Comments on: Attention Self-Loathing Realtors: Top 4 Reasons Everyone Hates You…Including Me.

By: Competence & Ethics of Santa Cruz Realtors | Santa Cruz Real Estate Blog

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:47:12 +0000

[...] perception of the public’s perception of Realtors is that the public does not think too highly of my profession. For example, now that housing prices [...]

By: Vote for this on puurple.com

Vote for this on puurple.com — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:34:13 +0000

Attention Self-Loathing Realtors: Top 4 Reasons Everyone Hates You…Including Me. | Ridgewood Front Porch…

Real Estate Sales is ranked as one of the least respected professions year-after-year - and it is our own fault. There are a lot more than 4 reasons for this, but let’s start here. By the way, the profession depicted below is ranked ahead of us……

By: Rich In NNJ

Rich In NNJ — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:27:29 +0000

Al,

Sorry for the confusion, that is not my blog. The blog owner is James Bednar who is a real estate agent.

By: al donohue

al donohue — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:23:56 +0000

Rich,

Thanks for your note. There are plenty of agents that come across as if they are only are only interested in getting a commission but there are many more that are actually trustworthy, caring and professional people. There are bad agents just as there are bad School Teachers, Police Officers, Bloggers, Doctors, etc.

I don’t use any of those cheesy phrases and nearly all of my clients have become personal friends because they do trust and respect me.

It all depends on the individual agent.

Your blog is real estate related but I assume you are not an agent. Are you in a related profession?

Thanks.

-Al

By: Rich In NNJ

Rich In NNJ — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:28:09 +0000

Al,

The number one reason I’ve read* that agents aren’t respected is that you don’t come across as… honest.
But I guess people need to realize that you’re sales people pushing a product and that they’ll have to do their own research. Unfortunately the data is, for lack of a better word “controlled” by the industry so the buyer/seller can’t really do research on their own.
And statements like “real estate never goes down”, “now is a good time to buy/sell” (it’s ALWAYS a good time to buy/sell with you guys!), “well, we have another party interested and they are much higher”, etc.

To sum up, it comes down to trust. Agents aren’t trusted for the same reason car dealers aren’t. You don’t come across as providing a service, you come across as just trying to get the deal (sell the car).

* http://www.njrereport.com

By: al donohue

al donohue — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:47:45 +0000

Sue - Thanks for your note.

You are right about having more time if you had a regular 9-5 job but what you are not saying is you are the #1 agent for all of NJ for your firm so you probably shouldn’t compare yourself to someone with a regular 9-5 job. What you do is more equivalent to a CEO or some other very senior level executive and those folks are not leaving the office at 5pm and they are getting in way before 9am.

Yes, I am looking forward to Inman Real Estate Connect. Hope to see you there.

-Al

By: Sue Adler

Sue Adler — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:12:44 +0000

Hey Al, You can write! This is pretty good in a sad sortof way.

I have to disagree with you on one point - I think its a myth that realtors can set our own hours and spend more time w/ our families. We have to be available when our buyers are, which is nights and weekends. Not that I’d EVER trade real estate for any other profession, but I definitely would have more family time if I had a M-F 9-5 job.

Are you going to Inman connect in NYC? I’ll be there. I hope you’re going. It would be fun hanging out with you.

Will read the rest of your posts some other time.

Take Care,

Sue