2007-06-05 13:59:34 · 13 answers · asked by frayre_alvaro 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Yes, I personally don't like them. I've dealt with many and they seem like such scam artists. They'll tell you anything to make a buck.
2007-06-05 14:02:53 · answer #1 · answered by Karen Walker 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like you already think you know the answer. But I can tell you that you're wrong. Although some would like to perform as thieves, because they'd probably make more money, REALTORS must abide by a strict code of ethics, believe it or not, adopted in 1913 and amended almost every year. It is required that all REALTORS attend a course regarding ethics in the first stages of becoming a REALTOR. But do not make the mistake of confusing REALTORS with Real Estate Agents. Anyone can be a Real Estate Agent but it takes a even more time, money and effort to be a REALTOR.
Also, the commission that's being charged isn't all going to the agent. You have to figure in your agents Broker, the cooperating broker and the cooperating agent who all have to get paid too. Not to mention the advertising costs to market your home. In the end, your agent, the one who does all the work will end up netting about 1% out of the total 6%.
It's comon for people to think that REALTORS make tons of money. Although that may be the case in some situations, many don't make any more money than the average person does. It is a tough business which yields much risk hence the high cost to represent a seller or buyer in a transaction.
2007-06-05 21:43:52 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Real 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't necessarily think they are thieves, some just don't understand the dynamics of selling a home or how to get the Trust and confidence of the seller or buyer.
Most agents are given a 3-5 day lesson on how to pass the real estate exam of their state, After that they then find a broker that will take them on hoping they will pan out and do both some good.
They have little if any marketing skills. When they do luck upon a listing or sell they try to make up for the time they have been in the field and make a killing off this one deal.
This mentality carries into each sale from that point. There is little if any middle ground.
The agent does little if anything to increase his/her knowledge about their career field except hit an Internet program for continuing education so they can keep their license another term.
So in answer to your question, thieves no, ignorant of the choices they make in listing and selling of properties as well as gaining trust and confidence of their client, it just don't happen.
I hope this has been of some use to you, good luck.
"FIGHT ON"
2007-06-05 21:38:57 · answer #3 · answered by loanmasterone 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The biggest challenge for me so far as a fairly new real estate agent has been overcoming the stigma of being a sleaze, or as you say "a thief." I have helped friends and clients purchase homes and so far I believe they have been grateful to have someone to trust. I have watched their backs and helped them through the mountains of paperwork. I have also been very generous with rebates at the end of the deal. The biggest problem with agents that I have witnessed is the lack of knowledge about contracts, not that they are dishonest. Some are arrogant but you see that in any business. I became an agent because I wanted to purchase a home for myself and didn't have much trust in other agents so I know what you are feeling, but having been on both sides now, I know there are good agents out there. I am one of them. Hunt around and you will find a good one. Be sure to get a referral from someone who has had a good experience with the process.
2007-06-05 21:25:56 · answer #4 · answered by Janine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they are thieves - they have a job to do like everyone else. You just have to remember one thing - they get paid only when the deal closes, so their priority remains with ensuring the deal will close. This doesn't always mean that they are focused on getting you the best deal, or the best house. As long as you keep that in mind, they can be incredibly helpful because they know the market, they have access to tons of listings, and for most of the time they are very customer oriented since their livelihood depends on good relationships.
2007-06-05 22:17:55 · answer #5 · answered by Christopher B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think people haven't a clue what selling a house is like and think that because someone is an agent then they must be able to taxi people around all day and not get paid. That makes the buyers the thieves.
A homeowner who wants hundreds of thousands of dollars for his/her house that isn't worth it is a waste of time and money for an agent. That makes the seller a thief.
Try working on commission and listening to people lie to you constantly and see how you act after awhile...
2007-06-05 21:12:36 · answer #6 · answered by Tadow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good agent is not out to make just ONE sale, a good agent is out to make a good relationship and earn future business and referrals. With that said it is not in the best interest of and Agent to do anything other what is best for their client. It is true that many agents are out there that give us all a bad name and that is sad because as another agent mentioned my customers have really enjoyed working with me and having someone they can trust who is looking out for them. I wish everyone had the same experience but that is not the case. The truth is it is a tough business most agents in my office would actually qualify for food stamps with their income. But allot of us do it because we want to be of help to people and yes we hope to grow our business and one day make some decent money!! We can't do that by "robbing" people we have to as another person mentioned uphold a very strict code of ethics to retain the professional designation of Realtor. Hopefully one day you will have the opportunity to have a Realtor that is truthful and honest work with you, it can be a very rewarding experience! Best of luck
2007-06-05 23:44:38 · answer #7 · answered by Rosie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!!! In all business professions there are people who do not go by the laws and eventually they will be found out! There are Many Fantastic Real Agents selling dream homes to average working class. Best Wishes!
2007-06-05 21:06:26 · answer #8 · answered by Janice 10 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not thieves, just people who help other people buy houses they can't afford in order to skim the top of the already overpriced homes.
2007-06-05 21:03:38 · answer #9 · answered by isis 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They work very hard to make a sale. Do you have any idea of how hard it is to sell a house?
2007-06-05 21:05:42 · answer #10 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋