Ninah Hunter

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These are great comments to a great topic. I have the advantage and disadvantage of not having been in the business that long (5.5 years), so I'm not hampered by traditional brokerage habits. I'm also one of those pro-active consumers who hates to be sold. I think I've done a pretty good job turning my brokerage firm and agents into skilled, consumer-centric, service-oriented professionals, or working toward that end, anyway. My biggest challenge in this economy and in this industry, however, continues to be that we all live and die by the commission, that we are in competition not only with outside agents and brokerage firms but also within a company (and, hence, the customer is, in fact, too often perceived as a commodity), and that most agents are still primarily motivated by the commission split and how little they have to pay the brokerage company. It's a constant battle to be competitive with other brokerage companies while keeping my financial head above water. As a result, it is hard to avoid treating agents like commodities, as well, and feeling like one must recruit, recruit, recruit, as we are so often told is the life-blood of a brokerage company. For now, I'm still holding out hope that I can survive with my handful, well, two handfulls, of agents with whom I continue to work closely and that my brokerage company that will not be terminal. ~Ninah

Teresa raises a good point between giving honest feedback and protecting your buyer's interests. On the other hand, we all appreciate feedback that could be useful to us and our sellers. I think there is always room for tact and professionalism in giving feedback, whichever side you're on. Regarding pricing, it's all subjective, really, on the part of buyers and agents alike. Interestingly, I had 30 brokers fill out a feedback survey on one of my listings on tour today, which is rather unique and hard to "comp." The opined prices at which it would ultimately sell ranged over $100,000 (on a home priced at $439,000)! So, I guess the lesson is perhaps not to ask for an opinion about price, not to put too much weight on it if you get the opinion, and not be insulted if a buyer's agent refuses to provide feedback on price. ~Ninah Broker Owner CENTURY 21 Action Realty Montrose, Colorado

The jury is still out as far as I'm concerned whether this new plan will have the saluatory effect it is intended to have on the housing market. I am concerend like Sean that it seems too limited and will not help the majority of people upside down on all kinds of real estate, not just primary residences. Nevertheless, it's nice to have something to offer first time home buyers and homeowners that may need help and can qualify for loan mods. Maybe part of this will be educating people who might not otherwise know about it and take advantage of what's offered, if they can qualify. We've been told there is no quick fix and it will take time. So, I'll give it time before this jury renders her verdict. ~Ninah Ninah Hunter Broker Owner CENTURY 21 Action Realty Montrose, Colorado