Mr/s Real Estate Agent - You are Right. And You are Wrong
In today's world we're all connected. Through professional groups, lobbies, networking associations, and yes, of course, online. Many sites create forums for professionals to converse, get help, and meet others in the industry. Facebook is a place online that has many, many 'groups' which are great places to learn and meet others (kind of like another platform that's been around for a while....hmmm...ActiveRain!?).
Over and over again, there's discourse about rules, regulations, ethics, morals, "how to" do certain things, and more. And one thing remains consistent. A lot of the answers and replies people provide are right. And wrong.
When dealing in the national (or international) real estate market, it's important to remember that "Real Estate is local" is a phrase that goes beyond knowing the median home value for a zip code. Laws, rules, regulations, costs, and customs can be completely different across state lines, and sometimes even in different regions within a state.
This came to mind recently when I saw an online conversation between people discussing a seller recording open houses and home showings in their home for sale. One agent stated it wasn't a good idea and opened up potential legal issues. Another agent chimed in that it was perfectly fine, and that anyone can record anyone in their own home. Completely opposite answers. Both absolutely correct. Both absolutely incorrect. Depending on the location.
I don't know all of the laws in all 50 states (51? Puerto Rico? What's the latest on that?), but I do know across state lines things can be much different. In matters of how transactions are handled, things can be a lot different, too. When it comes to controversial subjects like dual agency, customs, opinions on ethics, and even laws, can determine what's right and wrong. What doesn't determine what's right and wrong is the opinion of someone else that operates in an area with different rules.
The internet is a crazy place. There's a ton of good info, and a ton of people providing info just to see their name in the lights, whether that info is correct or not. There are some genius professionals out there, and some pompous blowhards. But anyone can be right, and anyone can be wrong. when online, it's best to stick to what we know - our individual state(s), customs, laws, processes, and leave the questions from out of area folks to the local experts who are playing with the same rulebook.
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