Localism: Gresham, OR

Are Real Estate Agents Really Like the Klu Klux Klan?

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:51:25 -0500

In the much touted book, Freakanomics, by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt, the authors make the case that there are similarities between the way the KKK operates and the way we Real Estate Agents operate. I don't know about you but I take umbrage at this.

All remarks about nitwit media people and out of touch wonky econ professors aside, I'd like to discuss the authors remarks about Realtors.

First of all, I agree with the authors' opinions regarding the KKK. I also, agree with the historical perspective of the KKK presented in the book. Suffice it to say that the KKK is a loathsome black mark on our culture and our history. In my opinion, the KKK is basically a racially charged, small minded, fearful group of men and women caught up in a ponzi scheme perpetuated by and for the benefit of its small group of leaders. I also agree with the authors view that the KKK's secretiveness and control of information about themselves is what contributed largely to its growth, in decades past. However, the authors go on then to paint Real Estate Agents with this same dark brush. Their opinion is that Realtors are the same, in that Realtors also control information, and also make that information seem secretive.

What a bunch of hooey.

It seems to me that the authors have a built in bias towards Realtors. This bias, which is typical of the media today, has crept into their story. They manipulate their "data", which in this case is purely anecdotal, to fit their biased view and report it as conclusive. The facts tell a different story, if you care to look.

Realtors do have access to information that allows them to "know" what is for sale in the housing market. This information is collected by Realtors and deposited in most, but not all cases, into their local MLS. We Realtors have been doing this for decades, and it has worked well - both for Realtors, making our jobs easier, and for the public. It is important to remember that this information is given to Realtors by the public we serve. Furthermore, it is important to remember that the maintenance of this information system is NOT FREE. Realtors have to pay for it!

Because Realtors have built and control access to these MLS systems does not mean that they have the sole method of "knowing" the market. Anyone can get in their car and drive around an area to find a home for sale if they choose to. It's just easier to use the system built by Realtors to serve the public, namely the local MLS. Realtors don't control the flow of information now, and they never have. We do control the flow of information from our MLS systems, but the public is free to get the same information if they choose. They just prefer to hire someone to do that for them and we prefer to do that job for them the easiest and most efficient way possible. Which is why we created the MLS system.

We also don't mystify the information regarding our industry, as the KKK does about itself. Go into any bookstore and you can find any number of books on the "Business" of buying and selling homes. Entry into our business is not controlled by Realtors. It is controlled by State, County, or City governments.

It is obvious to me the authors saw an opportunity to sell books by making Realtors an easy target. Their criteria for their negative opinions of us - that we control information, that we're secretive, and that we have evil intent, could be easily applied to almost any line of profession - say Journalism for instance.

$140,000 - Townhouse style Condo on 1st Tee

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:44:19 -0500

Townhouse style Condo on 1st Tee

1260 NE Hogan Dr | Gresham | OR | 97030

$140,000

Best location in Country Club Estates. Located off the 1st tee of the Gresham Golf Course. Watch from the living room or from the spacious
master bedroom as golfers tee off. Open floor plan waits for your personal touch. New vinyl windows, updated heating plus pool & rec room. Low HOA covers most expenses. Includes appliance's making this perfect for 1st time home buyers. Just minutes to Gresham Station for shopping,
dining & public transit. See more photos & details at www.elenamacphee.com

· 1088 square feet

· 2 bedroom

· 1 1/2 bath

· New vinyl windows

· Appliances included

· MLS # 8083181

ELENA MACPHEE | Broker | EcoBroker

Phone | 503.453.6156

elena@elenamacphee.com | www.elenamacphee.com

"Superior service is the difference"

RE/MAX equity group inc. | 237 NE Broadway, Ste 100 | Portland | OR 97232

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$265,000 - Craftsman Style Townhome

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:38:02 -0500

Craftsman Style Townhome

2514 NW 3rd Terr | Gresham | OR | 97030

$265,000

This townhome shows pride of ownership. The open floor plan with high
ceilings is full of upgrades. Hardwood floors, gas fireplace, built ins, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets, granite island and backslash.
Vaulted ceilings and walk in closets in bedrooms.
All appliances included. Just minutes to Gresham Station for shopping,
dining & public transit. See more photos & details at www.elenamacphee.com

· 1832 square feet

· 2 master suites |2 1/2 bath

· 1 fireplace

· Hardwood floors

· Appliances included

· MLS # 8080497

ELENA MACPHEE | Broker | EcoBroker
Phone | 503.453.6156
elena@elenamacphee.com | www.elenamacphee.com
"Superior service is the difference"

RE/MAX equity group inc. | 237 NE Broadway, Ste 100 | Portland | OR 97232

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Your Gresham OR Home Search - Gresham Oregon

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:57:38 -0500

Are you looking for a home in the Gresham Oregon area. We can help, we are Your New Home Team. Buying or selling a home in Gresham? We can help with both, our Free Gresham OR Search will automatically send you listings with your home search requirements. We can also assist you in selling your home with our Free Market Analysis . Or if you would like to speak with a member of our team of Real Estate Professionals, please feel free to give us a call, or email us any time.

CALL (503) 799 9410

EMAIL susan@susanestes.com

FAX (360) 574 3444 ATTN: Susan

2852 SE Robin Way, Gresham OR

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:17:31 -0500

The Tony and Libby Kelly Group | Keller Williams Portland Premiere | 503-753-7300

2852 SE Robin Way, Gresham, OR

Meticulously decorated and maintained Springwater Heights Traditional. Goregous Hardwoods and designer paint colors.

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $295,000

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	2,227
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Absolutely Fabulous Springwater Heights Traditional. This meticulously decorated and maintained home features beautiful hardwood flooring, large kitchen w/center island, designer interior colors, Rejuvenation lighting, desiger home fixtures, window treatments and hardware, spacious master suite w/double sinks, soaking tub & huge walk-in closet, central air, & upstairs laundry.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Family room	Living room	Laundry area - inside
Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

The Tony and Libby Kelly Group

Keller Williams Portland Premiere

503-753-7300

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 25, 2008, 3:12pm PDT