Reforming a broken system
Letter to the Editor
By Inman News, Tuesday, January 26, 2010.Re: 'Bad agents are here to stay' (Jan. 21)
Dear Editor:
I read the "bad agents" article and I couldn't agree more. As a real estate broker, unfortunately the first thing I tell my new (fresh out of school) agents is to prepare for the horrible attitudes displayed by our fellow agents.
As a new agent in 2002, I was so naive in starting a new career in real estate that I automatically assumed everyone would help me and be willing to schedule appointments.
What a rude awakening it was. However, I was responsible, always on time, and I did my job well. I set the goal that regardless of the unethical and sometimes illegal behavior of many Realtors, I would set a higher standard for myself.
It is now eight years later and we continue to deal with incompetent agents, office owners with no policies in place for their agents, and agents misrepresenting their clients without their clients' knowledge.
I hope that more regulations and continuing education requirements are put in place to reform a very broken system.
Yolanda Mendez
Victoria Realty Group
Linden, N.J.
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Submitted by Jennifer Mackay on January 26, 2010 - 2:59pm.
It's a sad situation that there are still many agents out there as you describe.
I have not only an 8 page contract for my agents, outlining their responsibilities to their clients, but also a policy and procedures manual on how I expect them to act and treat other agents.
Best Wishes,
Jennifer Mackay is a Keller Williams real estate agent and team leader providing guidance on many aspects of the Panama City, Florida real estate market. Visit her at Panama City Real Estate
Submitted by Wenceslao Fernandez Jr, BS, Realtor, CDPE on January 31, 2010 - 11:11am.
Bravo! Perhaps 4-year university degrees, and other training should be required for agents. I just can't believe how many agents out there seem so illegitimate by mere virtue of their behavior and way they do (or don't do), business. It is always a pleasure dealing with professionals that exhibit a minimum sense of decency, and seek win-win results, etc.
Wenceslao Fernandez Jr, BS, Realtor, CDPE
Certified Distressed Property Expert (visit http://www.CDPE.com for more info.)
Keller Williams Realty Miami Beach
Serving Eastern Miami-Dade & Miami Beach, Florida
Seach Florida Properties in YOUR language: http://www.Immobel.com/MiamiRealEstateKing
http://ISellMiamiBeach.Info
http://MiamiRealEstateKing.WordPress.com
Submitted by Ileri Ogunfiditimi, REALTOR® on February 4, 2010 - 9:45am.
Unfortunately, there will always be agents who engage in poor business practices. But every industry has their share. And it has nothing to do with degrees, licenses, or certifications.
Those are just externalities that demonstrate that an individual has completed either a prescribed educational program or exam, or have met the necessary requirements to practice a chosen profession. Degrees, certs, and licenses don't guarantee compentency.
Also, according to the National Association of REALTORS, only 7% of REALTORS have only a high school level education. In other words, 93% of REALTORS have a college level education. So, it's quite obvious that instituting degree requirements ain't the solution. Definitely continuing education and training will help.
But many brokerage firms have reduced (or eliminated) their training programs due to the high cost and low ROI (only a small percentage of trainees actually apply the principles learned from training programs). Additionally, most agents are self-employed. And, consequently, now are responsible for managing the sales and business process.
So there's much work to be done. Definitely. No easy answers though.
Ileri Ogunfiditimi, REALTOR®
Ileri Ogunfiditimi, LLC/Jobin Realty
7825 Tuckerman Lane, Suite 201
Potomac, MD 20854
Direct Dial (240)403-3400, Ext 742
Direct Fax (866)283-7840
Email: ileri@ileriogunfiditimi.com
www.ileriogunfiditimi.com
www.jobinrealty.com