Industry professionals on our site talked about the proper protocol when selling a stigmatized home, press release faux pas, whether a real estate license should require a college degree and who will stay relevant in the tech revolution — all in a week’s time.
Here are our top comments of the week, in no particular order.
Larry Story · Commented on Should I stay or should I go: Pros and cons of switching brokerages | Inman
Dusty,
I see more and more agents leaving the “big box” franchise firms and national firms for either small boutique firms or to start their own.
In the days of internet and declining print advertising agents can have their own websites and manage their leads without all the fees that most big firms lay on an agent.
Now it is definitely not for everyone. But those agents that have developed their own business and get plenty of referrals really do not feel like they owe that much to a big firm.
I founded my own firm after leaving Coldwell Banker over five years ago. We now have 12 agents and I have not done any recruiting. Honestly, if I do a transaction and I am impressed with the agent I may talk to them once but, I do not chase agents. Some agents will come and ask me about the firm. I have turned down a number of people over the years that I thought were just not a good fit.
Agents should definitely stay where they are comfortable. Jumping from firm to firm would be detrimental to anyone’s reputation. Plus you are just making it harder to establish yourself.
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Brenda Wild · Commented on How would you sell a ‘murder house’? | Inman
I recently had the privilege to list a home of a double homicide. Being that we are a small valley and it had a great deal of news coverage, it was decided that it would be disclosed upfront.
Interesting dilemma was that the agent was more uncomfortable with the disclosure with the buyer than the buyer. It was an invaluable learning experience and one I hope not to repeat.
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Jennifer Burgess · Commented on Buyer’s agent: What does that even mean? | Inman
Jeff,
I’m here swimming with you in this idea that there is an undercurrent of change in the industry. How is customer-facing technology forcing a revision in the roles of real estate agents? Who will be the key players and how will they capitalize on the paradigm shift? It’s not as much about who has sellers and who has buyers, it about who can stay relevant.
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Kevin Hawkins Public Relations · Commented on Press releases going unnoticed? These mistakes could be why | Inman
Solid piece, Craig. Very nice. May I suggest a few other “ouch” words?
-first-time ever
-groundbreaking
-revolutionary
-authentic
Most overused verb:
-empower, empowering
Now let’s hope not only the CEOs read this but their PR people take heed.
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Patricia Barker Ayling · Commented on How would you sell a ‘murder house’? | Inman
If a disclsoure is not required by local law, the seller should be making the decision whether to disclose or not, not the agent. One should remember who their client is.
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Clair Catillaz · Commented on Will smart home monitoring jeopardize showing privacy? | Inman
This is a hot topic. I sold my own home last year and was so tempted to install audio devices … was obsessed about knowing every comment on features and appliances.
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Also wanted to know what they whispered about upstairs … Maybe even out of earshot from their agent. Once when receiving agent feedback, it was so vague and off-base that I am sure she didn’t show the house herself but had an underling take the buyers through — would have LOVED to bust her on that.
Margaret Summers · Commented on Special report: Why and how real estate needs to clean house | Inman
Fascinating report, but what’s more interesting are the comments. In particular, that a college degree should be required. That means that the following people would be disqualified: Bill Gates, Yoko Ono, Ansel Adams, Ben Affleck, Paul Allen, Christina Aguilera, Donna Karan, Ray Kroc, Mark Zuckerberg, etc. I could go on and on.
As for age … well, don’t get me started! As for more fees…well, maybe — it might keep those out that just want a license to be able to sell their own house. And maybe a few of their friends. The beauty of real estate is that it is screwy, mixed up, unreliable, odd hours, even odder people, and will end up making you just a bit crazy….exactly why I love it so.
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Annie Buchanan · Commented on NAR taps Phil Dunphy for ‘Modern Family’ Realtor placement | Inman
I liked the episode because it is Phil’s real estate knowledge that saves the day. And it impliess that because he is a Realtor he is better than a regular agent. I don’t see Phil as an idiot. He is very creative which is a skill a REALTOR needs in a challenging market. Occasionally those creations go wrong but you love him for trying it.
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