Too Harsh or Speaking the Truth?

In the past I have written many posts on what I believe the public should expect from a licensed professional REALTOR®.

Here are a few of the items that in the past have gotten me negative comments. Many from those who believe it is OK because of their needs, while considering the needs of the public second.

1. Being a full time agent.
2. Getting education.
3. Earning designations.
4. Answering your phone.
5. Marketing listings
6. Only selling one service to your client.
7. Networking with other professionals in your area.
8. Working with local funding lenders as much as possible.
9. Improving your services.
10. Attending REALTOR® conferences and gatherings.
11. Treating others as you would like to be treated. (Follow the Golden rule, which is specifically referenced in our COE).
12. Avoiding predatory practices.
13. Helping new agents.
14. Putting your clients needs ahead of your own.

I am sorry is some were offended. That is, I am sorry for your clients and the industry at large. I am not sorry for speaking what I and most reasonable people believe is true.

In the future before you leave a negative comment, attack religion or tell me why your bad behavior or lack of professionalism is OK; ask yourself how it will look to your clients and future clients. They are on the internet and reading this stuff.

If you have taken offense by these posts you really need to ask yourself a few questions:

• What part of what was said did you disagree with? Is it that you really disagree or that you want to justify a behavior?
• Is it that you are currently not at the level, but you are striving to reach it? Or do you believe this business is easy money and you do not feel the need to invest in your business?
• Are you putting your needs ahead of your clients?
• Do you disagree because you are making more money do it another way?

In a recent blog I claimed the Code of Ethics should be a starting point and we should strive to work at a higher standard. By me referencing the Golden Rule, I received several anti-religious messages. The Golden Rule is specifically mentioned in the preamble to our Code of Ethics and is not necessarily religious. That misguided individual (broker) should read the Code of Ethics and the Federal Fair Housing Law.

In previous posts I discussed the need for consumers to use full time professionals and not part time hobbyists. Almost every comment that disagreed with me referenced the needs of the agents and the public's needs somehow were a secondary issue. A couple of responses mentioned that there a full time agents who do not do a good job. That is true, but does not change the original point.

In several blog posts where we discussed the need to avoid agents performing dual services. A dual service is when real estate agents also sell mortgages, insurance or do home inspections to their clients. I received several messages defending the practice based on how much more money they could make. Not a good argument. A drug dealers make lots of money, but I wouldn't consider doing that either. A couple of agents claimed they could do a better job because they better controlled the process. That argument at least made a weak argument why it might be good for the consumer. I and most who are in the industry disagree with the practice and feel it is not in the consumers best interest to have such a severe conflict of interest in the most expensive transaction in their life.

So again if I offended you, I am sorry for your clients. For the majority of professionals and consumers who agree and exchange knowledge here, I will continue to give it straight and voice the Real Estate Opinions of Hawaii Randy, a licensed full time REALTOR®.