Are you treating your real estate agent properly? Assuming you have a professional agent that is all set to provide the very best customer service and accomplish the task you hired them to do, don’t they deserved to be treated properly?
Here are a few suggestions on how you can treat an agent properly.
Carefully consider following the advice they offer. Have confidence that what they are advising you, even if it is different than how your cousin Vinnie sees it, comes from their hands on experience and knowledge of your market place.
Respect their right to earn a living. If you think they are making too much off the sale or purchase of your home, don’t use them. If you do use them to assist you, then for goodness sake don’t ask them to cut their pay. Agents work hard & handle many details behind the scene that make them more than worthy of the income they earn.
No jumping ship. When visiting open houses, scanning the Internet, or stopping in at new home communities, make sure you let the agent or representative you are calling or meeting know that you are working with an agent and that you are satisfied with the service you are receiving.
Treat your agent properly and they will appreciate it.
Showing posts with label real estate agents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real estate agents. Show all posts
Aug 9, 2011
Dec 23, 2009
The information only a local real estate agent can provide you.
Real estate agents provide a lot of information to prospective home buyers and sellers. We can help our customers with understanding contracts, financing, real estate taxes, current market conditions or trends. But there is other information that customers want that requires that the agent be a member of the community.
Information only a local real estate professional can provide you.
My office recently received a call from a person who lives up north who is “thinking” of buying a home in the Kissimmee area. The buyer has informed us that they are retired and while they would like to buy a home in this area, the home they will be interested in will be a home on a local lake or river because, “we plan on doing a lot of fishing”.
It just so happens I have an agent in the office that does “a lot of fishing”. He knows the local lakes and rivers; he knows where the fish can be found. Having lived in the area for many years our agent was able to send the buyer an email that provided information the buyer needed. The email sent had nothing to do with real estate taxes or the best rates available, all the typical information we provide as real estate professionals, no this email talked about where the biggest large mouth bass can be found, it discussed fishing on the St. John’s River, boat docks and available housing around the area lakes. The customer received a first hand account of what was important to them. When they decide to buy they will be able to do so with confidence because their agent knows the area and can help them find the right home.
There is a huge amount of information available online that buyers and sellers can use when buying or selling real estate. But when it comes to finding local information, like where are the best fishing holes, your best bet is in contacting an agent who lives in the community.
Related Florida real estate blog post on real estate agents
Information only a local real estate professional can provide you.
My office recently received a call from a person who lives up north who is “thinking” of buying a home in the Kissimmee area. The buyer has informed us that they are retired and while they would like to buy a home in this area, the home they will be interested in will be a home on a local lake or river because, “we plan on doing a lot of fishing”.
It just so happens I have an agent in the office that does “a lot of fishing”. He knows the local lakes and rivers; he knows where the fish can be found. Having lived in the area for many years our agent was able to send the buyer an email that provided information the buyer needed. The email sent had nothing to do with real estate taxes or the best rates available, all the typical information we provide as real estate professionals, no this email talked about where the biggest large mouth bass can be found, it discussed fishing on the St. John’s River, boat docks and available housing around the area lakes. The customer received a first hand account of what was important to them. When they decide to buy they will be able to do so with confidence because their agent knows the area and can help them find the right home.
There is a huge amount of information available online that buyers and sellers can use when buying or selling real estate. But when it comes to finding local information, like where are the best fishing holes, your best bet is in contacting an agent who lives in the community.
Related Florida real estate blog post on real estate agents
Jun 4, 2009
Maybe MLS rules are made to be broken?
The MLS has rules and regulations that pertain to the listing information entered by the membership. Now that bank owned and short sale transactions make up the biggest percentage of the business being conducted throughout much of the area, these rules in my opinion are often ignored by agents who are either unaware, or are trying to game the system or just flat out do not agree with a particular rule or regulation.
For example I found in the public comments section of a listing recently comments from the agent that there are multiple offers and that the bank says no more are needed. This advisory was part of a listing that is clearly marked as being a short sale and is still showing as active or available for sale. Forget for the moment that the seller should be the one who decides if any other offers are necessary, this comment is opposite of what the rules state.
If there are to be no more offers submitted then this property either must be marked as pending or removed from the MLS. The rule that addresses this is Article 6: Refusal to Sell which states;
The bottom line in order to provide the best customer service to buyers and sellers, real estate agents need to be unison in how we regulate the information. If the property is still available then every buyer should have the right to make an offer. It is why we have the rule.
Related Florida real estate views:
Does my agent have to list my home as pending?
The key points that a real estate sales contract cover include
For example I found in the public comments section of a listing recently comments from the agent that there are multiple offers and that the bank says no more are needed. This advisory was part of a listing that is clearly marked as being a short sale and is still showing as active or available for sale. Forget for the moment that the seller should be the one who decides if any other offers are necessary, this comment is opposite of what the rules state.
If there are to be no more offers submitted then this property either must be marked as pending or removed from the MLS. The rule that addresses this is Article 6: Refusal to Sell which states;
If the seller of any listed property filed with MFRMLS refuses to accept a written offer satisfying the(bolding mine)
terms and conditions stated in the listing, such fact should be transmitted
immediately to MFRMLS and to all Participants by withdrawing the listing.
The bottom line in order to provide the best customer service to buyers and sellers, real estate agents need to be unison in how we regulate the information. If the property is still available then every buyer should have the right to make an offer. It is why we have the rule.
Related Florida real estate views:
Does my agent have to list my home as pending?
The key points that a real estate sales contract cover include
Feb 21, 2009
Real estate agents are a great source for useful information
Search for homes
An industry survey reports that 79% of buyers felt that real estate agents were a useful source of home searching information. Real estate agents do have tremendous access to homes for sale but they also can provide buyers with additional sources of information that would be useful.
The information a real estate agent can provide includes:
An industry survey reports that 79% of buyers felt that real estate agents were a useful source of home searching information. Real estate agents do have tremendous access to homes for sale but they also can provide buyers with additional sources of information that would be useful.
The information a real estate agent can provide includes:
- Detailed explanation of purchase agreements and other forms used to purchase a home
- County and City information of the home you are interested in
- Explanations of disclosures associated with purchasing a home
- They can provide a breakdown of costs involved with buying a home
- They know the local area and can provide information on shopping, entertainment and schools in the city or town
These are only a portion of the information a real estate agent an provide to you as a buyer that you might find useful. Contact me if you are searching for a home or if you have questions or need information about buying a home, I am happy to help.
Related Florida real estate views:
Florida 55+ community. Housing for older persons.
Jul 9, 2008
Real estate agents being fined for run down REO property
This is amazing.
In an article written by D.L. Bennett for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, real estate agents who list properties that are run-down or not maintained are being fined. In one reported case an agent was reportedly fined $3,311.
Those agents who list bank owned/foreclosed properties feel they are being unduly punished simply because it is easier for code enforcement to fine them, than to locate and fine the lenders who are often out of state.
City official quote a code that allows them to “cite anyone from the owner to someone who has the ability to control or maintain the property”.
What is next? Will listing agents be obligated to make up mortgage payments not paid? Pay the city back taxes on property the agent is trying to market? I certainly hope NAR has taken notice of this and will offer assistance to the Atlanta Board of Realtors in fighting this silliness.
Related Florida real estate views:
Is customer service improving as the market weakens?
Seller home disclosures may need updated
Realtors should not write home loans
- Greg Staker, Watson Realty Corp., 407-304-0255
In an article written by D.L. Bennett for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, real estate agents who list properties that are run-down or not maintained are being fined. In one reported case an agent was reportedly fined $3,311.
Those agents who list bank owned/foreclosed properties feel they are being unduly punished simply because it is easier for code enforcement to fine them, than to locate and fine the lenders who are often out of state.
City official quote a code that allows them to “cite anyone from the owner to someone who has the ability to control or maintain the property”.
What is next? Will listing agents be obligated to make up mortgage payments not paid? Pay the city back taxes on property the agent is trying to market? I certainly hope NAR has taken notice of this and will offer assistance to the Atlanta Board of Realtors in fighting this silliness.
Related Florida real estate views:
Is customer service improving as the market weakens?
Seller home disclosures may need updated
Realtors should not write home loans
- Greg Staker, Watson Realty Corp., 407-304-0255
Jun 22, 2008
This home “won’t last” is now at 612 days and counting
This Orlando home has been on the market for over 600 days according to the MLS. Maybe the agent means it won’t last 2 years? There is still time.
I would say if the listing lasts past the average days on market for the area, it should be mandatory that the listing agent clean up the marketing comments. In this case the agent pulled out all the stops, using the marketing phrases, dare to compare, make offer and ideal for first time homebuyer.
They did leave out “priced to sell”.
There’s the problem.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
I would say if the listing lasts past the average days on market for the area, it should be mandatory that the listing agent clean up the marketing comments. In this case the agent pulled out all the stops, using the marketing phrases, dare to compare, make offer and ideal for first time homebuyer.
They did leave out “priced to sell”.
There’s the problem.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 17, 2008
Odd recruiting practices of real estate offices.
I am amazed at another byproduct of this current real estate market. In the 3 months that I have been in Kissimmee, I have had agents with little or no production leave to join other real estate offices.
These are not new agents still learning the business or trying to get their footing. These are not even experienced agents who were successful before and only recently fail upon bad times. These are agents who have not been in the office in months or who have not had a listing appointment or a buyer in their car in a year.
These agents most likely understood the writing was on the wall as I am not inclined to keep agents who, do not sell a stick of real estate and equally as important, fail to take advantage of the ongoing training and education offered by Watson Realty.
Some of the local competing real estate brokerage houses evidently do not see it this way. Agents with absolutely no business on the books over the last 12 months or longer are still being actively pursued by the competition. To make matters even stranger, some of these agents are joining offices that have desk fees.
Time will tell if hiring non working, non producing agents is the right path to head down. It has never been the recipe for success in the past.
Related Florida real estate views:
Real estate brokers can't be trusted
Small percentage of Florida Realtors blog
Positioning ourselves for real estate success in the years ahead
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
These are not new agents still learning the business or trying to get their footing. These are not even experienced agents who were successful before and only recently fail upon bad times. These are agents who have not been in the office in months or who have not had a listing appointment or a buyer in their car in a year.
These agents most likely understood the writing was on the wall as I am not inclined to keep agents who, do not sell a stick of real estate and equally as important, fail to take advantage of the ongoing training and education offered by Watson Realty.
Some of the local competing real estate brokerage houses evidently do not see it this way. Agents with absolutely no business on the books over the last 12 months or longer are still being actively pursued by the competition. To make matters even stranger, some of these agents are joining offices that have desk fees.
Time will tell if hiring non working, non producing agents is the right path to head down. It has never been the recipe for success in the past.
Related Florida real estate views:
Real estate brokers can't be trusted
Small percentage of Florida Realtors blog
Positioning ourselves for real estate success in the years ahead
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 15, 2008
You don't know what you don't know about selling real estate!
How can you?Let's face it, pre-license class was all about how to obtain a Florida real estate license. Now that you have your license, what do you need to do in order to be successful in real estate sales?
Watson Realty will show you what to do. You would think that most real estate companies would but the truth is the majority of brokers and managers need to list and sell property themselves to keep their brokerage strong. This leaves them little or no time for them to assist or or offering training to their associates.
At Watson Realty, the managing brokers are non-competing. We don't list or sell. Our job in part is to teach, train, coach and motivate our agents. In addition to the hands on instructions you will receive at our branch offices, we have developed a training program specifically designed for those who are new to real estate and for those who have never received the type of training they need to be successful. This program is our Success School. Our Success School is taught locally by the Central Florida Watson Realty brokers and managers. Hands on and practical, this program lives up to its name by providing you with the knowledge you will need to succeed.
That is just a small part of why Watson Realty is different. We are proud of our commitment to provide legendary quality service to our agents and customers. In order to accomplish this, we must train our agents so that they can offer the highest quality and professional real estate service in the business.
In addition we must provide our agents with the tools and resources necessary for them to do their job and to do it well. Our state of the art offices, equipment and marketing materials coupled with our strong support staff help us accomplish our goals.
It works. As a result, the Watson Realty name is one that the public can trust and real estate agents can look to when seeking an office that will help them be successful with their careers.
Would you like to know more about Watson Realty? Give me a call at 407-304-0255.
Related Florida real estate views:
New real estate agents in Orlando should join Watson Realty
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
Success school revisted by experienced agents
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 2, 2008
Agents and bears hibernate.
hibernate: To be in a dormant, resting state
Today I contacted agents who I have not seen over the past month. Their absence of course mirrors their non-existent business. I understand the market is challenging and feel for agents who are genuinely trying to further their careers or are taking advantage of the down time in order to gain the training and education they need to increase their chances for success in the future.
One agent today though caught me off guard. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Hi, I hope you have been well. I would like to invite you to tomorrow's sales meeting and maybe we can spend a few moments discussing an activity plan?
Agent: I hope I can stay active with your office. I have a few people thinking about buying sometime in the future. I am not ready to jump back into real estate full time.
Me: Well it might be good to take advantage of some of oour ongoing training until things pick up for you. When do you anticipate coming back to the office on a regular basis.
Agent: Maybe in a year or two.
I released the agent today.
Related Florida real estate views:
Code of Ethics training to be held in Kissimmee
Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Today I contacted agents who I have not seen over the past month. Their absence of course mirrors their non-existent business. I understand the market is challenging and feel for agents who are genuinely trying to further their careers or are taking advantage of the down time in order to gain the training and education they need to increase their chances for success in the future.
One agent today though caught me off guard. The conversation went something like this:
Me: Hi, I hope you have been well. I would like to invite you to tomorrow's sales meeting and maybe we can spend a few moments discussing an activity plan?
Agent: I hope I can stay active with your office. I have a few people thinking about buying sometime in the future. I am not ready to jump back into real estate full time.
Me: Well it might be good to take advantage of some of oour ongoing training until things pick up for you. When do you anticipate coming back to the office on a regular basis.
Agent: Maybe in a year or two.
I released the agent today.
Related Florida real estate views:
Code of Ethics training to be held in Kissimmee
Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jan 14, 2008
New real estate agents in Orlando should join Watson Realty
If you are brand new or recently new to the business, you should give strong consideration to joining our Watson Realty Orlando office.
Today's real estate market is unforgiving to those who receive little or no training to help guide them with their new career.
Watson Realty is well known for training our agents so that they have an advantage over other new licensees coming into the Orlando real estate selling profession.
Our next Success school is schedule for the last part of January. This school is a must for new and inexperienced agents. We cover a variety of subjects that include:
Listing and sales contracts
7 Keys to success
How to approach FSBO and expires
Time management and budgeting
Prospecting that works
Role playing, scripts and telephone techniques
Sales tips and suggestions.
These are just a few of the subjects that make up our 8 week success school.
Give your career a chance by joining Watson Realty.
Related Florida real estate views:
Odd recruiting practices of real estate offices.
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
Watson Realty management team attend coaching session
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Today's real estate market is unforgiving to those who receive little or no training to help guide them with their new career.
Watson Realty is well known for training our agents so that they have an advantage over other new licensees coming into the Orlando real estate selling profession.
Our next Success school is schedule for the last part of January. This school is a must for new and inexperienced agents. We cover a variety of subjects that include:
Listing and sales contracts
7 Keys to success
How to approach FSBO and expires
Time management and budgeting
Prospecting that works
Role playing, scripts and telephone techniques
Sales tips and suggestions.
These are just a few of the subjects that make up our 8 week success school.
Give your career a chance by joining Watson Realty.
Related Florida real estate views:
Odd recruiting practices of real estate offices.
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
Watson Realty management team attend coaching session
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Nov 14, 2007
MLS marketing remarks can assist you with selling your home
The public comments section in the MLS, which includes Orlando homes for sale, is a listing agent's opportunity to speak directly to a potential buyer. This space is normally used to describe the great features the home offers. It might also be used to make your case for why a qualified buyer should consider this listing as compared to the thousands of other listings available to them.
With the market as challenging as it is, you might be able to make a case for using the word "please" in the public comments. For instance, how about "please look a this home if you plan to look at any home in a million mile radius" or "please do not let the cat out unless you are planning on making an offer, we can always get a new cat. " : )
Most mothers will tell you that you have a better chance of getting something you ask for, if you simply say please.
So with the market in its current condition, you would think please would be running amok in the public comments section. Please make an offer. Please view my home. Please ask questions. Please ask me about concessions. Please show. Please tell me why you did not make an offer. Please tell me how we can increase our chances of selling the home.
Think again.
Of the 69,210 listings being reported as active in the Mid-Florida MLS, please was only used 502 times, or 0.725% of the time.
I am going to suggest to my agents at the next sales meeting that if they run out of great things to say about the home they have listed, why not try finding a way to insert a please. Could it hurt?
Oh by the way, I also checked thank you. It was used only 29 times.
Related Florida real estate views:
This home “won’t last” is now at 612 days and counting
Is there a way to search for foreclosures in the MLS?
MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
With the market as challenging as it is, you might be able to make a case for using the word "please" in the public comments. For instance, how about "please look a this home if you plan to look at any home in a million mile radius" or "please do not let the cat out unless you are planning on making an offer, we can always get a new cat. " : )
Most mothers will tell you that you have a better chance of getting something you ask for, if you simply say please.
So with the market in its current condition, you would think please would be running amok in the public comments section. Please make an offer. Please view my home. Please ask questions. Please ask me about concessions. Please show. Please tell me why you did not make an offer. Please tell me how we can increase our chances of selling the home.
Think again.
Of the 69,210 listings being reported as active in the Mid-Florida MLS, please was only used 502 times, or 0.725% of the time.
I am going to suggest to my agents at the next sales meeting that if they run out of great things to say about the home they have listed, why not try finding a way to insert a please. Could it hurt?
Oh by the way, I also checked thank you. It was used only 29 times.
Related Florida real estate views:
This home “won’t last” is now at 612 days and counting
Is there a way to search for foreclosures in the MLS?
MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Sep 26, 2007
Watson Realty continues to caravan residential listings
Watson Realty has been in the real estate business in Florida for over 40 years. We continue to lead the way when it comes to our marketing efforts.
There is one tool we continue to use that seemingly has been forgotten by our competitors and that is the weekly caravan of new listings.
Each week our associates hop into each other's cars and form a nice caravan with the goal of personally visiting the new listings taken in office. We will normally visit anywhere from 4 to 10 homes of our newest sellers each week.
Why do we continue to do this basic marketing step with so many advancements in technology taking real estate marketing to a new and exciting level? The answers are simple.
We still believe that a good salesperson needs to physically see their inventory. We have a better chance of selling a home if we personally have been to the home, enjoyed the view, studied the layout, noticed the little things that make the house a home all with the goal of highlighting these same features to our buyers.
Additionally we believe that as a group we can review pricing and staging in order to advise our seller and the agent to points they may be overlooking. All with the goal of helping to facilitate the sale.
Selling a home is a team effort. We value the trust each seller places with us and strive to do all we can to sell their home.
Even caravan.
Related Florida real estate views:
Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?
Do I still have to pay a commission if I list my home but then decide not to sell?
Free report on why your home did not sell.
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
There is one tool we continue to use that seemingly has been forgotten by our competitors and that is the weekly caravan of new listings.
Each week our associates hop into each other's cars and form a nice caravan with the goal of personally visiting the new listings taken in office. We will normally visit anywhere from 4 to 10 homes of our newest sellers each week.
Why do we continue to do this basic marketing step with so many advancements in technology taking real estate marketing to a new and exciting level? The answers are simple.
We still believe that a good salesperson needs to physically see their inventory. We have a better chance of selling a home if we personally have been to the home, enjoyed the view, studied the layout, noticed the little things that make the house a home all with the goal of highlighting these same features to our buyers.
Additionally we believe that as a group we can review pricing and staging in order to advise our seller and the agent to points they may be overlooking. All with the goal of helping to facilitate the sale.
Selling a home is a team effort. We value the trust each seller places with us and strive to do all we can to sell their home.
Even caravan.
Related Florida real estate views:
Does your agent have enough money to advertise your home?
Do I still have to pay a commission if I list my home but then decide not to sell?
Free report on why your home did not sell.
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Sep 13, 2007
Watson Realty heading to Montreal
Watson Realty announced on Tuesday the destination of their 2008 incentive trip. Associates who qualify for this sales contest which runs from September 12th to December 31, 2007 will enjoy round trip air and 4 nights at the Fairmount The Queen Elizabeth.
Related Florida real estate views:
Who do you know that is interested in doing something related to real estate?
Watson Realty wins award
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Related Florida real estate views:
Who do you know that is interested in doing something related to real estate?
Watson Realty wins award
Why you should join Watson Realty, Orlando
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Aug 28, 2007
Watson Realty to hold general sales meeting in September
Watson Realty Corp of Central Florida will be hosting a general sales meeting for it's associates on September 11th at the Bahia Shrine in Maitland Florida.The associates from 15 Watson Realty Central Florida offices will be attending to receive recognition for their accomplishments for the first half of 2007. The destination of Fall incentive contest will also be announced at this meeting.
Watson Title Services has arranged for a presentation on short sales to be given at this 2 hour luncheon.
Related Florida real estate views:
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
If you are a licensed real estate sales person in the Orlando area and would like to attend, please contact Greg Staker at 407-681-4432.
Jul 26, 2007
Watson Realty real estate school
Registering for fall classes has started. Back to school special price of only $150.00
Call for locations and times.
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Call for locations and times.
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jul 5, 2007
Watson Realty announces top sales associate for June
Watson Realty is proud to recognize Diane Sterling of the Orlando/Maitland office as the top sales associate for the month of June in Central Florida. Diane's dedication, professionalism and knowledge of what it takes to be successful in today's Florida real estate market is remarkable.Watson Realty has 15 Central Florida offices covering Lake, Osceola, Orange, Seminole and Volusia Florida Counties.
Related Florida real estate views:
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
May 29, 2007
Watson Realty Corp.’s Hodges Blvd. Office held its Grand Opening on Tuesday, May 22. On hand for the ribbon cutting were Chairman of the Board, William A. Watson, Jr., far right; Managing Broker, Jane Fairall, center; and several members of the Hodges team.The office is located at 4500 Hodges Blvd., 1/2 mile north of JTB Blvd. and near the entrance to Glen Kernan Golf and Country Club.
Constructed by KURSTAR Construction, the 10,000 sq. ft. building features concrete block and brick veneer construction and offers state-of-the-art technology to best serve its customers. T
he building will eventually provide office space for over 75 Realtors.
Related Florida real estate views:
Watson Realty Corp. opens new office in Central Florida
Watson Realty's San Marco/San Jose office
Watson Realty, Maitland Florida
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Watson Realty's San Marco/San Jose office
Watson Realty Corp.’s San Marco/San Jose Office, located at 5443 San Jose Blvd., is pleased to announce its expansion and renovation in this strategic market area.
The expansion will include multiple new offices to accommodate an expanding Realtor sales organization, and other internal modification and cosmetic upgrades. The frontal exterior will feature a dramatic change to enhance its overall appeal.
The expansion and renovation will be created by KURSTAR Construction, Inc. of Jacksonville and is projected to be completed in the fall of this year.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am now the Broker/Manager of Watson Realty's Kissimmee office
Watson Realty
Watson Realty recognizes top office
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
The expansion will include multiple new offices to accommodate an expanding Realtor sales organization, and other internal modification and cosmetic upgrades. The frontal exterior will feature a dramatic change to enhance its overall appeal.
The expansion and renovation will be created by KURSTAR Construction, Inc. of Jacksonville and is projected to be completed in the fall of this year.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am now the Broker/Manager of Watson Realty's Kissimmee office
Watson Realty
Watson Realty recognizes top office
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Mar 25, 2007
Customer good or agent good?
My office was just fined by our local MLS. It seems we violated Section 7 paragraph B when entering one of our latest listings. This rule reads:
The problem I believe is in the over zealous interpretation of the original intent of the rule. The reason we have a Section 7 paragraph B rule in my opinion is because someone in charge of the MLS decided, most likely through the prodding of a few real estate agents, that the MLS should help agents with keeping their customers loyal. What does that mean? Agents often have difficulty keeping buyers working just with them. This problem can escalate when an agent emails, faxes or delivers MLS reports to their customers which contain another agent's contact information. So the MLS said no personal contact info is allowed in any customer section of an MLS report.
Fine, I can accept that. However, I cannot accept eliminating valuable non-agent specific links. We as an industry are already under increased scrutiny by the powers who be that claim we are becoming more and more about what is good for us and less about what is good for the consumer. To say that the listing agent, selling agent, seller, prospective buyer are in some way harmed by the providing of a valuable link to a City or builder is short sighted.
I have appealed the fine with confidence my MLS will re-think their policy.
Related Florida real estate views:
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
Is there a way to search for foreclosures in the MLS?
MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
For incorrect information entered in the Remarks data fields. The
remarks shall not include any agent, broker, company, URL information or
affiliated businesses; however this
information may be entered in the Realtor
Remarks field.
I highlighted in red the sin we committed. The listing in question is one of several new condos being built in the Maitland Florida area. The offending urls were ones that directed the consumer to the City of Maitland's site and the second linked to the Builder's site showing all the amenities of their product. You would think both links would be of use to the buying public right? So why the fine?
The problem I believe is in the over zealous interpretation of the original intent of the rule. The reason we have a Section 7 paragraph B rule in my opinion is because someone in charge of the MLS decided, most likely through the prodding of a few real estate agents, that the MLS should help agents with keeping their customers loyal. What does that mean? Agents often have difficulty keeping buyers working just with them. This problem can escalate when an agent emails, faxes or delivers MLS reports to their customers which contain another agent's contact information. So the MLS said no personal contact info is allowed in any customer section of an MLS report.
Fine, I can accept that. However, I cannot accept eliminating valuable non-agent specific links. We as an industry are already under increased scrutiny by the powers who be that claim we are becoming more and more about what is good for us and less about what is good for the consumer. To say that the listing agent, selling agent, seller, prospective buyer are in some way harmed by the providing of a valuable link to a City or builder is short sighted.
I have appealed the fine with confidence my MLS will re-think their policy.
Related Florida real estate views:
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
Is there a way to search for foreclosures in the MLS?
MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Mar 3, 2007
Maitland/Orlando Watson Realty office
Here is an exterior photo of my office. Currently we have 48 real estate associates who work the entire Central Florida real estate market area.Related Florida real estate views:
Watson Realty in Kissimmee makes a commitment to out sell the competition
Watson Realty
Watson Realty recognizes top office
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)