Well, can I be honest with you Rob? ( ha ha) … You may be overreacting a wee bit on the particular example you gave about the craftman house. If you’re pulling from idx there isnt alot of room for realtors to cite references – there’s just enough room for a few key features in the remarks section. Plus,you’re trying to appeal to the buyer’s emotions in this short section by painting a picture in their minds of the house. I’m not convinced that your example embellished the house. Would be better if they took out the word “real” unless it does in fact have historic significance.

“Is it that some agents are so desperate for transactions that they’ll do anything to get a listing at whatever price?” Unfortunately there are agents who “buy” listings by to beat out other agents on listing appointments because they are insecure, desperate and have no value proposition, and yes, they know the longer they sit with it the more buyers they can pick up from marketing it, they then try to get the price down when it obviously doesnt get offers at its original list price. Sellers need to ask during the listing interview what the agent’s average days on market is and what is the agent’s sale price to list price ratio.

~ your no B.S. realtor friend

Well, can I be honest with you Rob? ( ha ha) … You may be overreacting a wee bit on the particular example you gave about the craftman house. If you’re pulling from idx there isnt alot of room for realtors to cite references – there’s just enough room for a few key features in the remarks section. Plus,you’re trying to appeal to the buyer’s emotions in this short section by painting a picture in their minds of the house. I’m not convinced that your example embellished the house. Would be better if they took out the word “real” unless it does in fact have historic significance.

“Is it that some agents are so desperate for transactions that they’ll do anything to get a listing at whatever price?” Unfortunately there are agents who “buy” listings by to beat out other agents on listing appointments because they are insecure, desperate and have no value proposition, and yes, they know the longer they sit with it the more buyers they can pick up from marketing it, they then try to get the price down when it obviously doesnt get offers at its original list price. Sellers need to ask during the listing interview what the agent’s average days on market is and what is the agent’s sale price to list price ratio.

~ your no B.S. realtor friend

As Jim states above the blogging/social media has given the consumer the opportunity to get to know those agents doing such, without ever picking up the phone. I’m sure after reading some blogs/websites the consumer will do everything to avoid that particular agent. I have been to Jim’s site many times and feel I have a pretty good idea who he is and that he is trustworthy.

As you state providing facts and good content is KING, trust has to be earned – the consumer has to test you answers that you should support with independent evidence/facts/neutral sources. I never assume trust in a Client relationship – I always back everything up with facts, figures, and third party sources.

I don’t know if you have been following the new book coming out by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, but it should be on order for any REALTOR that wants to understand building trust and why you don’t want to use the work directly.

I disagree with your statement avoid market speak – As a listing agent it is important to market a property – it’s not just about being factual but to build a visual picture and a reason for the buyer to call and see the property.

Honesty, is there really any other way? Thanks for the post.

As Jim states above the blogging/social media has given the consumer the opportunity to get to know those agents doing such, without ever picking up the phone. I’m sure after reading some blogs/websites the consumer will do everything to avoid that particular agent. I have been to Jim’s site many times and feel I have a pretty good idea who he is and that he is trustworthy.

As you state providing facts and good content is KING, trust has to be earned – the consumer has to test you answers that you should support with independent evidence/facts/neutral sources. I never assume trust in a Client relationship – I always back everything up with facts, figures, and third party sources.

I don’t know if you have been following the new book coming out by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, but it should be on order for any REALTOR that wants to understand building trust and why you don’t want to use the work directly.

I disagree with your statement avoid market speak – As a listing agent it is important to market a property – it’s not just about being factual but to build a visual picture and a reason for the buyer to call and see the property.

Honesty, is there really any other way? Thanks for the post.

I’ve always believed that marketing oneself as “honest, trusted, full of integrity,” etc. is counter-productive. The insinuation is that in a sea of sharks, I’m the only one who can save you.

Some people are smarter than a lot of us give them credit for.

You know how to show people that you’re honest and looking out for the clients’ best interest? Be honest and do what’ right for the clients.

I’ve always believed that marketing oneself as “honest, trusted, full of integrity,” etc. is counter-productive. The insinuation is that in a sea of sharks, I’m the only one who can save you.

Some people are smarter than a lot of us give them credit for.

You know how to show people that you’re honest and looking out for the clients’ best interest? Be honest and do what’ right for the clients.

I think offenders could be broken down into 3 categories.

1. You have your opportunists who work hard, only they their hard work is pointed at fooling people. These people aren’t interested in learning how to connect or deliver, they want to take, not give.

2. You have your lazy. If they can write or speak a shortcut, they’re all over it. These folks aren’t interested in earning trust, they want free lunches.

3. I believe the majority are those that want to deliver, impress, please, connect and serve. Their challenges are; lack of education on how to present their value proposition and fear of change – so they mimic what they see successful others do.

Let’s face it, this issue is not a “real estate” agent issue specifically, it’s an issue that effects all industries; autos, hospitality, airlines, retail, etc.

Calling it out and sharing alternatives is one way that group 3 can learn what steps to take to elevate them above the sea of sameness.

Nice post. I’ll be sharing this with out team. Thanks.

I think offenders could be broken down into 3 categories.

1. You have your opportunists who work hard, only they their hard work is pointed at fooling people. These people aren’t interested in learning how to connect or deliver, they want to take, not give.

2. You have your lazy. If they can write or speak a shortcut, they’re all over it. These folks aren’t interested in earning trust, they want free lunches.

3. I believe the majority are those that want to deliver, impress, please, connect and serve. Their challenges are; lack of education on how to present their value proposition and fear of change – so they mimic what they see successful others do.

Let’s face it, this issue is not a “real estate” agent issue specifically, it’s an issue that effects all industries; autos, hospitality, airlines, retail, etc.

Calling it out and sharing alternatives is one way that group 3 can learn what steps to take to elevate them above the sea of sameness.

Nice post. I’ll be sharing this with out team. Thanks.