Although our readers are in the same business, there’s no single way or magic bullet solution to success in real estate. Perhaps no platform makes this more evident than the Inman News comment section, where site browsers share their experiences, opinions and thoughts.
This week, readers discussed the announcement of an unconventional HUD secretary, gave their own unique holiday marketing ideas, weighed in on the heated topic of ‘transparent bidding,’ listed the pros and cons of the virtual brokerage and more on some of our most popular stories.
Lisa Dority · Commented on Trump nominates Ben Carson for HUD secretary
Having a [brilliant] medical mind and being a “fine gentleman” is wonderful, but appointing someone with absolutely no knowledge or [experience] with housing, planning, urban development, finance and by their own admission just last week did not feel qualified for the position, just sends a clear message that these institutions are not valued by the President -elect or that he does not understand what they do or how important they are in American life. There are plenty of “conservative, family value” folks who could hit the ground running. This is not an internship, where personality and pulling yourself up by the boot straps should earn you points– [experience] matters.
Joe Walker · Commented on 25 holiday marketing ideas for real estate agents
Each Thanksgiving movie invites are sent to our data base. Saturday after Black Friday, they bring the invite to the theater & hand to attendant marking down # of movie goers. Any movie until 8pm is available to them & we go pay the bill that evening.
Beth Enos Marden · Commented on Should real estate agents use ‘transparent bidding’?
Based on price alone, these models may work, however, home sales are not only about price, they are about terms, conditions and movitation by both parties and yes also emotion. . Anyone can find a home and make an offer, there is a value associated with our service as Brokers and once again this model negates our value as Realtors.
Greg Watkins · Commented on Should real estate agents use ‘transparent bidding’? (in response to Beth Enos Marden)
I like Beth’s response…The highest price is not always the best offer…Can the buyer perform? Is the buyer pre-approved for a loan? is this a 100% financed sale? Is there proof of funds to close? Is it a cash offer without documentation? Is it a contingent sale? Terms of the sale mean as much to sellers and listing agents as does price.
Pierce Smith · Commented on Should real estate agents use ‘transparent bidding’? (in response fo Beth Enos Marden)
Beth, agents have blown the opportunity to be honest and the consumer is distrustful of you.
Give them an honest chance for a change. Truth, they are smarter than you about what they want!
Marshall Walker · Commented on Does a brokerage really need a brick-and-mortar location?
Personally I live and work in a community where my brick and mortar plays a LARGE part of my marketing. We are an old Texaco station set up as a café/office. We open the office up to the community for many events, we host an area meeting place for fundraising groups, birthday parties, food drive and even jazz nights. We give out free tickets to local events, host CSA food drop off and anything that we can use to promote our presence in the n/hood – long term visibility . The agents, however, are all set up to work virtually but there is always an agent on duty for walk in, internet and telephone traffic.
Lana Waller · Commented on Does a brokerage really need a brick-and-mortar location?
We have been a virtual brokerage in Canada for 15 years and it works great. Has not hurt our business at all. You must have great systems in place and be able to demonstrate the value to the Agents of this type of office. We rent a local boardroom to have our meetings where we can all get together for updates and to discuss topics and upcoming events so everyone still feels connected.
