Agent ethics questioned by a segment on ABC

The National Association of Realtors is once again defending the reputation and ethical practices of its nearly 1.5 million members. After a segment aired on ABC, “What Your Broker Won’t Tell You”, depicted real estate agents as liars and crooks NAR responded by maintaining the segment was “very inaccurate, grossly misleading and an unfair depiction of the nation’s Realtors”. The segment implied agents will lie and withhold pertinent information in order to ensure either the sale goes through or the listing is theirs.

The segment provided examples of some of the information an agent may not impart to their clients and examples of some responses to clients that may need “decoding”. Given all the information available to home sellers via the internet it is curious why any one would enlist the services of a trade group that is constantly under scrutiny from not only the media but the government as well. Alternative models like flat fee MLS brokers – a hybrid of For Sale By Owner and MLS listing – and discount brokers provide an opportunity for home sellers to remain in complete control of the transaction. Why hire an agent to assist in the single biggest decision of your life, if he cannot be totally trusted?

 

Home sellers now have the opportunity to control every aspect of the transaction. Home valuation sites like Zillow and Real Estate ABC provide accurate market analysis and pricing information which is the most important aspect of listing the home. No longer is the MLS the only source for comparative data. With information only a click away home sellers can utilize available tools to retain complete control of the transaction.

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