The Real Estate "Haters"

I have read several blogs (not on ActiveRain) where people are gloating about the real estate mess. These self-proclaimed "experts" have decided they are smarter than other people, and therefore, deserve the right to dismiss and ridicule an entire community of people who are hurting right now.

In the Sarasota real estate boom (2003-2005) there were, for sure, people who got in over their heads, purchasing multiple properties they couldn't afford.

But there are hundreds, thousands of others who relied on the expertise of real estate agents and mortgage professionals to get them into the home they always dreamed of. Were mistakes made? Of course. But they hardly deserve the treatment I was reading about this morning.

One blogger basically said he is gleefully rooting for home prices to plummet further and for more people to lose their homes, because at that point, he can buy up his empire. After all, apparently, he is alot brighter than most, and all these homeowners got themselves into this mess.

I recognize real estate is an investment and a business to many people. I also understand that yes, to many, markets like this are a great opportunity for financial windfall. I do not begrudge them that. Every day, I send unbelievable deals to my buyers...some most likely the result of a painful situation for the homeowner.

But do we have to be so smug and condescending along the way?

As a Sarasota buyer agent, I work hard every day to get my buyers the best price. And sometimes, that means lowballing and being aggressive. It's my job. But as a whole, I sincerely hope for the market to return to health, for the good of our community. And along the way, I refuse to delight in the misfortune of others.