfortunately, the press we get, especially lately, doesn't help and in many of the polls I see, we still don't rate much higher. At least we are above politicians.

Only those in this business and our clients, especially those who had an issue we have solved, know how much a good agent brings to the table. Maybe God one day will need an agent and we will get the praise many of us truly deserve.

Dec 19, 2011 06:45 AM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

HI Raymond,

The key difference really is about agency and fiduciary responsibilities, all the courts in both countries look at it and place a substantially higher onus on us to ensure that our principals are protected and guarded from any damage, even and including to the point that they will personally hold us accountable for any wrong doing.

Hi Evelyn,

so true, even if our daily activities may resemble that of none licensed sales people the laws and requirements can and often will use a much higher standard of accountability on us (and we welcome it)

HI Curtis,

Valid points off course,    on a side note  I thought God already had a few agents on Earth, I belief the call them Churches, Temples and Synagogues don't they....;o)

Pfanntastic holidays to all.

Dec 19, 2011 09:30 AM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Peter and Linda - You do a great job of pointing out the difference between Realtors and car salespeople.  I think the code of ethics and education are particularly important.

Dec 19, 2011 12:53 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Great job of pointing out our benefits. Didn't tell the whole story of the 'encounter' at the dealership though. If it was anything like the ones I've had it was bad.  I too have a Chrysler Concorde that is getting long in the tooth.  I get great gas mileage & when I talked to the guys at a dealership for my sons car I decided right then I was going to run the little darling into the ground rather than buy another!

P.S. I think our cars are made in Canada if I remember right.

Dec 21, 2011 08:01 AM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi Christine,

No Doubt they are, we are always so concerned about making sure that what we do is done right

 

Hi Lyn,

No I figured that if I told the entire story it would give the dealership to much airtime....;) which I did not think they deserved

Merry Christmas and a Pfanntastic New Year

 

Dec 21, 2011 11:29 AM
Anonymous
Carl

Hi Peter and Linda,

 

I have to say, I'm very disappointed in your comments.  By gernalizing about car salespeople, you are doing EXACTLY what you don't want others to do to realtors!!  Just because you have had some bad experiences with some car salespeople, dosn't mean you have the right to put them down the way you did.  I'm sure for every bad experience with a car salesperson there is an equally bad experience with a realtor (or contractor, or doctor, etc.).  

The people that fall into the stereotypical "used car salesman" persona, will not last in todays auto imdustry.  As a matter of fact, to be sucessfull, one MUST remain educated (with ongoing courses, not a week long "sales training"), they must dress well (in accordance with their dealership's policies), and be the professional guide where one must search for the perfect vehicle based on the customer's needs (like in real estate) and disclose all fincncial options available to the customer so they can CHOOSE what works best for them financially (also like in real estate).

Being pushy in any sales position will get you nowhere fast.  I'm currently in a car sales position and I find that the best way to help the customer is to listen to them and give them options that suit them - being pushy is NEVER a part of it.  I've had many sales roles in the past, and this has always been my philosophy.

By the way, I stumbled across this posting while doing a general web search on real estate, as I'm currently studdying for my real estate exam.  Please think twice in the future before lambasiting an entire profession just because you encountered a moron or two.  Let's NOT generalize and stereotype, as that isn't good for anyone!!

 

Carl

Mar 19, 2012 03:05 AM
#47
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

HI Carl,

Thank you for your feed back, we would suggest, to read the article (completely) as in essence the article points out the licensing, educational, and  agency requirements and yes I did point out our bad experience in a car dealership, for which the only recourse is to not buy there anymore (and we won't.

In Real Estate the consumer has a number of options to receive satisfaction, (the real estate board, real estate council, and the courts) all of which would be able to prevent future mis-haps by the Realtor....

We remain in our opinion that blanket statements are often made between the 2 professions as being similar, and is clearly not at all appropriate or accurate.

Mar 19, 2012 07:07 AM