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Mar

10
2010

Communication is client's decision

By Inman News, Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Re: 'Agents: Answer the Phone' (March 4)

Dear Editor:

Back to the future ... I remember being impressed with a very busy agent who always -- and I mean always -- answered his phone. As an agent, it struck me as impressive. Imagine what his clients thought.  more...

Mar

9
2010

RealHarmony: real estate matchmaking

By Inman News, Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Here's my exaggerated, tongue-firmly-in-cheek take on the future of real estate.

A semantic Web and augmented reality will have a big impact on the future of real estate.

You unroll an iPad on your lap as you push the mute button on your tiny wireless headphones. You look at the luminescent piece of plastic film that went from a rolled-up state to a rigid flat surface and say out loud, "San Diego."

Instantly a cover flow of thumbnails appear before you, and you use your fingers to flip through them. You hold your finger down for a preview and the gorgeous Web adviser that you designed as your personal iPad avatar says, "Good afternoon, Mr. Price."  more...

Mar

8
2010

Seller loyalty vs. dual agency

By Inman News, Monday, March 8, 2010.

Re: 'Full disclosure on dual agency' (March 4)

Dear Editor:

I have worked dual agency in the past but it is doubtful that I will do so in the future. Trying to be absolutely fair to both sides, when my stronger and longer relationship is with the seller, is very difficult and risky.

I believe referring the buyer to another person in my firm, or if they wish, to another firm, is the fairest and most ethical approach. Yes, I will make a bit less money, but I will rest better knowing that both sides are fairly represented.  more...

Mar

5
2010

The Oscar for 'Stunt Realtor' goes to ...

By Inman News, Friday, March 5, 2010.
Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daverugby83/3893586483/">Dave_B_</a>.

By CALLUM JAMES

The Academy Awards are just around the corner and I was surprised to learn there is sadly still no award for best stunt actor. Dramatic actors may gamble their reputation with a movie, but stunt actors truly risk life and limb for the film and don't get much credit for it.  more...

Full disclosure on dual agency

By Inman News, Friday, March 5, 2010.

Re: 'Slamming dual agency' (March 4)

Dear Editor:

There is no issue with disclosed dual agency. We practice disclosed dual agency everyday. One hundred percent of the time the seller saves money. It's pretty simple. Don't ever tell anyone what you will take or how much you will pay.  more...

Mar

4
2010

Slamming dual agency

By Inman News, Thursday, March 4, 2010.

Re: 'The dual-agency "slam dunk" ' (March 2)

Dear Editor:

I have to say, I believe that dual agency is not in the best interest of either the buyer or seller, and I feel that it represents a violation of the fiduciary obligation an agent has with their client. It is impossible to fairly represent both buyer and seller. The only person that this works for is the agent who usually ends up making the entire 6 percent.  more...

Mar

2
2010

Honesty, integrity and dual agency

By Inman News, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Re: 'Fairness in Dual Agency' (March 1)

Dear Editor:

I have had one transaction as a dual agency, because the seller and buyer agreed.

Not to create any issues, I suggested that both parties meet and discuss and negotiate the price on neutral grounds: my office. Everyone was pleased with the outcome. Honesty and integrity were not compromised.

Tina Bilazarian
Principal
Tina Bilazarian Inc.
Shrewsbury, Mass.

***  more...

The dual-agency 'slam dunk'

By Inman News, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Re: 'Fairness in Dual Agency' (March 1)

Dear Editor:
If you honor the profession, and treat all parties fairly, dual Agency is a slam dunk. As a matter of fact, I prefer dual-agency transactions.

Thoroughly verify all information, inspections, deadlines, requirements and be proactive with each party.

Barbara Christ
Broker-owner
RE/MAX Gold Country
Hamilton, Mont.

***  more...

Real estate Darwinism

By Inman News, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Today's brokers and agents who survive and lead us out of this current mess are going to be those most willing to change. They will share three key attributes: they will be the most competent in their craft, utilize all available technology, and be the most dedicated to customer service.

It seems like that should be the case today, but some, and perhaps a majority, are resistant to change. But pure Darwinism, survival of the fittest, is on the way. And internal and external changes to real estate brokerage offices will be a part of our evolution.

Undoubtedly, these changes will be fundamental. Externally, technology will continue to drive our industry change, and internally, change will be in the form of technology and reduced commissions. Sounds simple, but the transformation to the brokerage of 2020 will be drastic.  more...

Mar

1
2010

Agents, dual agency and 'referees'

By Inman News, Monday, March 1, 2010.

Re: 'Fairness in Dual Agency' (March 1)

Dear Editor:

I am no real estate attorney, but I believe dual agency is impossible by definition. It automatically creates a conflict of interest. Agency creates fiduciary duty -- and vicarious liability -- of the agent or broker to represent a client with utmost good faith, loyalty and trustworthiness, and to negotiate the best possible price for a client without disclosing specifics about the price or the motivation of the client.  more...

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