Washington Post Asks Why Americans Can't Write - Can Your Agent Write?

Eric Kodner Technology has diminished ones ability to write. Many of us are lucky because we learned writing in our schools growing up. Today with texting, tablets, etc., it will be interesting to see what the future brings.

When I was growing up, I discovered how to combine writing with printing. I didn't even know I was doing it until a teacher pointed it out. In the more advanced stage, it went to hen scratch but always made good sense. Still does.

My mind moves at a speed way in advance of my motor skills. The only time it synchronizes is through verbal speech...either way, I am getting things done

Eric Kodner - Well done. Sadly for many it appears this skill has declined through the years.

Cheers,

Tom

Very insightful post, Eric, I am so glad it was featured.  We write everything ourselves, do still handwrite.  A

I think more of our sellers pay attention than most agents realize. They also notice the spelling, grammar and punctuation. And when agents don't even use spellchecker, they may easily lose a prospect to another agent.

It only takes a few seconds for a buyer to decide if they like a house. Agents also only have a few seconds to make that first impression. Punctuation, grammar, attire...it all matters.

Several thoughts occur after reading your post. (1) UPL or Unauthorized Practice of Law. Let's not kid ourselves, we practice "Law" all day every day. But, don't push the envelope by writing in "special clauses" or lining out/adding clauses to the pre-printed Board forms. (2) Ghost Writing. It shows; I don't care who you are. If you can't write it, don't post it. (I am not against "Assistants", but the content needs to be your own). (3) Pour Grammer. If you cain'[t spell good or am not good at writting then get somebuddy to hep you wid it.

Writing is definately part of our job.  What about how to write an ad to sell your home?  That's pretty important too!

Very well put!!!

It doesn't matter if they communicate by text message, by email or via snail-mail.  Your agent will still need to know how to express your wishes in writing, clearly and in a manner that looks after your best interests.

This business is relational if it's going to be a real business.  If you BS someone that's not building a relationship.  If so you're transactional, on a treadmill and will blow yourself up sooner or later.  The first word in real estate is REAL.

Hey, Eric!

I included this post in today's "Last Week's Favorites".  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

I know people may not believe me but I hand address every mailer I send out. Hundreds of them every month. It's time consuming but it's the personalized touch that people like and respect. 

Eric, I have loved two things for as long as I can remember, reading and writing. I prefer to write using pen and paper, but it is not practical for many reasons. By the way, I am a horrible speller, always have been so actually using a computer makes me appear to be smarter than I am! 

Reading is an important part to ones ability to write. At least I believe it to be. 

I want to add one thing to all the comments here. I admit to times my emails are less than what they could be. When I am using my cell phone to write an email it often doesn't turn out to be something I could be proud of writing! 

Oh, one more thing I wanted to say, I may exel in reading and writing (at least in my own mind) but math is an entirely different thing. We all have something we are good at, and other things "not so much". 

Thankfully we use standardized state forms for Real Estate transactions and there is little if any drafting of wording when submitting an offer.  Now the counter offer can be another situation. Often counter offers have several points to be stated or added for clarity. The same is true when asking for repairs. Be careful what you ask for because that may be what you get!  You will get what you asked for, not what you "intended", and this may cost your buyer (or seller) a lot of money.

THANKS FOR THE BLOG! I agree that being able to communicate in writing is very important for REALTORS.

I agree with you Eric, and enjoyed reading the comments.  

Eric Kodner  Outstanding points in this post . I don't think the public is fooled by the canned reports either . Looking for an agent with know how or one that is too lazy or busy to tell their clients what is happening .

English is not the first language for many real estate agents in the DC Metro area. Some contract clauses are very poorly written.

Let's bump this nice post into 2016!
I have a REAL problem with agents who are functionally illiterate. This is a communications  business!

Good points about possible mishaps arising out of bad drafting or communication skills.