Trust Is Never A Given

Just because you're a Realtor doesn't mean you're trustworthy.

Let that sink in.

That's what the general public thinks of you and that's why they're going to the internet for due diligence before making a commitment to an agent these days.   It's a preconceived notion and, while it's not YOUR fault, it is justified by history.

Today's consumers throw up more smokescreens than ever before and it's for one main reason...they've either been burned or felt burned.    There are hardcore sales tactics being taught in some realms of real estate that are focused on the bottom line rather than the consumer.  While this may have "worked" in the past, we're all paying the price for it now.

If you have any doubts about the way you're being taught to do business, consider the source.   If a lender or appraiser doesn't seem quite right, even though they're working out a great deal for you, do your research.  Know who you're dealing with.

I received a disturbing email from one of my colleagues that has caused me to lose quite a bit of sleep.  Here's a snippet of information from it:

The Miami Herald's investigative team reported on Sunday that the state has approved over 10,000 mortgage broker licenses for convicted felons since 2000; over 4,000 were issued to individuals who had been convicted of crimes such as fraud, extortion, racketeering, and bank robbery - crimes that are specifically prohibited by the licensing statute - and a smattering of licenses are held by felons convicted of violent crimes including 15 murders.

I'm not a person who gravitates toward sensationalism.  I am a realist, however, and if there are this many mortgage broker/felons in Florida, what about the other 49 states?  What impact do you think this may have had on the "crazy" market just a few years back that has created the real estate climate we're in now?

Integrity rules...no matter what we do for a living.  Those of us who are trying to do things the right way are now paying the price for those who took advantage of the trust of both agents and consumers.

Now back to my original statement:  Just because you're a realtor doesn't mean you're trustworthy.

Consumers are more savvy now than ever before and will be skeptical of you until you earn their trust.  The aforementioned "crazy" market caused the image of real estate agents to take yet another hit.  Rightly or wrongly, consumers will be skeptical of you at first.

Don't take it personally...just treat them the way you would want to be treated.   You represent the image of the entire industry with every transaction you're involved with.