Letters to the Editor

Re: 'Real estate hurt by media spin' (Nov. 16)

Dear Editor:

Do real estate brokers have any responsibility to combat negative news with managerial accountability for (1) why they employ so many nonproductive agents whose 1-2 deals per year dilute the compensation of the professionally competent, consumer-focused and more-productive agents, and (2) establishing and enforcing business ethics, rules and regulations (self-policing) so that the consumer can choose between the best and brightest companies and their respective agents and those of their less capable competitors?

When will the brokerage community wake up to the fact that companies must distinguish themselves based upon expressed/written services provided rather than "full service," as if all agents in a full-service company are members of the "Full Service Union," which we all know is not true?

There are huge differences between agents and brokerages, and we need to tell the diverse public what they are so that our customers can make choices based upon the best, most accurate information available from us ... because the public will get the information, and, if not from us, from whom?

We must be very cautious not to fall into the "blame someone else American ethic" before we make sure our own houses are in order and can pass public scrutiny.

Glenn Dorfman
Chief operating officer
Minnesota Association of Realtors

Dear Editor:

This is a great article in good timing. Headlines (from the media) are extremely negative. We need more of these types of stories.

Ron Persaud
PK Realty Services Inc.
Brooklyn, N.Y.

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