Racists, Frauds And Ninconpoops!

As more and more consumers learn that they don’t have to put up with the shenanigans of Realtors, we are seeing complaints against Realtors increase. Unfortunately given the lack of “business” skills of many agents, this trend is likely to continue and rise.

Last week we wrote about another agent being brought up on charges for allegedly being a racist as an investigation by the National Fair Housing Alliance uncovered some very questionable steering techniques. This wasn’t the first such instance and undoubtedly it won’t be the last.

Now we are finding that complaints against Realtors is growing at an alarming rate. In the State of Ohio the number of complaints has nearly doubled in the last five years.

The number of complaints submitted to the Ohio Department of Commerce has risen each of the last five years, going from 473 in 2004 to 885 this year. This represents an increase of 187% since 2004.

So what do some agents do when they read about these complaints? Well of course, blame it on the market and make it the Seller’s fault. That’s great for the declining image of a Realtor.

Teresa Farley of TL Farley Realty who was one of those charged with misconduct in the Ohio probe said that there are many disreputable brokers and agents, but many honest ones are also the targets of unfair complaints, she said.

“The sellers are using agents as scapegoats because their properties aren’t selling,” she said.

Now there’s a remorseful agent who is in business for the long haul who truly understands the edict that the customer is always right…NOT!!

“Consumers are more educated today and they know there is a vehicle to express their issues,” said Rosetta Hayes-Borders, president of the Ohio Real Estate Commission.

It makes you wonder if Realtors understand the power of today’s “Internet Empowered Consumer”? It is apparent that most do not. Mr. Internet coined the term “Internet Empowered Consumer” to describe the tech savvy prospect who understands how to communicate by cyber-means.

You know, that consumer who is part of the 84%+ who are using the Internet as a part of their real estate search. They also know how to do other things online as well. I realize that may come as somewhat of a surprise to some real estate agents who still think that having an AOL email address is cool.

Russer said in a recent New World Order lesson, that the IEC, if wronged, can absolutely ruin your ability to operate. Unlike their offline counterparts, they will seek retribution and they know where to go to obtain it.

Some of the most common complaints involve buyers upset over undisclosed property problems and agents not doing the marketing they had promised. There’s also been an increase in mortgage fraud and criminal allegations.

Teresa Farley, the agent mentioned above is finding this out first hand.

Harold McPherson, of Springfield Township near Akron, said his Farley didn’t come to showings with prospective buyers, failed to return his house key and didn’t pick up the “For Sale” signs from his yard after their six month contract expired. His home didn’t sell last year. He also said Farley didn’t pay him the $1,000 in cash she guaranteed if the house didn’t sell within 30 days.

McPherson, a semiretired bounty hunter and former tow truck driver, filed a complaint with the Department of Commerce.

The department’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing cited Farley for failing to return the house key promptly and not removing the signs.

Farley agreed in a settlement to pay up to $700 in fines and attend three hours of training. She said she only agreed to a settlement to put the episode behind her, but she added that nothing McPherson said was true.

Right…and being a nincompoop will really help you garner additional clients in today’s market.

It’s time that Realtors begin understanding what the ramifications of their actions can be. Farley probably doesn’t think she did anything wrong because so many of her associates have fallen into a pattern of this being business as usual!

Too many Realtors don’t return phone calls, don’t do any marketing, complain about buyers and sellers openly on open forums and social networks and they think no one is watching. Keep it up. The disintermediation you fear is being hastened.

First Name:
E-Mail:

You might also be interested in:

• Real Estate Transaction Fees Are And Have Always Been Bullshit!
• This Would Be Funny If It Weren’t True
• So What Are Real Estate Agents Really Afraid Of?
• How Much Money Will You Make In this Recession?
• Beware The Racist Realtor – Part II
• Real Estate Agents Being Held Liable For The Condition Of Foreclosures
• The War Against The MLS Continues | The MLS Must Fall!
• Real Estate Agents Trying To Milk Money From BP
• Urgent Short Sale Deal And The Lender Has Already Approved The Price
• Foreclosure Short Sale REO Fraud Alert