I wouldn’t have known about the allegedly controversial Smart Money article had the President of the National Association of Realtors not addressed it (without a link to the Smart Money story as is common blogging practice) ….

“10 Things your Realtor won’t tell you” is a silly article that plays on fears, stereotypes and ignorance – some of the stereotypes are true, but don’t lose sight of the fact that lists like this drive traffic and help them sell their book. As with much of what you read, do your own due diligence. I’m surprised they didn’t have #11:

Dual Agency is good for you.

Smart Money’s "10 Things your Broker won’t Say":

1. “Your open house is really just a networking party for me.” – True.

2. “My fees are negotiable.” True.

3. “Think you’ve had no offers? Actually, there’ve been several.” A ludicrous statement. Every offer gets presented.

4. “I’m not obligated to keep my mouth shut for you.” True. Unless the client signs a buyer-broker agreement.

5. “Sometimes I forget whose side I’m on.” Insanity. I always know whose side I’m on – my clients’ side.

6. “I know zilch about zoning.” Likely true for some (many?) Realtors.

7. “I won’t let termites—or pesky inspectors—kill a deal.” Note at the end of the linked paragraph that they’re trying to sell books with stupid statements such as this.

8. “I sometimes forget I’m not a lawyer.” Nope. Never. I’m not a lawyer, but I know several good ones.

9. “My website is a dead end.” Nope. My websites and blogs are educational tools that provide plenty of ways to communicate.

10. “You can probably do this without me.” True for some.

This is my response to the NAR’s response to the Smart Money article at Agent Genius, specifically to the claim that all Realtors are trained professionals.

No, no we’re not “trained professionals.” When I finished my 60 hours of real estate “education” I was no more prepared to practice real estate than I was to fly a plane off an aircraft carrier.

Out of the gate, I was no more prepared to represent  clients than I was before. Thank God I had (and still have) a tremendous, successful, ethical and dedicated mentor who has been in the business longer than most Realtors. (my mother)