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Don't Blindly Follow The Latest Gurus Advice

By
Real Estate Agent with Integrity Real Estate Group

It's the beginning of a new year in real estate and the gurus of the industry are trolling for your dollars.  Though there are some terrific third party practitioners, there are also those whose advice could costs you thousands of dollars if you follow it.

This week I listened to a presentation from one of the gurus in the later category.  They were suggesting a REALTOR® violate US Copyright law by taking other people's photos, removing any links or attribution from the original source and post them to Pinterest with a link to your own website.

To be honest I had to listen to the video a couple of times to make sure I was hearing what they were suggesting correctly.  Years of reading Lenn Harley's posts have educated most of us Active Rain old timers on US Copyright law but there are far to many who still believe "if I find it on the Internet" it's fair game.

Fortunately my exchange with this "guru" in a Facebook group ended up with their agreeing to take the video down and update their advice.  The problem is based on the number of shares that had already happened on their website that the damage has been done.  Hopefully a letter from Getty Images demanding payment for the use of a photo isn't in their future.

Before you blindly jump on the bandwagon of the latest and greatest business builder for 2016 take a pause.  Do your own research and verification.  If it involves advertising check with your Broker or association first.  It's going to be a great year in real estate if you don't end up in REALTOR® jail first.

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                                   Real People*Real Lives*Real Estate

If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones and Integrity Real Estate Group a call at 703-346-2213.

Military Relocation Specialist serving military families relocating to and from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico MCB and all of the Military District of Washington installations. 

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Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.

Integrity Real Estate Group
 
Real People*Real Life*Real Estate

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Comments (77)

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

One thing I learned quickly in this business there was always someone ready to take your money.  And most had little of benefit to offer.  Yep, listen to yourself!

Jan 08, 2016 10:17 PM
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Gurus... let me me see. Self-professed gurus according to themselves. They are in the business of selling "talk", and no action. They like to 'scare' you into action - if you don't do this, this will happen to you sort of thing... Most if not all in our industry, with a very few exceptions, have never worked in our business. They just talk about it. They make more money just talking about it than actually doing it themselves.

 

Jan 08, 2016 11:29 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I glean from everything as presented or don't. The dynamic rests with me

Jan 09, 2016 12:13 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Awesome post so glad to see  this video got your mojo back Cindy Jones please keep them coming

Jan 09, 2016 05:53 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Hello Cindy,  I many times feel badly for newer agents.  As you say there are so many out trolling for dollars and the newer agents seem to be the low hanging fruit.  This is in no way criticizing a newer agent.  I am glad you were able to help a few with what could have been very poor advice from 'a trusted' source.  Mark

Jan 09, 2016 10:29 AM
John Dotson
Preferred Properties of Highlands, Inc. - Highlands, NC - Highlands, NC
The experience to get you to the other side!

If anyone self-proclaims to be a guru - they probably aren't.

People need to think things through prior to acting - no matter what it is.

Jan 09, 2016 12:49 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Cindy Jones little surprised that they are unaware of US Copyright laws!

Listening to Gurus is not always right, we may land up in trouble!

Jan 09, 2016 02:21 PM
Barbara Birinyi
Quitman, TX
TX Real Estate Broker - Horse Property Specialist

So good of Cindy to point out the expert advise on copyright issues that Lenn Harley has authorized here on AR.  Anyone needing assistance with those matters should check out her posts ASAP (I did as a brand new agent in 2009)! 

Jan 10, 2016 08:25 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Cindy,

Networking with more experienced colleagues in your own market is a lot more productive than listening to Gurus, who just want some of your hard-earned peanuts.

Jan 10, 2016 12:33 PM
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

Every business owner should investigate, validate and do their due diligence on any new opportunity  before writing a check or taking out their credit card. 

Jan 10, 2016 04:14 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

This is also against MLS rules so this 'guru' was definately out of touch.

Jan 10, 2016 11:35 PM
Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent
Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA
Bringing you Home!

In this age where anyone can sue for anything, it sounds like bad advice to just take over someone elses photos!

I am an "old timer" who has followed Lenn Harley for years. Love her!

Jan 11, 2016 12:20 AM
Irene Morales Ward
REMAX Distinctive Real Estate, Inc. - Stafford, VA
Realtor - e-Pro - Northern Virginia Real Estate

As always, sage advice! What on earth were they thinking??

Jan 11, 2016 01:25 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

If they were really so great at real estate I think they would continue to make their money selling homes, not selling systems to other people on selling homes.

Jan 11, 2016 11:16 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Because we have to be accessible for our customers, our phone numbers and websites are out there for all these 3rd parties to call and call and call us.  It does get old.  But I do try and be polite because I have been there and done that and will probably be making a cold call tomorrow!

Jan 11, 2016 02:44 PM
Margaret Kapranos
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services - Novato, CA
San Francisco Bay Area REALTOR. 415-608-5070

Yes, solicitation does get wearisome and happens on so many levels.  I do appreciate learning though and will always keep my ears open for those opportunities but you sure have to go through a lot of frogs!

 

Jan 12, 2016 12:29 AM
Denise Hamlin, Broker/Owner
Cardinal Realty ~ 319-400-0268 - Iowa City, IA
Helping Happy Clients Make Smart Choices

Good advice Cindy. It blows my mind how many people STILL think if it's on the Internet it's fair game. What I want to know is whatever happened to good old common sense. What this guy suggested is so out there it makes you shake your head in bewilderment. 

Jan 13, 2016 02:25 AM
Kate Elim
Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA
Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Hi Cindy...The know it alls do not always know it all. Be careful who you listen to. As you suggested your broker is often your best source.

Kate

Jan 14, 2016 08:08 AM
Michelle Tucker ~ Pooler Real Estate
!Daley Real Estate - Pooler, GA
Rincon~Savannah~Richmond Hill

Cindy - great reminder to do your research before you jump on board.  I continue to read and learn through the AR community. If in doubt, check with one of your AR friends for some feedback.  Thank you again. 

Jan 20, 2016 12:39 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I was looking for your current blogs. I hope all is going well for you.

Sep 22, 2016 06:13 AM